Welsh timber stocks under pressure

The Welsh forestry sector is undersupplied and the situation is likely to get worse, according to John Flack, managing director of roundwood harvesting merchant SJS Consultants Ltd.

Existing forest resources have not been properly replaced in Wales over the last 20 years said Mr Flack, either left cut or replaced with hardwoods.

This, he said, would see the available stock of species such as Sitka spruce dwindle and undermine supplies.

“It will have a big impact in the next 20 years as we end up with a shortage,” said Mr Flack. “We’re seriously undersupplied now and I don’t see it changing.”

Mr Flack made his comments as the UK Forest Products Association (UKFPA) warned consultation on revision of the Welsh Assembly’s Woodlands for Wales initiative, which closes on October 14, is in danger of overlooking the economic benefits of forestry for social and environmental matters.

“The challenge of climate change provides valuable opportunities to make more of the unique attributes of trees, woods, forests and forest products, but we must have the right crop to enable industry to produce products which meet the needs of the market,” said UKFPA executive director David Sulman.

Forestry Commission Wales, which is managing the consultation, said the paper “gives a clear recognition” of the importance of forest resources in sustainable development.

“The consultation paper highlights the role of woodland management and quality timber production as climate change mitigation strategies, especially in relation to substitution of less carbon friendly products with wood products,” said a spokesperson.