Today the government announced its future plans for the nation's forests. This is the government's response to the Independent Panel on Forestry's final report, published in July 2012. Secretary of State for the Environment Owen Paterson said: "I want to put the future of our public forests on a clear and firm footing. Our forests and woodland will remain secured in public ownership for the people who enjoy them, the businesses that depend on them and the wildlife that flourishes in them. A new, independent body will ensure our woods are held in trust and managed for the long term benefit of future generations, nature and the economy." The announcement has been welcomed by some organisations but more detail is called for. Full details can be found at: www.defra.gov.uk/rural/forestry/ Categories Industry news