Planning the next 10 years

A major review has been launched to look at how The National Forest is taking shape and to produce a revised strategy for delivering Britain's biggest, boldest long-term environmental initiative.

The review will measure progress towards the original Forest Strategy, which was published in 1994. The updated Strategy will be published in 2004 to coincide with the original Strategy's tenth anniversary.

The strategy re-think was launched in March at the National Forest Forum held at Pride Park, the home of Derby County FC. The event was attended by nearly 300 representatives of national and regional organisations with an interest in the creation of the Forest. They included Government, the Forestry Commission and major corporate supporters like Rolls- Royce, Jaguar and Severn Trent Water.

The event's keynote speaker was Margaret Beckett, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Mrs Beckett said: 'Today is the start of looking at the next 10 years of the Forest's creation. I hope that by continuing the excellent work achieved so far, and with even greater use of partnerships, the Forest will grow from strength to strength.'

The new Forest Strategy will cover the decade from March 2004, and will be accompanied by a detailed Implementation Plan.

Get involved: there are all sorts of ways for members of the public and partner organisations to get involved in the review process.

To find out more read our Strategy Review.