Forestry England, the agency managing the country’s vast public forest estate, is poised to transform parts of its 250,000-hectare woodland portfolio into a significant source of home-grown renewable power.
New statutory powers, which took effect at the end of February, now allow Forestry England to pursue renewable electricity projects across its network of 1,500 woods and forests.
The energy produced can be used on-site or fed directly into the national grid, potentially boosting the UK’s clean energy output while generating revenue to reinvest in tree-planting and forest management.
Forestry England, often referred to as England’s largest land manager (and by extension a major player in Britain’s land ownership landscape through its public holdings), has long integrated small-scale renewables. It already operates over 40 installations, mostly rooftop solar panels.
But the updated powers open the door to far larger ambitions, including ground-mounted solar arrays and wind projects in suitable areas.
The agency is already in discussions with Great British Energy, the government’s public energy company, to explore partnerships for delivering rooftop solar at scale and other renewable initiatives across the public estate.
“Our forests and woodlands are among this country’s greatest natural assets, and these new powers mean they can now play an active role in our mission to become a clean energy superpower,” said Nature Minister Mary Creagh.
“Enabling Forestry England to develop renewable energy projects across its estate is a significant moment. This will be a win for both our environment and our energy security, with income invested directly back into tree-planting and woodland management.”
A clean energy superpower
The initiative aligns with the broader government goal of making the UK a clean energy superpower, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and supporting net-zero targets.
By increasing domestic renewable generation, the projects could contribute to lower wholesale electricity prices over time, a factor that often translates to reduced energy bills for households and businesses, especially as cheaper renewables displace more expensive gas-fired power.
Importantly, the plans include safeguards for the environment. There will be no net loss of woodland area; any trees permanently removed for infrastructure will be offset with compensatory planting elsewhere.
All proposals will undergo environmental surveys, stakeholder consultations, and standard planning processes, potentially including Secretary of State approval for larger schemes.
“Great British Energy is focused on making the most of the UK’s natural assets to deliver more home-grown clean power. We’re looking forward to working with Forestry England to bring new renewable projects to life, helping to cut bills, strengthen energy security, and support communities across the country,” said Dan McGrail, CEO of Great British Energy.
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