HC Deb 10 July 1992 vol 211 cc393-4W
Mr. Andrew Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to revive Sherwood forest; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

The name Sherwood forest is famous throughout the world and the forest is one of Britain's best-known tourist destinations. Little remains, however, of the ancient Sherwood forest, and what survives is subject to intense public pressure.

The Government believe that the time is now right for a programme of work to improve, and perhaps recreate, the Sherwood forest of old. This would enhance the appearance of an area of historic importance, provide an alternative use for agricultural land in a nitrate sensitive area and create valuable leisure attraction for the east midlands.

I have therefore asked the Forestry Commission to redesign its existing forest areas. This will quickly achieve a considerable visual improvement and restore some of the original heathland. The long-term aim will be to reconstruct and revive areas of mixed woodland of a type native to Sherwood.

Informal discussions have been held with the local authorities, and other parties, and I am pleased to announce that there is enthusiastic support for the initiative. The proposals I am setting out will draw on the report of a feasibility study "Bringing Back the Sherwood Green" undertaken in 1988 by the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, the Conservation Foundation and David Bellamy Associates. The Nottinghamshire county structure plan of 1988 also referred to the development of Sherwood forest. A community forest to the south-east of the Sherwood area has recently been launched.

As a first step, the Forestry Commission will undertake a number of improvements to its 4,000 hectare landholding. These will diversify the mixture of species and ages of existing woodlands and take advantage of the scope for a degree of heathland restoration. Regeneration of the oak and birch woodlands will be encouraged by careful management and particular attention will be paid to forest areas adjacent to public roads. The commission will also encourage better management of existing woodland and further new planting by private landowners and tenants through the woodland grant scheme. More public access to the forest will be encouraged where it fits in with landowners' objectives.

To assist in taking these ideas forward, the Forestry Commission will set up a steering group, to include respresentatives of the local authorities, the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, forestry, landowning and farming interests, and others.