Forest Enterprise is responsible for the management of the forests and woodlands
owned by the nation. Its objectives include the production and supply of timber for the
wood using industry, the conservation of wildlife in its forests and the provision of
wide ranging recreation opportunities. The Government’s 1994 Forestry Review
confirmed the importance of Forest Enterprise woodlands in helping to meet recreation
demand not only for tourists but also for local people. Links with local communities,
however, go further than the provision of a recreation resource. A move towards
increasing liaison and encouragement of active participation by communities enables
local people to develop a sense of ownership and pride in their local woodland. Forest
Enterprise has taken an active role in encouraging such involvement in its woods close
to communities, in the belief that it enhances the management of the woods. North and
East England Region has a range of situations where Forest Enterprise has worked with
differing local communities in its woodlands. The range of woodland type and the
nature of community involvement varies according to the local circumstances, as seen in
the following examples