Minutes: Forest Services board meeting 1 March 2024
Updated 17 April 2026
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Forest Services board minutes of the 25th meeting Friday 1 March 2024, 10:00–12:30 via MS Teams.
Minutes
The Chair opened the meeting with sector updates, ministerial changes, conference attendance, woodland creation opportunities and conservation progress including Wollemi pine planting. Delays to the deer and squirrel strategy were discussed.
Previous minutes from 14 November 2023 were agreed, and John Lockhart updated the board on involvement in project speed. No conflicts of interest were declared.
Key developments in the Director’s report included launching the Woodland Creation Fast Track, changes to ministerial direction rules, the new England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) Grant Management System module and work on EWCO payment rates. The board discussed risks including felling complaints, judicial review exposure, development pressures, mapping challenges and staffing issues.
Concerns were raised about financial risks, classification of specific risks and impacts of recruitment restrictions. Planting performance was reviewed, with requests to express English progress as percentages. Actions were assigned.
Bob Richards reported an improved financial position with small variations in forecasts. Core funding remained a concern.
The board approved the 2024/25 business plan, agreeing to moderate overprogramming and supporting continuation of the Level 6 Apprenticeship Programme. They supported early scenario modelling for future funding settlements.
Joe Watts updated the board on Farming and Countryside Programme and outlined updates to Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Land Management transition timelines and new woodland creation payment rates. Uncertainty around Higher Tier 2024 timings was discussed.
Ian Tubby described development of the Forestry Commission and Natural England joint woodland creation position statement and sought direction on expanding to a broader cross-agency strategy. The board supported extending engagement to other Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) bodies.
Ian summarised government responses to Environmental Audit Committee recommendations and highlighted that around 890,000 hectares may be needed to meet forestry-related policy goals. The board supported progressing two strands of work: one across Defra arm’s length bodies and one involving wider stakeholders.
The next scheduled board meeting would be on 23 and 24 May 2024.