This document (consultation, now closed) is a convenient and (relatively) brief overview of the Public Forest Estate in England:
You need to read the intro and then informatives at the start of each section.
Oh, and lifted from the website:
Our mission and values
Our mission is to protect and expand Britain's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment.
We take the lead, on behalf of all three administrations, in the development and promotion of sustainable forest management. We deliver the distinct forestry policies of England, Scotland and Wales through specific objectives drawn from the country forestry strategies so our mission and values may be different in each.
But throughout, we aim to be an organisation that values:
teamwork - working as teams with colleagues and others to ensure that trees, woods and forests meet the needs of people in each part of Britain
professionalism - enjoying and taking pride in our work, achieving high standards of quality, efficiency and sustainability
respect - treating one another with consideration and trust, recognising each person's contribution
communication - being open, honest and straightforward with colleagues and others, as willing to listen as to tell
learning - always learning, from outside the Forestry Commission as well as from within
creativity - not being afraid to try new ways of doing things
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-6val65
Given IMBA have a Memoranda of Understanding with FC it could be hoped that some active discussion could be had to either clarify or resolve the situation. Still, it must be difficult for them as both Karl (Chairman) Paddy (Treasurer) are FC staff.
And from FC's homepage:
We are the government department responsible for the protection and expansion of Britain's forests and woodlands.
Just like your local authority is responsible for the protection and improvement of your area. Not lookingto be argumentative, just that I've heard similar arguments about FE before. I agree they're not beholden to every rag-tag punter who pipes up wanting a trail but when organised groups with track records and dedicated volunteers get treated the way many have described it makes you wonder (frustrated, angry, dissapointed etc etc).
AFAIK FC are the body / quango set up by Government and tasked with overall management of the Public Forest Estate (GB) and meeting Government's objectives. FE is a quasi-commercial operating arm of FC. They are both, ultimately Government bodies, IMO.
