A new UK forests report which suggests increased tree planting, including possible use of non-native fast-growing species such as poplar, has been given a warm welcome by forest product groups.
The Combating Climate Change – A Role for UK forests study led by Sir David Read, believed to be the first study of its type in the world, says extra forest planting on 4% (23,000ha) of the landbase over the next 40 years could lock up 10% of the country’s predicted greenhouse gas emissions by the 2050s.
Fast-growing poplar and willow are among species suggested for planting in the South of England due to their optimum carbon value.
Stuart Goodall, chief executive of the Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor) asked environment minister Hilary Benn at the report’s launch if there was a political will to put any of the recommendations into practice.
Mr Goodall suggested several measures to promote greater use of wood to lock up carbon, including varying VAT rates, carbon labelling, or even legislation similar to France which ensures a minimum level of timber is used in construction.
ConFor is putting together a working group to identify ways of delivering the report’s recommendations.
Meanwhile, the UK Forest Products Association (UKFPA) said the report laid down an important marker for the government and successive governments to demonstrate their commitment by encouraging forest planting.
UKTFA president Tony Mitchell called for a renewed focus on commercial conifer crops.
(For more on this story see the next issue of TTJ)
