As Government announces the formation of an independent panel of forestry experts as part of the planned review of forestry policy in England, the Woodland Trust is challenging both the group and Government to a six point test for effectiveness and accountability.

The Woodland Trust welcomes the opportunity to be part of the independent panel of experts charged with examining England’s forestry policy in the light of the recent debate on public forest estate sales, and is pleased it has a broad remit which includes issues about which the Trust cares passionately.

These include ancient woodland protection, restoration of planted ancient woodland sites, woodland creation as a means of delivering significant benefits to society, public access to forests, community woodland ownership, and the future role of the Forestry Commission as both regulator and enabler, working to help all sectors increase woodland cover in the UK, which has one of the lowest levels in Europe.

It is imperative however that the process of the panel's review is both robust and accountable, and that it delivers strong recommendations around these key issues, on which Government then acts.

Sue Holden, chief executive of the Woodland TrustSue Holden, Chief Executive of the Woodland Trust, said: "If Government is truly listening, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to advance the cause of woodland protection, expansion and restoration.

"Despite this being a nationally sensitive issue, the panel needs to be bold and not be a talking shop. Its work has to be meaningful, so we are looking for strong recommendations for action from it, on which Government will be held to account.

"There is an equally strong onus on both the panel to be effective and on the Government to listen and implement. This is going to be a challenge."

Read more about the six tests for the panel at the Woodland Trust website.