Following publication of the Government’s Forestry Strategy for England, Government Office for the East of England (GO-East) in conjunction with regional partners developed the East of England Woodland Strategy - the first of its kind in the country. The strategy provides a vision for the region in which trees and woodlands are recognised as bringing high quality sustainable social, economic and environmental benefits to those who live and work in the region.
Its themes have a bearing on a range of policies within Government Office for the East of England and highlight key issues such as economic development, renewable energy, environment and quality of life.
In support of this, the Woodfuel Strategy for England was launched in March 2007.
In the East of England we have as much as 70,000 hectares of undermanaged woodland that could provide renewable fuel. Using this resource sensitively by thinning or coppicing will:
- Provide woodland owners with diversified income streams
- Improve the timber quality of our woodlands for future generations
- Enable new sustainable businesses to open
- Increase rural employment and help the local economy
- Reduce our carbon footprint and help the battle against climate change
- Open up the canopy, bringng more light to the woodland floor to the benefit of biodiversity
