The study, jointly commissioned by the Confederation of Forest Industries and the Forestry Commission, also shows that 167,000 people are directly employed in growing, harvesting and processing trees across the UK.
ConFor chief executive David Crichton said the report showed that the forest products industry is a “national asset”.
“It is modern, dynamic and makes a significant contribution to the economy in generating wealth and creating jobs,” he said.
The Forestry Commission’s chief economist Eric McRory also welcomed the report. “It shows that the UK’s forest industries are as good as any in the world.”
The document estimates 59,000 new jobs will flow from the growth of the biomass sector – 16,723 in the forestry sector and 42,000 in downstream industries.
Other important benefits, including leisure activities, education and improved health, also grow out of Britain’s 2.74 million ha of woodlands and forests, contributing just over £1bn to the economy.
“The report also confirms the sector is capable of making a powerful impact on the necessary efforts to combat climate change highlighted in the recent Stern Review,” said Mr Crichton.
