Conservation scheme for 'under threat' Rockingham Forest
A forest in east Northamptonshire is under threat unless ways of making it work in the 21st Century can be found, the Forestry Commission has said.
The Corby Woodland Project is promoting the sale of some trees as timber and firewood in a bid to raise funds to maintain Rockingham Forest.
Steve Scott, from the Forestry Commission, said: "A woodland that pays is a woodland that stays."
The scheme needs to find a profitable 21st Century use for wood, he said.
David Bole from the Forestry Commission said businesses and individuals had been invited to come up with ideas.
Mr Bole said: "To ensure these woodlands provide benefits for generations to come, positive and sustainable management is required, and that costs money."
The group has proposed selling logs for chipping and timber, and setting up apprenticeships to encourage corporate connections for the facility.
Mr Bole added: "It is sustainable. As long as conservation work is continued the forest can make money."
Leader of Corby Borough Council, Tom Beattie, said: "I look forward to the ideas participants come up with being shaped and made a reality."