To protect the Dutch forest and to expand it the government has developed a policy, which was laid down in the Forestry Policy Plan. The increase will be realized by the government and by provinces, local authorities, trade and industry, farmers and private persons. The use of timber and timber products is increasing in the Netherlands. The government is aiming to increase this percentage. Besides a means of production a forest is a bit of nature we have to cherish, for there is not much nature left in the Netherlands.
Forests are important in the Dutch plans for nature.
Nearly all forest is part of the national ecological network, which is a network of nature areas that are connected by ecological corridors to facilitate the survival of plants and animals.