The Forestry Commission (FC) says that its Woodfuel Implementation Plan could release 2 million m³ of untapped timber annually from unmanaged English woodland.
Unveiling the project at the Ignition11 show in Manchester today, FC chair Pam Warhurst said that the target could be achieved in eight years, providing woodfuel to heat schools, flats, and businesses. It would add up to a business worth £1bn “gross value” and create up to 15,000 jobs.
She described the plan as “win win”.
“Sustainably-grown and locally-used woodfuel is good for rural businesses, improves woodland health and wildlife and cuts climate change,” she said. “According to our figures, about half the woodland in England is undermanaged. This means there is at least two million tonnes a year that could be used for woodfuel. This could supply enough energy to heat the equivalent of 800 hospitals, or 3,000 schools and save 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually – equivalent to the emissions from using 120 million barrels of oil.”
Following the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive, a new £10m grant scheme will help owners “harvest fuel and other wood products economically”, said Ms Warhurst
