The Government is reluctant to set clear targets for the
different types of woodland needed for the growing demands on UK
forests ahead of net zero, MPs have been told.
The Environmental Audit Committee has today published the
Government’s response to its report examining the sustainability
of timber production. Within the report, EAC expressed concern
that the Government’s ambitious tree planting target for the UK
was significantly off track, and that the private sector has no
clear path for how it can best contribute to sustainable woodland
creation.
As a result of the number of different policies and schemes, EAC
recommended that the Government’s overall tree planting targets
be divided into clear sub-categories for the types of woodland
needed: be that native broadleaves that offer ideal habitats for
nature, or conifers to supply softwood for timber use. Ministers
consider that this would restrict the ability to be flexible to
future policy priorities for woodland.
The Government has also rejected EAC’s recommendation for a
target to be set for the amount of timber to be produced
domestically, which could have again offered greater clarity to
the private sector over their own tree planting efforts.
MPs were pleased to learn of the investment to Forestry England’s
seed and sapling facilities for restocking felled trees, and of
the Government’s commitment to encouraging the use of a greater
amount of domestically grown hardwoods to be used in
construction.
EAC welcomes the Government’s ‘Timber in construction’ roadmap
published earlier this week that sets out ambitions to reduce the
emissions of the built environment by making better use of timber
buildings. But it is critical that a domestic supply chain is
fully supported and that the UK is not increasing its timber
imports.
Environmental Audit Committee Chair, Rt Hon MP, said:
“With the deadline to meet net zero around the corner and a
nature crisis upon us, it is clear there are competing demands on
our precious woodland. The Government needs to balance nature and
habitat protection, carbon sequestration, using more timber in
construction which will be more in demand following this week’s
publication of the Government’s ‘Timber in construction roadmap’,
and potentially increasing the use of wood pellets for energy
generation.
“The Government’s response to the Committee’s report does not
address these competing demands with the urgency and focus the
Committee has demanded. Some of its responses are positive, such
as the Government’s ongoing commitment to engagement with
stakeholders and its investment in Forestry England’s efforts to
restock felled trees.
“Many of the Committee’s concerns in its report published in July
2023 centred upon the disappointing progress made to date in
meeting the Government’s tree planting targets. The Government
response suggests implementation will be assessed in 2028 to see
whether it is on track to deliver its tree planting ambitions in
England. Without sufficient planting now, the Government’s plans
for the future expansion of woodland will be wasted.
“Overarching targets and ongoing engagement are useful: but the
time for clear and decisive policy action is now.”
