DEFRA reveals woodland privatisation plans

DEFRA has unveiled proposals to sell-off parts of the 250,000ha Forestry Commission estate.

Farm minister Jim Paice set out the proposals in a letter to all MPs which he said would quell mounting rumours on the issue.

Mr Paice wrote that he intended to “reduce the public ownership” and provide for “a greater role for private and civil society partners”.

“We are committed to shifting the balance of power from ‘Big Government’ to ‘Big Society’,” he said.

And he added that he would give individuals, businesses, civil society organisations and local authorities a much bigger role in establishing priorities for England’s public woodland estate.

He said that the inclusion of powers for modernisation of the forestry legislation in the Public Bodies Bill which has just entered parliament meant DEFRA would be in a position to make reforms to managing the estate.

“We will consult the public on our proposals later this year and invite views from potential private and civil society partners on a number of ownership options and the means to secure public benefits,” Mr Paice said.

“We envisage a managed programme of reform to further develop a competitive, thriving and resilient forestry sector that includes many sustainably managed woods operating as parts of viable land-based businesses.

“This will be a new approach to ownership and management of woodlands and forests, with a reducing role for the state and a growing role for the private sector and civil society,” he added.

The Forestry Commission is England’s largest producer of timber and manages more than 250,000ha of land with more than 100m visits a year by members of the public.

Privatisation plans mooted in the past have met huge opposition from environmental and other lobbies.

Catherine Penman, head of research with land agents Carter Jonas said that Forestry Commission land would appeal to investors.

“Forestry has outperformed commercial and residential property and performed in line with rural property investment. It is a good hedge against inflation and has proved a safe haven for investors in times of economic uncertainty. It also has significant tax advantages.”