|
The statutory framework
The responsibilities and powers of the Forestry Commissioners are derived mainly from the Forestry Act 1967 and Plant Health Act 1967. There are a number of other applicable GB Acts and Statutory Instruments, including the Forestry Commission ByeLaws 1982 (a PDF document, 35kb). REGULATION We have powers to prevent loss of tree cover and ensure that new forests and related operations don’t harm the environment. Owners, including our own forest managers, may have to apply to us for a felling licence, agree with us a longer term design plan, or in some cases seek our consent before starting any work. Our powers include investigating suspected illegal felling, insisting on replanting, or seeking other remediation.To protect Britain’s from pests and disease we manage plant health legislation for trees and carry out inspections of imported timber. We can prohibit landing of timber if required, order timber to be fumigated or destroyed, and can seek prosecution through the courts if we think the law has been broken. To provide assurance of the source of tree seeds, cones cuttings and other planting stock we administer the Forest Reproductive Material Regulations. These ensure that planting stock is traceable through the collection and production process to a registered source of basic material. We maintain the national register of approved material and certify suppliers.
|
Useful sites
|
 |
|