Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 January 2001. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 29 January 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what action is being taken by the Forestry Commission to ensure that trees felled at Avon Forest Country Park in breach of a felling licence are replanted.

Answer: Mr. Chope: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken by the Forestry Commission to ensure that trees felled at Avon Heath Country Park in breach of a felling licence are replanted. [147824] Mr. Morley: The Forestry Commission could have used its statutory powers to impose a restocking notice, but decided that this would not be in the public interest as the area is part of a heathland restoration project. Avon Heath Country Park is in a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area, and this heathland restoration work is an important part of the Government's Biodiversity Action Plan. Nevertheless, I understand that RSPB has decided, after consultation with local people, to plant some replacement trees in other parts of the park.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 147824; 362 c55W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Licensing Forests Nature conservation Tree felling Dorset Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk