Member

We acknowledge the intention behind these amendments to ensure that the traditional functions of the Forestry Commission are not diluted, and that tree planting and timber production remain at the heart of its mission. I have many years of experience of dealing with the Forestry Commission, and I pay testament to that organisation for its single-minded and effective focus on managing forestry and developing and encouraging the development of new forests and woodlands. We would welcome clarity from the Minister on how these proposed duties would interact with the commission’s existing role in biodiversity, climate resilience and landscape restoration. The challenge, as ever, is in balancing competing land uses while meeting ambitious environmental goals.