On a recent visit to the Goyt Valley nearby to Macclesfield, local MP, David Rutley, joined representatives from the Forestry Commission, to review the important forestry stewardship work that is ongoing in the Peak District.
David, who in September was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) with a brief covering forestry issues, met with Mark Seddon, Director of Operations for the Forestry Commission, Paddy Harrop, Forest Management Director for Central England Forestry District), and Albin Smith (the local forester responsible for day-to-day management of the area). Together, they visited the extensive forest estate that grows mostly on the slopes of the Goyt Valley, featuring such diverse tree species as oak, rowen, larch and pine, and discussed important priorities for the Forestry Commission, including: its overall Forest Plan; forest recreation and access; tree disease work; sustainable timber production; forest roads; and the replanting of felled areas.
The visit was also an opportunity to review the UK's much-valued Public Forest Estate and the positive societal, economic and environmental benefits that it brings, as well as its important role in the Government's 25 Year Environment Plan. The Forestry Commission highlighted the positive progress that is being made to deliver on the Government's important manifesto commitment to plant 11 million new trees in this Parliament, and the exciting plans for the new Northern Forest, stretching from Liverpool to Hull.
Speaking after his visit, David said, "I am very grateful to Mark, Paul and Albin for their important work supporting the Forestry Commission’s projects in the Goyt Valley, to promote the benefits of the Public Forest Estate in the Peak District, and to further ensure that it is conserved for future generations to enjoy. I hope that as many local residents as possible will get out and about in our woodlands and forests this autumn, to see all that they have to offer."