1. Re-wilding The National Forest Sam Lattaway Biodiversity & Access Officer The National Forest Company

3. 1986 2006 1987 – Idea of a National Forest is born 1990 – Location chosen from 5 options

4. Why create the Forest here? Symbolically central Spans 3 counties & 2 regions One of the least wooded areas of England Mining and clay working created massive potential for regeneration and environmental improvement

5. 1986 2006 1987 – Idea of a National Forest is born 1995 – National Forest Company formed 1990 – Location chosen from 5 options 1991 – Development team established

6. “To create, through working partnerships and with community participation, a new 200 square mile multi-purpose forest for the nation in the heart of England.” National Forest Company mission statement

7. Objectives of The National Forest Landscape enhancement Habitat creation and management Recreation and tourism resource High quality timber Rural diversification Economic stimulation Community involvement

8. 1986 2006 1987 – Idea of a National Forest is born 1995 – National Forest Company formed 2004 – Launch of 2 nd 10-year strategy 2005 – 10 th anniversary celebrations 1990 – Location chosen from 5 options 1991 – Development team established

9. The first 10 years

10. Landscape-scale habitat creation Woodland in 19916%3,010ha Woodland in 200616.8%8,440ha Woodland target33%16,550ha Other habitats in 19913%1,500ha Other habitats planned+2%1,000ha Total habitats38%19,000ha Total change+29%15,000ha Woodland in 19916%3,010ha Woodland in 200616.8%8,440ha Woodland target33%16,550ha Other habitats in 19913%1,500ha Other habitats planned+2%1,000ha Total habitats38%19,000ha Total change+29%15,000ha

11. Forest cover in 1995 Forest cover in 2006

12. How is it delivered? 0 100ha 200ha 300ha 400ha 500ha 600ha 1995/96 1996/971997/981998/99 1999/00 2000/012001/02 2002/032003/042004/05 2005/06 Partners & Other Land acquisition Mineral/derelict land restoration Tender Scheme

13. National Forest Tender Scheme Open to all landowners For habitat creation and management Minimum 2ha with 50% new planting 30 year contract Funded through EWGS and NFC 80% paid in year 1 20% in year 6

14. National Forest Tender Scheme Over £29 million invested since 1995 3,450ha on 192 sites 80% on privately owned land 80% broadleaved trees Has encouraged farm diversification Significant contribution to BAP targets

15. Biodiversity Action Plan Produced with partners Launched in 1998 Reviewed in 2004 16 habitats 9 species Targets set for 2010

16. Progress towards revised targets

17. The next 10 years

18. Climate change

19. Habitat fragmentation

22. Landscape-scale thinking

24. The next 100 years

25. Landscape-scale management

26. Re-introductions?

27. The National Forest Have made great progress Nearly half way to our target But still plenty to do Big challenges for the future But also bigger opportunities?