A scheme aimed at supporting forests and woodlands in England is "not fit for purpose".

On International Day of Forests today, MPs from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee have published a report 'Forestry in England: Seeing the wood for the trees', calling for the Government to take action to increase woodland creation in England.

The committee says that the forestry Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS), is "not fit for purpose".

The committee heard that the grant application process was "torturous", "bureaucratic" and "overly complex", with three organisations involved in administering CSS.

Poor administration of the grant system is acting as a barrier to greater woodland creation, with under 700 hectares of woodland created in England in 2015-16.

The committee is calling today for the Government to re-introduce a one-stop shop for forestry grants on day one of the UK's exit from the European Union.

Environment, food and rural affairs committee chair Neil Parish MP said: "The forestry Countryside Stewardship Scheme is not fit for purpose.

"The period between now and the UK leaving the European Union is a golden opportunity for the Government to rethink the delivery of forestry grants and for it to prepare to reintroduce a one-stop shop for forestry grants.

"The Government and Defra Ministers must use the Article 50 negotiating period to provide the sector with reassurance that it is championing its needs in discussions on big policy issues such as Brexit, the industrial strategy and housebuilding. Forestry must not be forgotten in a future British Agricultural Policy.

"Research is key a component of tree pest and disease management. The UK's exit from the European Union must not act as a barrier to tackling diseases that affect trees. This research must be adequately funded."

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Picture: The Forest of Dean

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