Julianwilson – yes, I read it, did you also read and contribute to the the 2009 Consultation on the long term role of the PFE, the evidence of which, on page 50, stated :
There is a notable volume of comments calling for the FC to lease, and/or buy and sell land –
particularly that which is remote, under utilised and of no commercial benefit. In addition, the
sale of healthy woodlands and forests can be sold to “safe purchasers”, and the proceeds
reinvested into purchasing new land for reforestation.
Lease all productive timber forests (secondary woodland/plantations) to timber
companies to manage productively in the context of strict FSC/UKWAS control.
Individual
Respondents promote the creation of partnerships with complementary bodies such as Natural
England, English Heritage, and interest groups that share similar objectives and mutually
agreeable goals.
See, that was in the 2009 consultation results – this policy and the current consultation came out of the results of the one under Labour!