Report on the Forestry Bill : Third Report Session 2009/2010 Together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee, Minutes of Evidence, Written Submissions and Memoranda Relating to the Report

The Committee welcome the Bill and its principles: to increase the forest cover in Northern Ireland; the recognition and exploitation of the benefits of woodland including social, economic, environmental and recreational.

But the Committee is concerned at the lack of strategic direction within the Bill, and believes this is an opportunity for a strategic and enhanced use of the forest estate.

The key issues relating to the Bill are: recognition of the recreational, social, economic and environmental aspects of forests; compulsory acquisition; woodland inventory; powers to enter private land to control animals or vegetation; and, fees for felling licences.