Forest Enterprise England

Forest Enterprise England manages the nation’s forests for people, nature and the economy. Our commercial activity is self-financing, and does not require support from taxpayers. Further information on our timber production and other aspects of our trading activity can be found in our Annual Report.

Forest Services

Forest Services are the government’s forestry experts. We contribute to the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan objective of being the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it, by encouraging and supporting landowners and the sector to protect, improve and expand England’s woodlands.

Cross-border / Corporate Forestry Support

During 2018-19 we are preparing to transfer the cross-border functions delivered by Corporate and Forestry Support (CFS) to Forestry Commission England and the devolved administrations.This will prepare the ground for the full devolution of forestry on 1 April 2019.

Future of the Forestry Commission

During 2018-19 we will take forward the changes required to deliver our new operating model, Future Forestry Commission.

On 22 August 2018, Natural England submitted a report to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs setting out proposed changes to the approved route of the England Coast Path in Cumbria, at Drigg.

Read the variation report to find out why changes to the approved route are required.

Objections will be passed to an independent planning inspector who will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State about each one.

The Secretary of State will consider all representations and objections before making a decision about Natural England’s proposals.

Comment on Natural England’s proposals

View the guidance on representations and objections.

Make a representation

Anyone can make representations to us about the variation report. Read the representation guidance notes before completing the representations form (both are attached above).

Make an objection

Owners and occupiers of affected land may make objections about the variation report. Read the objection guidance notes before completing the objection form (both are attached above).

A ban on third party puppy and kitten sales in England will be introduced to help drive up animal welfare standards, the Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced today.

Confirming the government’s support for the prominent Lucy’s Law campaign, Defra has published a consultation on an outright ban that will mean anyone looking to buy or adopt a puppy or kitten must either deal directly with the breeder or with one of the nation’s many animal rehoming centres.

The steps follow a commitment by the Prime Minister Theresa May in December to crack down on cruel puppy farms, and aim to bring an end to the grisly conditions found in puppy farming and tackle a range of existing animal welfare issues.

These include the early separation of puppies and kittens from their mothers, their introduction to new and unfamiliar environments and the increased likelihood of multiple journeys the puppies or kittens have to undertake. All of which can contribute to a chaotic start in life and lead to serious health problems and lack of socialisation.

Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, said:

A ban on third party sales will ensure the nation’s much-loved pets get the right start in life. I pay tribute to the Lucy’s Law campaign, spearheaded by PupAid, Care And Respect Includes All Dogs (CARIAD), and Canine Action UK, who have fought tirelessly for this step.

People who have a complete disregard for pet welfare will no longer be able to profit from this miserable trade.

The proposed ban on third party sales is part of a series of government reforms on pet welfare including banning the sale of underage puppies and kittens and tackling the breeding of dogs with severe genetic disorders. New laws come into force on 1 October this year banning licensed sellers from dealing in puppies and kittens under the age of eight weeks and tightening the compulsory licensing of anyone in the business of breeding and selling dogs.

As part its animal welfare reform programme, the Government is also bringing in higher maximum sentences of up to five years for animal abusers – the toughest sentencing in Europe.

Puppies and kittens are defined as being less than six months old.