The organisation has highlighted 14 new tree pests/diseases that have arrived in the UK in the last 16 years and wants industry views on the guidance requried to inform future planting/replanting decisions.

Confor admits that considering planting other species will raise questions, but maintained that the disease/pest threat was already forcing foresters to consider going down this route.

A Confor survey last year showed woodland owners and managers were planting less larch and pine but Douglas fir and western red cedar were increasing, along with some other minor species.

Discussions will be held during Confor regional spring meetings in England.

“It is vital that we tackle this subject holistically, wth knowledge not only of likely alternative species and their viability, both hardwood and softwood, but also their timber qualities and possible future demands,” said Caroline Harrison, Confor’s lead on plant health.