Residents views needed on the Wyre Forest (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Residents views needed on the Wyre Forest

7:20am Saturday 1st September 2012 in Local

WYRE Forest residents are invited to have their say on how England’s woods and forests are to be managed.

The Independent Forestry Panel was set up in 2011 to manage the country’s woodland and the £4.7 billion it contributes to the economy.

The Wyre Forest offers visitors a range of woodland walks and trails among ancient oaks and statuesque fir trees.

Its 6,000 acres is all that survives of a wood that once stretched along the Severn Valley from Worcester to Bridgnorth.

Lord Taylor of Holbeach, parliamentary under-secretary for the department for environment food and rural affairs, said: “People rightly cherish England’s forests and woodlands. They are an important part of our heritage and future, and I want to see them make an increased contribution to the environment, economic-growth and personal wellbeing and for everyone to enjoy the many benefits they offer.”

It was announced in July that the Public Forest Estate would not be sold off meaning the panel is looking for new ways to use the forests.

Lord Taylor added: ”I encourage you to give us your views on the future shape of our forests and woodlands, from woodland creation to community engagement and tree health.”

To complete the survery visit defra.gov.uk/rural/forestry