Forestry Commission Trade Unions - www.fctu.org.uk
Save Our Forests - Consultation
Guidance on Responding to the Consultation 9th February 2011
We are currently making some amendments to the guidance on responding to the consultation and example answers published earlier this week. A revised document will be available very shortly.
The individual unions and the FCTU will be responding to the consultation in due course and these responses will be made available for viewing on this page.
Consultation on the Future of the Public Forest Estate in England 27th January 2011
The Government today published its consultation document on the future of the public forest estate in England and the criteria for the sale of Forestry Commission land in 2011/2012.
The Director General for the FC today issued a note to staff, stating that "the proposals set out in the consultation paper reflect Government's commitment to shifting the balance of power from Big Government to Big Society. The Government’s Big Society approach means that it should focus on what only Government can do".
The FCTU is dismayed at the limited models offered in the public consultation exercise on England’s Forests. We are all aware that the FC and its staff have responded well to change in the past, meeting National and local priorities set by successive administrations. It seems inconceivable that we are not included as a viable management option.
We need to consider how we respond to the consultation exercise and how the proposed models will impact on staff, woodland management and public enjoyment of the estate.
The outcome will severely affect all of us wherever we work in the FC and we urge everyone in Scotland and Wales to participate as well
It is important that all of us take part in the consultation, which will last 12 weeks. FCTU England will be providing further information and guidance. We strongly recommend that you respond once you have the facts.