From climate change to supporting jobs and employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, UK forestry provides vital social, economic and environmental benefits to both society and local communities.
Biomass is the part of the tree remaining after the timber process (eg what is left after the high quality lumber is used in construction, furniture making and housing) or is the residue left from sawmilling. It is crucial to sustainable forestry and positively supports a rural circular economy; new woodland creation and good management practices boost UK wood pellet production which creates much needed green jobs for local communities and the biomass heat sector whilst reducing CO2 emissions through renewable energy.
The importance of modern forestry and wood production in sequestering carbon and tackling the climate emergency is well known. The Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor) released an in-depth report which examined the biodiversity benefits of modern forestry and wood production showing the role they can both play in slowing and reversing the ‘nature emergency’:
‘Working forests’ and home-grown wood production sequesters carbon, provides the raw material for green jobs and low-carbon manufacturing, and could reduce the UK’s reliance on imported timber.
The knowledge, tools and framework to deliver sustainable wood production and biodiversity benefits simultaneously already exist. Yet multiple barriers to woodland creation and sustainable management remain, resulting in missed opportunities to develop production and provide the renewable materials our economy needs in ways that enrich nature.
These opportunities must be seized.
