SEEING THE WOOD FOR THE TREES!

A new Strategy giving guidance on tree planting and woodland management has been produced by the Isle of Wight Council, working through a Woodland Forum.

The Strategy recognises that Island woodlands are a very visible feature in the landscape and attract a great deal of public interest. It will help guide those within the Council and organisations such as The Forestry Authority in agreeing guidance for new planting and woodland management. Whilst the Strategy does not pinpoint individual areas or woods for particular management, it does set a framework within which advice and grant aid will be targeted.

The Chairman of the Woodland Forum, Michael Poland, who owns large areas of woodlands himself, has been steering the Forum through the various stages in the production of the Strategy. Commenting upon the Strategy, he said:

"It is a fine balancing act to take on board the needs of archaeologists and conservationists as well as the need to produce timber and forest products from our woods and to provide incentives and encouragement for managing existing woods."

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