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."

Concerns have been raised by the Woodland Trust, a charity that manages 82,000 acres across the UK. The Trust's head of external affairs, James Cooper, has stated that while they understand the need for development and support the government's efforts to tackle the climate crisis, they must ensure that "irreplaceable habitats like ancient woodland are protected from destruction." Cooper emphasizes that the "nature and climate crises are inextricably linked and one cannot be tackled at the expense of the other."

There are also fears that the potential development of battery storage facilities in heavily wooded areas could increase the risk of forest fires. Campaigners worry that ministers may favor development on publicly owned forests, as it is easier than negotiating with private landowners.