A FORESTRY POLICY FOR THE NATIONAL TRUST
| Policy
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| In all woodlands our aim is to maximise their value to people and to wildlife, now and for the future. We also aim to support local economic development and to contribute to the sustainable production of timber and other forest products. |
The significance of woodland
This policy applies to all Trust woodlands (including plantations and short rotation energy coppices). Woodlands can be either large areas of closely spaced trees or scattered copses in open ground. They may or may not be planted. Some are pasture woodlands, including parks, grazed by deer or farm animals.
In deciding on the conservation significance and future management of individual woodlands, and in establishing new woods or coppices, we take account of many specialist interests but also the views and feelings of tenants, neighbours, local residents and people who visit and love the woods.
The Trust's woodlands are appreciated and managed for their beauty and tranquillity as components of valued landscapes, for their contribution to historic designed landscapes, for the diversity of their wildlife, for the archaeological record and historical evidence preserved within them and in their undisturbed soils, for their contribution to the protection of local soils and water catchments, and as places for education, recreation and enjoyment. They make a significant contribution to tourism, and generate timber, renewable energy resources and other forest products.
Most Trust woods are open for unrestricted access for walkers.
Many other activities are welcome but may be subject to restrictions. The Trust has a policy of dedicating key permitted routes as rights of way. (Managing Rights of Way: Paragraph 93, National Trust, London, 1991)
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