Identifying the feasibility of combining community involvement with conservation to maximise the social and environmental benefits of forestry

Since the 1980s, environmental conservation in the UK has seen a shift towards the inclusion of local communities in the management of woodlands. In order to assess the feasibility of combining community involvement with conservation, a case study from the Community Forest Programme was used to identify possible conflicting objectives. With the aim of identifying the social and environmental benefits that can be achieved from forestry and the methods by which these benefits can be achieved, survey data was collected from a variety of environmental organisations, including those from the Community Forest Programme. Also, a public survey was conducted from which information was gathered regarding the extent to which residents interact and engage with their local woodland. The research found that theoretically little compromise need be made to maximise the associated social and environmental benefits of forestry, although in practice external influences often require organisations to prioritise their actions. Depending on whether an organisation has a particular focus, the need to prioritise actions will result in either social or environmental benefits taking precedence over the other. The conclusions that can be drawn from this report are that it is feasible to combine community involvement with conservation to maximise the social and environmental benefits of forestry, although the structure of the woodland management plan and the resources available are crucial in achieving this objective.Faculty of Science & Technolog