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Summary
Data are presented on the operation of the consultation arrangements in relation to the 250 afforestation proposals made in the 10 national parks of England and Wales over the 10 year period 1974–1984. The arrangements in general, and the role played by the Forestry Commission's Regional Advisory Committees in particular, have been widely criticised by conservation bodies, many of which continue to urge the extension of planning controls to afforestation proposals.
However, the data show that the national park authorities get almost all that they ask for. Planning control would make little difference to outcomes in practice and there seems little justification for the calls to extend controls, at least in the national parks. Foresters could, however, help to meet national park concerns by promoting smaller schemes since it is in general the large proposals that cause the greatest concern.