Woodland areas are of immense ecological and environmental importance, and the Forestry Commission GB is the “government department responsible for the protection and expansion of Britain's forests and woodlands”. Sustainable forestry management is critical in order to maintain woodland areas for future generations, economically, ecologically and environmentally, and the Forestry Commission GB seeks to help to achieve this in this country.
The Forestry Commission GB puts together information on enjoying woodland areas, has country specific information (for England, Scotland and Wales) on areas such as grants and licences, has information on bio-energy, puts together voluntary groups to work in Great Britain’s forests, supports educational projects relating to woodlands, and much more. Overall they declare their mission to be “to protect and expand Britain's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment”.
If you are interested in woodland areas, check out the Forestry Commission GB website for details of events and things to do. There are also sections of the website covering volunteering opportunities in the different countries. Visit the homepage of Forestry Commission GB here
There is also an agency in Northern Ireland, the Forest Service within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland, which covers similar areas to the Forestry Commission GB.
For information on Forest Stewardship Council certification, follow the link.
