West Midlands Regional Forestry Framework Annual Report 2005-2006

View the report here.

Foreword from:
David Ritchie
Chair: West Midlands Woodland & Forestry Forum

I am proud to present our first Annual Report for the West Midlands Regional Forestry Framework. It shows significant progress has been made in implementing the Framework, launched in 2004 and has helped formulate the next phase, the Delivery Plan 2006-2009.

Our thanks go to the wide range of stakeholders who were involved in the monitoring and reporting process ensuring that we continue to strive to achieve our Vision which addresses all social, economic and environmental sectors. I hope you will find something of interest in the Annual Report; I also hope that it suggests just as much or greater involvement for you in the coming year.

 

Headline achievements in the past year:

  • Over 230 hectares of new woodland are planned under the new England Woodland Grant Scheme; 42 Hectares National Forest Tender Scheme and a further 12 hectares under the new Environmental Stewardship Higher Level Scheme
  • The Regions first Woodland Opportunities Map (Version 1) was developed and distributed to local authorities and stakeholders;
  • Wood fuel has become the fastest growing renewable in the West Midlands , including use of timber from the restoration of ancient and native woodlands;
  • Six further schemes have been supported through the Active Woods health challenge funding;
  • Education visits are increasing and sites in Wyre Forest and Cannock Chase have hosted upwards of 30,000 schoolchildren visits;
  • 200 forestry workers being trained via a regional workforce programme;
  • A regional Green Infrastructure Planning Group is promoting the development of longer term strategic funding programmes across the region;
  • Using the information gleaned thus far, the rolling three-year Action Plan 2006-2009 for the West Midlands Regional Forestry Framework has been developed
  • The breadth of stakeholder interest and active engagement has been very encouraging; there are now seven specialist task groups developing action plans and agenda in support of the Framework:
    • Ancient & Native Woods
    • Woodland Opportunities Mapping
    • Woodland & Forestry Industries
    • Wood Energy Task Group
    • Recycling Task Group
    • Workforce Development Group
    • Green Infrastructure Planning Task Group

All this has been extremely beneficial in raising the profile of trees and woodlands within the region and developing strong partnerships with policy and delivery organisations. Long may this continue. Copies of the Annual Report can be viewed and downloaded from here.

If you have any queries – please contact Sara Roberts, WMRFF Action Plan Manager: s.roberts@wmra.gov.uk