The Independent Forestry Panel has released it's progress report on it's vision for the future for England's forests. 

The Panel was set up as a Government advisory body and has reported that it intends to make recommendations that will increase the benefits generated from all forests in England, including to the people who enjoy them, to nature and to the businesses that rely on them. 

The report was informed by responses to the Panel's call for views from the general public. Responding directly to one of the key issues it was asked to address, the report states that the panel sees a continuing role for a national public forest estate in England.

Countryside champions, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), have welcomed the report but emphasise the need for stronger protection for trees in national planning policy.

Emma Marrington, Rural Policy Campaigner for CPRE, says: "We are pleased the Forestry Panel agrees that the benefits of woods and forests are greatly undervalued. The Government were wrong to see Forestry Commission land as just another asset to sell off. This report makes it crystal clear that the benefits provided by the public forest estate offer value for money."