THIS year marks a century since the formation of the Forestry Commission.  

The impetus for its formation in 1919 came from the devastation of Britain’s forests and woods for the war effort during 1914-18 and it was realised a reserve of timber was urgently needed to meet future demands.

During the past century the area of woodland nationally has increased significantly, with the Forestry Commission planting its own forests, bringing existing areas into management and the funding of private planting.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S FORESTER