What is the Forestry Commission planning to do?

The Forestry Commission, which manages 640,000 acres of woodland in England, is seeking development powers to "generate new income streams" amid funding challenges.

What are the concerns raised by the Woodland Trust?

The Woodland Trust, a charity that manages 82,000 acres across the UK, warns that the Forestry Commission's plans could lead to the destruction of "irreplaceable habitats like ancient woodland."

How could the development plans impact forest fires?

There are fears that the potential development of battery storage facilities in heavily wooded areas could increase the risk of forest fires.

Home / Environment / Forestry Commission Aims to Boost Funding Through Forest Development

Forestry Commission Aims to Boost Funding Through Forest Development

25 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Forestry Commission seeks development powers to "generate new income streams"
Woodland Trust warns against destruction of "irreplaceable habitats like ancient woodland"
Concerns over potential development of battery storage facilities in wooded areas

Forestry Commission Aims to Boost Funding Through Forest Development

As of October 25th, 2025, the Forestry Commission, the government body responsible for managing nearly 640,000 acres of woodland across England, has expressed a desire to gain development powers to "generate new income streams." This move comes as the Commission struggles with "a combination of challenging economic conditions, high inflation including pay inflation, and reducing government funding."