Working to protect a national treasure

The government’s decision earlier this year to create an Independent Panel on Forestry was seen by some on the opposition benches as a policy U-turn – claiming ministers had underestimated the strength of public opinion.

But many of us working in the UK timber industry instead prefer to see it as a welcome opportunity to have an important dialogue with policymakers about one of our national treasures.

Media coverage surrounding the proposed selling-off of our forestry assets centred on the loss of woodland amenity enjoyed by ramblers, bird watchers and families. But when the panel visited Kielder Forest in Northumberland a week or so ago, the important message we tried to get across was the economic benefit that comes from sustainably-grown, well-managed forests.

Four of the biggest names in the UK timber industry – sawmillers BSW Timber and James Jones & Sons, paper manufacturer Iggesund, and chipboard manufacturer Egger – worked together to present the collective views of our industry to the panel. I’m delighted at the reception our presentation seemed to receive, and the determination of the members to take all arguments on board.

The Forestry Panel wants to draw on the widest range of experience, knowledge and interests within the sector. As Kielder is at the heart of England’s forestry industry, this was the perfect opportunity to ensure commercial interests are considered.

But we are just part of the UK’s internationally competitive and vibrant forest products sector – which is a substantial contributor to the nation’s economic well-being. Recent research shows the industry provides £7.2bn to the UK economy each year and employs more than 170,000 people, with the majority in jobs-starved rural areas.

Over the past 15 years £1.6bn has been invested in the UK timber industry and, by doubling sawn-softwood market share over a similar period, the sector has reduced imports by £1bn per year.

We have demonstrated resilience and innovation. We have demonstrated ambition and passion for our sector and we continue with our plans to invest and grow the industry – in the face of the potential raw material shortages many experts are predicting.

But, if our contribution to UK manufacturing and the economy is to continue, we need enlightened forest owners such as the Forestry Commission – who recognise that actively-managed woodlands generate income from timber sales which allows better access and diversity.

Uncertainty of supply can be damaging to confidence throughout the industry and our downstream customers. We need to create new woodlands to deliver timber in the future, and we need to restock with trees that will sustain, not reduce, future feedstock.

What we all want is that certainty of supply long term. It’s been the major factor behind continued investment into the sector. If it were to come under threat now, future investment would be at risk.