RSPB: England’s Public Woodland Should Stay in Public Hands
OutdoorHub 07.04.12
Public forests play a vital role for people and wildlife and should remain in public hands, an independent panel of experts advised Government today in a report that has been welcomed by the RSPB [note 1].
The report urges “greater protection and continuing restoration of habitats identified as being of high priority” and highlights the pivotal role that woods and forests have in our lives; in providing vital space for plants and wildlife, keeping people healthy and connected with nature, helping to keep our air and water clean, helping us adapt to climate change and driving a move to a greener economy.
London may not be known for its woods and forests, but those that are within Greater London are magnets for wildlife, dog walkers, families and people looking to escape the hard urban landscape.
“The Capitals woods are increasingly seen as places for rest, relaxation and fun,” says RSPB London’s Tim Webb. “Whether people want to fly through on zip wires, kick-up leaves or seek solitude, London has ample woodlands and woodland cemeteries to meet those needs. As with all assets, they’re costly to maintain. Slashing budgets for maintaining woods may appear to be an easy thing to slip past voters, but that approach will simply lead to increased costs in other areas at some point in the near future; it’s a false economy. On the other hand, increasing woods and tree cover in London presents opportunities for savings in energy bills, health bills and water management costs.”
Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director, says; ‘If woodlands are healthy and well-managed then they are one of our greatest natural assets, and we’re pleased to see the report focus on making it a priority for new and existing woodlands in all ownerships to benefit people and wildlife. But, whilst the recommendations are pleasing, they won’t help if our woodlands are starved of funding and effective management. The report points out that we all reap benefits to the value of twenty times the amount Government actually puts in to public woodlands, which makes it an incredible investment opportunity.’
In a recent public survey asking why people value woodlands, wildlife was the top response. However, woodland wildlife is declining at an alarming rate, faster than almost any other habitat.
Martin continues; ‘We’ve already lost three in four lesser spotted woodpeckers, nine in ten willow tits, and more than half of our woodland butterflies and that’s only a snapshot of the full picture. If things don’t change, we will lose the diversity of life that makes our woodlands so special. ‘It is now up to the government to decide how to take these recommendations forward. The RSPB will continue to make the case that any changes must lead to greater benefits for woodland wildlife and for people.’
For a copy of the Independent Panel on Forestry Final Report, visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/forestrypanel/reports/
