Forestry England Unlocks Public Forest Land Across England to Build Solar and Wind Projects That Power the National Grid

Public Forests Poised to Power Britain’s Clean Energy Push.

England’s vast public forests are about to do more than offer walking trails and wildlife habitats—they’re stepping into the clean energy arena.

New legal powers that took effect on Friday, 27 February, now allow renewable electricity projects to be developed across land managed by Forestry England.

The shift means solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable technologies could soon become a more common sight across the public forest estate, with electricity both used on-site and exported to the national grid.

For consumers, the move promises more home-grown power feeding into Britain’s energy mix.

What the New Powers Actually Change

Forestry England oversees more than 1,500 woods and forests, covering over 250,000 hectares—making it the largest land manager in the country.

Until now, renewable energy generation on this land has been limited in scope. While small-scale projects—mainly rooftop solar—were already in place, expansion into larger developments faced constraints.

The new statutory authority clears the path for broader renewable electricity proposals. That includes the possibility of larger solar arrays, wind installations and similar infrastructure, subject to planning approval and environmental assessments.

Any permanent woodland loss tied to development will be offset by compensatory tree planting, ensuring no net reduction in forest area.

Clean Energy and Conservation Under One Roof

Government officials say the goal is twofold: boost domestic energy production and reinvest the revenue back into nature. Income generated from these projects will support tree planting, woodland management and biodiversity initiatives.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh described the move as a milestone, positioning forests as active contributors to Britain’s ambition of becoming a clean energy superpower.

Rather than separating environmental protection from energy security, the plan aims to align them.

Forestry England’s Chief Executive Michael Seddon emphasized that the organization already operates more than 40 renewable installations, primarily solar.

The expanded authority, he said, could significantly scale up that contribution while reducing reliance on fossil fuels across the estate itself.

A Potential Partnership With Great British Energy

A key development involves early discussions between Forestry England and Great British Energy. The two bodies are exploring collaboration on large-scale rooftop solar installations and other renewable projects across public land.

According to Great British Energy CEO Dan McGrail, maximizing the UK’s natural assets is central to delivering more affordable, domestically produced clean power.

The partnership, if formalized, could accelerate installations and create efficiencies at scale.

Safeguards and Oversight

Despite the green light, projects will not bypass regulatory scrutiny. Developments must go through planning processes, environmental impact assessments and stakeholder consultation. In certain cases, approval from the Secretary of State may also be required.

Officials have indicated that more detailed guidance on implementation will be released later this year.

Impact and Consequences

The implications stretch beyond forest boundaries.

• Energy security: Expanding renewable generation on public land could reduce dependence on imported fuels.
• Lower costs over time: Increased domestic supply may help stabilize electricity prices.
• Environmental reinvestment: Revenue from power generation will support conservation, wildlife protection and reforestation efforts.
• Landscape considerations: Renewable installations may alter visual aspects of some forest areas, though mitigation and compensatory planting are planned.
• Economic ripple effects: Construction and maintenance of projects could create local jobs and stimulate regional economies.

Balancing conservation with infrastructure development will be closely watched by environmental groups and local communities.

What’s Next?

In the months ahead, feasibility studies and partnership agreements are expected to take shape. Detailed plans outlining where and how renewable installations will proceed are anticipated later this year.

If initial projects prove successful, Forestry England could become a model for integrating clean energy into publicly managed land without sacrificing biodiversity goals.

Summary

New statutory powers now allow Forestry England to expand renewable energy projects across the public forest estate.

The initiative supports the UK’s clean energy ambitions while generating income for conservation work.

Partnerships with Great British Energy are under discussion, and all projects will undergo planning and environmental review. The move signals a new chapter where forests contribute not only ecological value but also low-carbon electricity.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Forestry England can now develop larger renewable energy projects across public forests.
• Electricity generated may be used on-site and exported to the national grid.
• No net woodland loss is permitted; compensatory planting is required.
• Talks are underway with Great British Energy for large-scale rooftop solar and related projects.
• Revenue will fund tree planting, woodland care and wildlife protection.
• All developments remain subject to planning approvals and environmental safeguards.