Growing our future
The nation’s forests are astonishing. They flourish because of the careful planning and expert management by Forestry England staff, volunteers and partners. The nation’s forests are a vital source of sustainable timber, to support jobs and industry, a home for wildlife to thrive and a place for people to connect with nature and enjoy themselves. We are experts in bringing people and forests together and this relationship with nature is even more essential since the pandemic.
The nation’s forests continue to evolve and adapt to the demands and needs of society. Our response to the wildlife crisis, the changing climate and people’s connection to nature will define the next five years.
We envision that with this plan, by 2026, we will have grown and protected the living treasures that are England’s forests.
Our plan
The expertise, professionalism and passion of our people make us an outstanding organisation. Growing on the success of the last 100 years, we continue to build our exceptional reputation for sustainable land management. We will evolve, innovate and grow the vast benefits the nation’s forests give to people, nature and the economy.
This plan builds on our expert land management, timber production and recreation offer, and identifies our priorities for the next five years.
The nation’s forests help us to respond to today's challenges.
As sustainable, productive forests they are fundamental as we confront the climate emergency, tackle the nature crisis and support people's health and wellbeing.
We underpin the incredible benefits the forests provide with our forestry expertise and high-quality partnerships, which are at the heart of everything we do. We know that a prosperous forestry industry means a thriving green economy where our certified forest and land management propels a vibrant forest culture we are proud of.
This plan sets out our priorities and our five-year framework to achieve more, now and for future generations.
We must act now.
For wildlife
Nature is in crisis. The UK has lost more biodiversity than most other countries in the world, being ranked 189 of 218 countries assessed on a Biodiversity Intactness Index. The recent UK State of Nature report showed that 13% of species are at immediate risk of extinction.
For people
Energising, restoring and supporting mental and physical wellbeing, time outdoors is a necessity for all. We are always learning more about the positive effects of being in nature for everyone.
For the climate
We are facing a climate emergency. The nation’s forests are critical for reducing the causes and mitigating the impacts of climate change. We see those impacts today at landscape scale in the resilience of forests, trees and land management.
