Forest Research
(This article concerns the forestry agency for Great Britain. For other forestry commissions, see Forestry Commission (disambiguation).)
| Forestry Commission (Welsh: Comisiwn Coedwigaeth) |
|
|---|---|
| Non-ministerial government department overview | |
| Formed | 1919 (1919) |
| Jurisdiction | Great Britain |
| Employees | 3,240 |
| Annual budget | £50.8 million (2009-2010) |
| Non-ministerial government department executive | Pam Warhurst, Chair |
| Parent Non-ministerial government department | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs |
| Child agencies | Forestry Commission England Forestry Commission Wales Forestry Commission Scotland |
| Website | |
| www.forestry.gov.uk | |
The Forestry Commission is a non-ministerial government department responsible for forestry in Great Britain. It was set up in 1919 to expand Britain's forests and woodland after depletion during the First World War. To do this the commission bought large amounts of former agricultural land, eventually becoming the largest land owner in Britain. The Commission is divided in to three national organisations; Forestry Commission Scotland and Forestry Commission Wales report to the relevant devolved authorities.
Over time the purpose of the Commission broadened to include many other activities beyond timber production. One major activity is scientific research, some of which is carried out in research forests across Britain. Recreation is also important, with several outdoor activities being actively promoted. Protecting and improving biodiversity across Britain's forests are both part of the Forestry Commission's remit.
The Commission received criticism for its reliance on conifers, particularly the uniform appearance of conifer forests and concerns over a lack of biodiversity. Protests from the general public and conservation groups accompanied attempts to privatise the organisation in 1993 and 2010.
Read more about Forest Research: Role, History, Organisational Structure, Forest Research, Recreation, Biodiversity, Forests
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