Common forestry practices are being increasingly questioned in many countries. In Great Britain, controversy has surrounded a number of issues, including upland afforestation, single-species plantations and water acidifcation. With increasing international attention being given to the issues of sustainability and biodiversity, there will be pressure for developed countries to evolve policies that will satisfy their own internal responsibilities before they attempt to impose 'sound management principles' elsewhere. Many of the principles currently being discussed have been brought together under the term 'new perspectives in forestry', although some of these were actually developed and practised in Europe during the last century. Multipurpose forestry has been advocated as a means of achieving many goals, but a genuine application of this approach will require further changes to existing priorities and practices. Under 'new forestry' principles, forests are seen as ecosystems and management practices seek to ensure that the integrity of the ecosystems is maintained. In addition, a greater involvement of all interested parties is sought, both in the forest planning process and in subsequent management.