BRITAIN'S FOREST LANDS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 225, 17 June 1920, Page 5

BRITAIN'S FOREST LANDS

SCHEME FOR INCREASING THE ACREAGE. ' Efforts to increase tlie acreage of forest land in the United Kingdom ore detailed in a report issued by the Forestry Commission.

In dealing with the planting programme for this year, tho shortage of forest tree seed was met to a great extent, state the Commissioners, by purchases in Austria and elsewhere, and by gifts from the United States and Canada.

. About 34,000 acres of afforestable land oro in course of acquisition by purchase or on lease, in somo cases below the market valuo, and in others as free gifts from land-owners. Over 10,000 acres are in England, 5000 in Ireland, and the remaining 18,000 under acquisition are in Scotland. . Planting is proceeding in thirteen centres.

Forest apprentices are receiving a twoyear courso in the Forest of Dean, tho Now Forest, and in, Chopwell Woods, near Nowcastle, and additional schools will bo opened during tho year. An Imperial Conference to consider the forest resources and' policy of the Empire is being organised for July, when a number of interested persons are expected in England for the British Empire Timber Exhibition. Tho conference, it is hoped,. will lead to the establishment of an Imperial Bureau of forestry.