A legislative framework for forestry policy in the UK needs to be fit for purpose and needs to provide public benefits, according to the Woodland Trust.

The trust has welcomed the government's decision to establish an independent panel to help address policy matters after a debate on plans to sell off areas of public woodland. However, the Woodland Trust said the panel will need to look at important issues such as a low level of woodland cover and efforts to support biodiversity.

Woodland Trust chief executive Sue Holden said: "If the UK is to provide world leadership on issues like deforestation and climate change it is essential that our own house is in order and that leadership is demonstrated at home. "There is a growing expectation that the government should both ensure strong protection for the best of what we have, and show leadership in seeking to expand our native woodland cover."