Forestry
There is established forestry estate of some 6,800 acres and in 1986 a programme to increase the acreage significantly was initiated, which has accounted for 1,800 acres of this total. Commercial forestry is directed towards softwood production, which is processed at the St Johns sawmill, where market demand is very strong for fencing and other sawn timber.
The Manx National Glens and other amenity areas, such as the Tynwald National Park, are maintained as public facilities by the Department, which also recognises the landscape and public recreation value of many of its plantations. The Department encourages other landowners to plant trees by means of its Amenity Tree Planting and Small Woods Scheme whereby trees are planted under subsidised terms at sites of public amenity value.
Many of the Island's hills and uplands are owned by the Department - some 18,000 acres. These are let for sheep grazing and game shooting but they are open to public rambling.