Annex
DIVERSIFICATION
— Landowners and rural areas with woodlands
are likely to be better placed to generate income from recreation,
tourism, country sports and environmental management, especially
by providing settings for future development.
— As an extensive land use and thus
a major alternative option for farmers who wish to leave or downscale
their agricultural activity.
AID FARM
BUSINESSES/RENEWABLE
ENERGY
— Existing farm woodlands can complement
the livestock business providing a source of shelter, fencing
material and seasonal work opportunities.
— Increasing potential for Wood fuel
to be used as renewable energy Source (eg in East England already
three large scale power plants all capable of using woodchips
as source of renewable energy, while smaller scale heating plants
also being piloted).
SOCIAL BENEFITS
— Woodlands can contribute to quality
of life by providing robust opportunities for access, recreation,
healthy exercise, education.
— Woodlands can also contribute to
social inclusion via woodland community development projects.
ENHANCING THE
ENVIRONMENT
— Woodlands can contribute to biodiversity
and help to sustain the landscape of the English countryside.
PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT
— Well located woodlands can be used
to protect water quality and soils. They can also be used as carbon
sinks—reducing the impact of climate change.
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