The public consultation on the future of the UK’s forests is launched today. The government’s proposals to sell off large sections of the forest estate to the private sector have come up against significant opposition. Despite assurances, many are worried that left in the hands of land grabbing timber companies, forests will become disconnected from public usage whilst being stripped of environmental benefit.
The threat is real and the demonstrations necessary. The Waterways Project would encourage as many people as possible to join protests whilst responding to the consultation. But we would also encourage potential stakeholders to take a moment, and think about the opportunity on offer.
The Waterways Project has spent the last six months exploring the potential for Social Enterprise and Community Asset Development on the UK’s waterways network, in an attempt to influence the structure of the new waterways charity to be launched in April 2012.
We believe that, if given the opportunity, community groups could take on the management of their local waterways asset, providing numerous social, environmental and economic benefits to the community and the governing body.
We see it as crucial to the long-term success of the new waterways charity that a presumption in favour of community management is included in its management structure. This would give organisations the right to bid for management of their local asset, as well as the right to be taken seriously.
On the 26th of Jan the Guardian reported that the government was planning to put up to 80,000 of the 200,000 hectares of potential forest sell-off into the hands of newly created charitable trusts.[1] This presents a huge opportunity for community groups across the country.
Much like the waterways, forests have the potential to play a significant role in the development of social enterprise. Community groups typically have major problems developing their asset base. Opening up the waterways and the forest to community usage would provide such organisations with a base on which to develop and expand their activities.
The same can be said for the management of all the UK’s natural assets. If the government wants to empower local communities they should be willing to provide them with the tools with which to build.
Our natural infrastructure is of immense social, environmental and economic value. None understand this value better than the local community, and if they are willing and able to protect and develop this value, why not give them the opportunity to do so.
Let us demonstrate against the government’s plans. Let us make clear our determination to protect our natural assets against commercial exploitation. But let us also reinforce our belief that, given the chance, we could do it better.
If the government is serious about localism it needs to recognise the opportunity presented by the transfer of assets out of the public sector. When responding to the consultation think about this opportunity, think about what The Waterways Project is proposing, make your voice heard!
[1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/26/england-woodland-rethink?CMP=twt_fd
