© 1963 by Institute of Chartered Foresters
Amenity Values in British Forestry
Publications Officer, Forestry Commission
Amenity values are first analysed and related to the human senses that enable people to enjoy them; they include freedom to wander, sporting, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge. The history of woodland landscape in Britain begins with the big parks of the greater noblemen, proceeds to the ornamental grounds of lesser landowners throughout the country, and ends with a growing share of public or corporate ownership. A large number of public authorities with various legal powers are now concerned with the maintenance of woodland amenities, sometimes on their own properties, and sometimes on land under private ownership. The financial value of these attractions is recognized by the systems for taxing property nationally, and for levying local rates; it also finds expression in prices of house property.
Amenity values must be estimated in a different way to timber values, since they arise from an asset that can be continuously enjoyed, but is tied to one spot. By contrast, timber values come from a commodity that is harvested once only, but can be transported over long distances. In Britain, where the area of woodland is relatively small, and a large number of people have the time and the means to travel to the woods, amenity values run high. Their maintenance merits study by forest managers.