England’s Largest Land Manager Boosts Home-Grown Clean Energy Projects
In a significant move to advance the UK’s clean energy ambitions, Forestry England is set to unlock the potential of the nation’s public forests for renewable energy generation. As the country’s largest land manager, responsible for over 250,000 hectares across 1,500 woods and forests, this initiative marks a pivotal step towards enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
New Powers Unleash Green Potential for Clean Energy Projects
Effective February 27, 2026, new statutory powers have granted Forestry England the authority to develop and manage renewable energy projects on its vast estate. This change allows the organization not only to generate clean electricity for its own use but also to sell surplus power directly to the national grid. This will transform the public forest estate into a key contributor to the UK’s home-grown energy supply.
While Forestry England already hosts over 40 small-scale installations, primarily rooftop solar panels, these new powers pave the way for a significant expansion. The organization can now actively pursue larger-scale wind and solar projects, turning its land into a powerhouse for the green transition.
A Win for Energy, Environment, and Consumers Through Clean Energy Projects
The benefits of this initiative are far-reaching, promising environmental, social, and economic gains. By increasing the supply of renewable energy, the plan directly supports the UK’s goals for a cleaner energy mix and contributes to national energy security. Consumers are also set to benefit, as a greater supply of home-grown clean energy can help stabilize and potentially lower energy bills.
Crucially, the income generated from these energy projects will be reinvested directly into the stewardship of the nation’s forests. This creates a sustainable funding model to support vital conservation work, enhance biodiversity, and fund tree-planting efforts essential for meeting net-zero targets.
Michael Seddon, Chief Executive of Forestry England, highlighted the opportunity this presents. “Generating significantly more renewable energy in the nation’s forests is a very exciting opportunity,” he stated. “It will help support the UK’s energy security and transition to net zero, and bring extra money for us to reinvest in caring for the nation’s forests.”
Collaboration and Careful Planning of Clean Energy Projects
The development of new projects will be a carefully managed process. Any proposed wind or solar farm will be subject to rigorous planning permissions, comprehensive environmental surveys, and extensive consultations with stakeholders and local communities. This ensures that developments are sited appropriately and managed responsibly, balancing energy production with the primary need to protect and enhance these vital natural landscapes.
This strategic use of public land is a collaborative effort. Dan McGrail, CEO of Great British Energy, expressed his support, noting, “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.”
This move by Forestry England is a clear example of how the nation’s public assets can be leveraged to tackle the climate crisis, bolster the economy, and preserve our natural heritage for generations to come.