The Bill aims to replace outdated forestry law with new legislation which will support a wider role for forestry in modern society. Speaking about the proposed legislation, the Minister said: “Traditionally forestry has been associated with the production and supply of timber, and this will continue, as it is an important source of rural employment. However, the Forestry Strategy, published in 2006, identified a wider role for sustainable forestry, which includes economic, environmental and social dimensions.
“Our forests have a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and are a precious legacy for generations to come. Modern forestry is about the sustainable management of our existing woods and forests, and that is why we aim to double our forest cover over the next 50 years. The new Forestry Bill will give us the necessary range of powers to develop forests for all these purposes.”
Describing the content of the Bill, the Minister added: “The new Forestry Bill will retain powers to deal with day to day forestry matters and to protect trees from damage by wild animals or from fire risk from vegetation on adjoining land. There will still be powers to make bye-laws to ensure the safe and responsible enjoyment of the public forest estate. It will reintroduce felling licences and contain a new power to obtain better value from the public forest estate, and to engage with public or private partnerships to maximise this opportunity. Finally, the Bill will grant a right of pedestrian access, so that everyone can enjoy what our forests have to offer. This will support the new Recreational and Social Use Strategy for our forests, which I shall launch in the coming days.”
The draft Bill is available online at: the NI Assembly website.
Notes to Editors:
- The introduction of the Bill is the first stage in a formal process through the Assembly. The new legislation is not expected to come into operation until 2010.
- The Forestry Strategy was developed through two major consultations of the industry and key stakeholders: “Forestry in Northern Ireland” (June 2002); “Options for Forestry” (December 2004); this culminated in “A Strategy for Sustainability and Growth” (March 2006).
- The introduction of a Forestry Bill has been warmly welcomed by the Department of Environment and the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment. The Department of Environment recognises that the Bill will help the Department to deliver its biodiversity obligations, and supports its potential to contribute to public access, recreation, tourism and the rural economy. The Department for Enterprise, Trade and Industry welcomes the opportunity provided by the Bill to develop forestry land for purposes such as tourism initiatives.
- Statutory pedestrian access will not apply to private or other public owned forests.
- There are nine forest parks in Northern Ireland which provide parking, picnic sites and a range of walks and attractions. In addition, there are over 100 forests that provide some recreational facilities, including woodland walks.
- The Forest Service manages 76,000ha of forest land, broadly comprised of conifer plantations, open upland areas, broad-leafed woodland, open space within forests, and recreational and amenity areas. Management conforms with Northern Ireland and UK sustainability criteria, and as a result forests provide a balance of economic, environmental and social benefits to the people of Northern Ireland.
- All media queries to DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
