Hopes for 2008….

Next year I hope to find time to focus with friends, colleagues and
partners on:

- the continued targeting of activity and resources to maximise the
overall public benefit gain from trees and woodlands to the region

- integrating the priorities from Governments English Trees and
Woodlands delivery plan into the way trees and woodlands are developed
within the region

- developing the advocacy of tress & woodlands for public gain within
region

- creating a future visioning forum for woodland and other key
landowners

- improving the transparency of the principle funding sources in the
region especially new Rural Development Programme funding Axis - 1, 2
and 3.

Finally I hope Liverpool all the best in its Capital of Culture year….

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year all….

Keith

This action area of the regional forestry framework is all about resourcing and support the woodland and timber sector – critical to the delivery of all other elements of the framework.  To this end, we have established our first Regional Forestry Framework champion this year – Steve Connor of Creative Concern – who’s role includes raising the sector’s profile, and driving the action plan forward. We’re really excited to have this position filled – its key to keep the action plan on track, and to ensure that this sector, which is so critical to the economic growth of our region, remains high profile and developing.