The England Woodland and Timber Partnership has been launched out of the former England Forest Industries Partnership (EFIP) to provide a new voice on issues involving trees, woodland, forestry and the use of timber.
The new organisation was set up after an evaluation of the EFIP by the Forestry Commission and is intended to encompass a broader range of stakeholders, including NGOs, industry associations and government representatives.
David Sulman, executive director of the UK Forest Products Association, said: “The inaugural meeting demonstrated a high degree of agreement on a number of important issues, such as the need for more tree cover in England, increased focus on commercial timber crops and increased use of domestically produced wood products. The ability of the sector to speak and act as one on key matters is very important.”
Justin Mumford, of independent consultant Lockhart Garratt, is vice-chairman of the Partnership. “The forestry industry in England is at a crossroads. There are huge opportunities to make a really positive contribution to the low carbon economy,” he said.
Partnership chairman Simon Hodgson, CEO of the Forestry Commission, said: “Our central purpose is to be a forum for constructive dialogue across the sector with the aim of building consensus as to how forestry is successful and sustainable.”
