Some of the biggest names in the UK timber sector have pledged widespread support for the Government’s Independent Panel on Forestry Report. Source: Lesprom
As part of the forestry review process, the Panel members met an industry consortium – made up of EGGER (UK) Ltd, BSW Timber, James Jones & Sons and Iggesund Paper Board – during a visit last year to the Kielder Forest in Northumberland.
Welcoming the Panel’s report this week, spokesperson for the group, Hamish Macleod of BSW Timber said: “The Panel should be commended for its thorough, professional and inclusive approach to what was a challenging task.
“We particularly welcome the Panel’s recognition of the importance of the sector in helping deliver multipurpose forests for all, whilst at the same time contributing significantly to the green economy.
“The Forestry Commission England has a vital role to play in the continued success of the UK forest products sector and we are glad that it has been strongly recommended that the public forest estate will remain intact – but with a more sustainable management structure.
“The key recommendation for us is the expansion of England’s woodlands from 10 per cent to 15 per cent by 2060 to support the future viability of the timber sector.
More than GBP 1.6 billion has been invested in sawmills, paper and board mills over the last 15 years, with a further GBP 2 billion earmarked for the next 15 years, safeguarding existing jobs and creating more jobs. This investment has been built on the basis of sustainable and long-term supply. The full benefit of this will only be realised from the growth and active management of all woodlands.”
