The London Trees and Woodland Framework
 On
the 30th July GOL, the Forestry Commission and the Greater
London Authority (GLA) held the London Tree and Woodland Conference
at City Hall, with a keynote speech from Lord Rogers of Riverside.
The conference was largely designed as a series of workshops intended
to assist "Land Use Consultants", the recently appointed agency
charged with putting together the London Trees and Woodland Framework
The London Trees and Woodland Framework will be delivered by a
partnership between the Forestry Commission, the Countryside Agency,
English Nature, the Corporation of London, Royal Parks, the GLA,
GOL and the London Development Agency.
Trees and woodlands can make an enormous contribution to London’s
environment, economy and society including employment, health, community
well-being, recreation and tourism. Nearly 5% of London's land is
woodland and woodlands make up an important component of some of
London’s most famous green spaces such as Epping Forest and Hampstead
Heath. In many areas small pockets of woodland or even single trees
are immensely valuable to local people. There are already many community
initiatives and other schemes to create more woodland and bring
existing areas back into management such as Thames Chase Community
Forest, Green Gateway and Trees for London.
 London
needs a focused approach to trees and woodlands to ensure that these
valuable public spaces enhance the quality of people’s lives and
strengthen communities. High quality open space and woodlands which
deliver their full potential in economic, social and environmental
value are an indication of a city which is progressive and understands
the changing needs and wants of its people.
The framework will help to place trees and woodlands within the
agendas and strategies of London-wide bodies, set agreed programmes
and priorities for managing existing woodland as well as the creation
of new green spaces and identify agreed database and research requirements.
The draft London Tree and Woodland Framework will be issued on
15 December and the final document will be launched after consultation
in July 2004.
For more information contact Ron Melville, Forestry Commission,
020 7217 3125.
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