1. The Role of the Forestry Commission Brimpts Farm Thursday 22 nd May 2014

2. Who are the Forestry Commission? UK Government

3. 03/05/2015 3 Our mission… Our mission is to protect and expand forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment.

4. Our history… Even now we have the second lowest forest cover in EU 1900 – woodland cover down to 5% First World War put even more pressure on our timber resource Forestry Commission was formed in 1919 Woodland cover is now at 12% BUT…

5. Our history…

6. But over time we have evolved and we ensure Britain’s woodlands are managed for: - People - Environment - Landscape …and timber! Our core purpose WAS to increase forest cover and create a strategic reserve of timber

7. How do we do this? FOREST SERVICES - Private sector support - Statutory functions -Delivery of UK Forest Policy FOREST RESEARCH - The main body for forestry and tree related research in the UK THE PUBLIC FOREST ESTATE - Management of public land … has 3 main departments ENGLAND

8. How do we do this? We are the UK’s biggest land manager – 250,000 ha We have 650 staff (down from 44,000 in 1940!!) Budget £ 70% Income Timber Recreation Estates £ 30% Government

9. 03/05/2015FCE & PHE 2014 9 Some facts about us…. The first state forest service in the world to certify the whole of its estate

10. The South Devon beat Area: 4200 ha Staff: 9 Timber harvested: 30,000m3 Characterised by…

11. High quality, exotic timber…

12. Landscapes…

13. Habitats

14. People!

15. Key differences Differences between the PFE and private woodlands… - Scale -Of woodlands -Of markets -Of the organisation -Access and roading -Public expectation

16. Shared challenges Distant markets, distant processing Competing land uses Tough terrain Legislation Pests and disease Climate Change

17. The future… FOREST SERVICES - Private sector support - Statutory functions -Delivery of UK Forest Policy FOREST RESEARCH - The main body for forestry and tree related research in the UK THE PUBLIC FOREST ESTATE - Management of public land … has 3 main departments *ENGLAND*

18. The future… The Public Forest Estate will be put into trust for the nation A new management body will be formed Operationally independent from government Still accountable to government Allowed more business flexibility BUT Will have to generate more income through commercial activity In summary we will have a similar mission and objectives

19. 19 Questions?