Tiffin, Richard; (1993) Community forests: Conflicting aims or common purpose? Masters thesis (M.Phil), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

The community forest movement, initiated by the Countryside Commission and supported by the Forestry Commission (now the Forest Authority) has gripped the imagination of those who have, for some time, commented on the sad state of the countryside around our major towns and cities. The concept is refreshingly radical and appealing in that it seeks to implant a new set of green lungs in our densely populated lowland landscape. It is claimed that this patchwork of trees, fields and small scale developments will not only revitalise the aesthetic appearance of the countryside around our towns but establish a multi-purpose resource benefiting urban fringe agriculture, commercial interests, conservation objectives and the recreational needs of the public at large. The vision represents the 'common purpose' in as much as it constitutes a dream few would find much to disagree with. This study however seeks to explore the strata beneath this ideological common ground in the interests of exposing the deeply rooted philosophical and practical land use realities which exist in Britain today. This exploration involves charting the forces which have shaped the modern landscape, including the twin leviathans of agriculture and forestry. It involves examining the central issue of planning and the system's ability to orchestrate change and it entails probing the expectations of the many groups and organisations with a vested interest. The exploration of what is past leads to an examination of what is present in the form of an infant project - the Marston Vale Community Forest in Bedfordshire. By viewing the area as a microcosm of community forest implementation issues generally the study seeks to shed light on the complex network of relationships at play in the Vale in order to set out the major areas of conflict and the measures which may be required to re-align ideology with reality.

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