The Community Forest programme was established in 1990 by the then Countryside Commission as a pilot project to demonstrate the potential contribution of environmental improvement to economic and social regeneration. The three initial pilots quickly grew to a national programme, which made use of broad-based partnerships to pioneer activity and deliver lasting change. Recently, Community Forests have moved towards greater financial independence from national funding bodies and further strengthening our local focus. The long-term vision is as relevant as ever, contributing directly to agendas across Government.