"Owen Paterson comes with strong rural credentials which should mean he will become rapidly up to speed with the issues. He has shown a willingness to be outspoken in the past on a range of issues and we hope this translates into a robust championing of the natural environment against often ill-considered calls from elsewhere for relaxation of protections.

"Paterson lists trees among his interests and, naturally, we welcome that. One of the most important issues in his in-tray is the Government response to the Independent Panel on Forestry's report on the future of England's forests. The report, published in July, offered a clear sense of direction widely supported across the sector and included the crucial recommendation to increase woodland cover to 15% by 2060. The ball is now very much in Government's court and it needs to match the leadership provided by the Panel. This provides an excellent early opportunity for Owen Paterson to be bold. By doing so, he can show he understands the potential of the natural environment to provide value for money by delivering across several agendas simultaneously."