I really enjoyed this evenings' program, not least because it was made on my home turf!
I was a bit disappointed though that there seemed to be a lack of understanding around the approval process for new woodland, and felt it might be worth providing some more info... Thread: https://twitter.com/lwhemmings/status/1301455683745968134

1/ we're often told that new forests don't consider existing land use and that they can be extremely detrimental for existing species and habitats (especially if they're the "wrong" tree). This has certainly been the case in the past and is maybe still happening in some places.

2/ There is legislation in place now (in the UK) that prevents anyone from just deciding to plant up a blanket bog or heathland. This process, that determines whether someone will need to go through a full Environmental Impact Assessment, is the bit that usually takes the time.

3/ I think this is worth shouting about, as we don't want to make the same mistakes of the past which have tainted forestry with such a bad reputation. We often require full breeding bird surveys, especially on a large site, which often takes a full season.

4/ Prior to that, the applicant will have been on site to look at soils, prepare draft maps, agree with neighboring landowners and their client what the plans are going to look like. They may have all sorts of things to take into consideration.

5/ We have requested archaeological surveys, landscape visual impact assessments, consultation with stakeholders, mitigation plans, discussion with the Environment Agency on how plans could impact hydrology and what is the best method of ground prep to use to minimise impact.

6/ I'm not sure exactly which scheme (former) Cllr Jackson was referring to taking 5 years, but that would certainly be at the Very Long end of the spectrum and not the norm! In other cases we have seen well planned and executed schemes in well under a year. We'd all agree that

7/ the most important thing is getting the right trees in the right place, for the right reason. Processes are there to be improved upon, and we are constantly striving to do so by listening to our stakeholders and working with applicants to make things smoother.

8/ I think it's also important to acknowledge that this consultation and design process that is carried out on a site by site basis can never be replaced fully by mapping or zoning areas. Too many variables. But having reliable baseline data a good place to start.