A new plan for England's forests says they are not simply sources of timber, but also part of the answer to the problems of remote communities.

The plan is spelt out in the Forestry Commission's "England Forest Strategy".

Launching the strategy, the Forestry Minister Elliot Morley said: "Forestry can meet society's needs to help overcome rural disadvantage and social exclusion.

"Woods and forests boast the most diverse range of benefits, for both people and wildlife, of any land use.

"But we have not yet begun to fully realise their potential."

The strategy concentrates on four areas:

• rural development

• economic regeneration

• environment and conservation

• recreation and tourism.

On rural development, the strategy says that when the EU common agricultural policy is reformed, there will be some farm land that can be used for planting trees instead.

And it sees potential for using fast-growing tree species to provide fuel.

A better life to country dwellers

A fifth of England's population lives in the countryside. The strategy says forestry can contribute to the rural economy and combat social exclusion and poverty.

The economic regeneration part of the plan says trees can help to restore former derelict land.

England has 175,000 hectares (437,000 acres) of former industrial land.

The commission also wants to see new woodlands created along transport corridors to help to soften their impact.

The natural benefits of woodlands are obvious, but the strategy spells them out all the same.

They provide "safe havens and a breath of fresh air", according to the minister.

"They play a critical role in absorbing carbon, filtering pollution and noise, providing habitats for wildlife, and creating distinctive landscapes."

More protection if necessary

The strategy promises a review of the effectiveness of existing measures for protecting ancient semi-natural woodlands.

If they are not effective, it says, it will argue for added protection.

It wants to replace woodland lost to development with equivalent areas of new planting.

Forest cycle tracks next?

It says grants for woodlands should be targeted so as to reverse the fragmentation of existing native woodlands and conserve priority species.

On its fourth priority, recreation and tourism, the strategy calls for the creation of a network of forest tracks suitable for cyclists.

It says this could be part of the national cycle network and the government's integrated transport strategy.

There are more than 300 million visits to England's forests and woodlands each year, and the strategy wants to see better information available to visitors.

Plaudits from campaigners

And it wants to develop the commission's network of woodland parks close to towns and cities.

The commission has earned the praise of environmental groups for the new plan.

Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL) is a liaison body for voluntary organisations which include the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and Friends of the Earth.

It warmly welcomes the strategy, which it says "rates nine out of 10".

WCL especially praises "the strong emphasis on the importance of forestry in achieving environmental and social objectives".

But it says it is concerned that there will not be enough new money to take the strategy forward.