The nation’s forests are an unrivalled national asset
They are critical to the country’s response in this time of crisis for nature. We are positive about the difference we can make. A quarter of a million hectares of land of breathtaking diversity make up the nation’s forests which provide valuable, high-quality, sustainably managed habitats for wildlife in forests and woodlands, grasslands, heaths, wetlands and our internationally-renowned arboreta.
The rich, diverse and connected habitats in the nation’s forests will continue to be improved and enhanced by our sustainable forest and land management.
We will build on our success
Our people and partners will use skilled and professional management to improve continually the condition of precious habitats in our care. We will lead the development of fully functioning ecosystems, where species can establish, thrive and spread across landscapes.
We will also continue to reintroduce wildlife to support and grow the abundance of species flourishing in the nation’s forests. We will showcase this exciting biodiversity story to champion nature, build opportunities for deeper learning and create a sense of wonder for all.
We will grow for the future
We will harness the power of nature, establishing a network of wild areas within the nation’s forests.
Acting now means
- identifying potential key sites in our working forests where we can use more wilding activities, such as low-density grazing and more meandering watercourses.
- continuing action to protect, improve and build the resilience of our most special habitats, including ancient woodlands and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
- reintroducing and translocating plant and animal species to support the rich ecosystems in the nation’s forests.
What you will see in the next 5 years
- working with partners, we will deliver at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests.
- using habitat enhancements, we will support and improve the condition of our exceptional sites, including ancient woodlands, open habitats, wetlands and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
- we will forge partnerships to take forward species reintroductions and wildlife recovery at a local level.
