1. To advise the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England.
2. To advise on the role of the Forestry Commission in implementing policy on forestry and woodland in relation to England.
3. In formulating this advice, the Panel should consider:
   1. how woodland cover can be increased, given competing pressures on land use for food production, energy and development;
   2. options for enhancing public benefits from all woodland and forests, in the light of the Lawton Report and the Natural Environment White Paper, including;
      • public access for recreation and leisure;
      • biodiversity, wildlife protection and ecological resilience, includingthrough restoration of open habitats and plantations on ancient woodland sites;
      • climate change mitigation and adaptation;
      • economic development, particularly to support a sustainable timber industry and a wide range of small and medium sized enterprises, including social enterprises; and
      • engagement and participation of civil society.
   3. constraints and competing demands on public expenditure for this Spending Review period and beyond;
   4. the role of Forest Enterprise England as the manager of productive forestry resources;
   5. the value for money and cost-effectiveness of the public forest estate in England and options for its future ownership and management.
4. In formulating its advice to the Secretary of State, the Panel will be expected to engage and take evidence from the widest range of views and interest.
5. The Panel will report to the Secretary of State in April 2012, with a progress report in the autumn of 2011.

Updated 18 April 2011

• Original Terms of Reference (March 2011)

Attachments

• Terms of Reference (March 2011) (pdf, 14 KB)