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A review of environmental statements in the British forest sector

The results of a quality review of 89 of the 101 environmental statements (ESs) pertaining to the British forest sector over the period 1988-1998 are presented. The methodology was based on the Environmental Statement Review Package, modified for the forest sector. The standard of ESs was generally poor, only one being wholly acceptable. The ESs presented limited useful additional information to decision makers. A fundamental, recurrent issue was the failure to adequately scope assessments, leading to unfocused baseline data collection, inadequate identification of impacts, and inappropriate or inadequate determination of impact significance. Given that wholesale amendments to environmental impact assessment (EIA) legislation are unlikely in the near future, it is up to the Forestry Commission (as the competent authority) to bring about improvements in the quality of ESs. This may be achieved by providing further guidelines on the EIA process, particularly screening and scoping, and by introducing a consistent UK-wide ES review system for forestry projects.