In reply to ALT EGO:
I'm quite heavily involved in mapping and planning for local and regional orienteering events many of which are on FC land. Yes, the application process has become more bureaucratic in recent years but our local forestry area (covering all the East Suffolk (ie "Sandlings") forests) does employ a recreation manager who is extremely helpful and supportive.
There are, of course, conflicting interests to manage, notably conservation, archeology (the Sandlings is full of tumuli and burrows) and forestry management, each of which is consulted before permission is granted for recreational events. And there are many recreational interests. In our area these have included including pheasant shooting, husky racing, motor bike (Enduro) events, field archery, off-road cycling, Parkrun and orienteering - it goes without saying that these are not all mutually compatible!
Yes, fees are charged, which can seem disproportionate for small events, but the Forestry Commission is a non-profit-making government organisation. If recreational users pay less, the shortfall must be raised from taxes. Yes, there's an argument that taxes should support healthy recreational activities, but you can only take that so far. I'm not sure I would want my taxes supporting the shooting of innocent pheasants for example. And I'd have a few doubts about Enduro racing.... probably just betraying my personal prejudices there of course.
Martin