Farming News - Consultation process changed to support increased tree planting
News
Consultation process changed to support increased tree planting
The Forestry Commission has yesterday (Monday 18 September) made changes to its consultation process on applications for woodland creation grants and felling licences during this period.
This will speed up the application process to allow landowners and farmers to get trees in the ground quickly.
Further details on the consultation reform can be found here: Forestry Commissioners’ Statement on Consultation Reform - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and a statement from the Forestry Commission Chief Executive is below:
Forestry Commission Chief Executive, Richard Stanford said:
“We are committed to increasing woodland and tree cover in England, in line with government’s targets. We have made improvements to speed up the application process for landowners and farmers to help get more trees growing in the land whilst making sure we adhere to our legal obligations.
“I encourage anyone thinking of undertaking an exciting and rewarding tree-planting project to take advantage of the changes announced today and to take the next steps towards helping increase tree cover across the country to help tackle the climate change emergency and biodiversity crisis.”
Background information
- We have updated our consultation procedures to be in line with our legal obligations, with the UK Forestry Standard, with Environmental Impact Assessment regulations for forestry projects, and other legislation which places duties on public bodies for the interests of biodiversity, landscape, cultural heritage, and people.
- The Secretary of State has agreed to our request to make these changes by cancelling/withdrawing the 1984 Ministerial Direction and subsequent Ministerial Statements.