A high-ranking UK industry delegation has braved arctic conditions to gain fresh insight into the Finnish forestry sector.

Representatives of the Timber Trade Federation, the Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor), UK Timber Frame Association, UPM and Defra, took part in the four-day trip to southern Finland and Lapland to learn about sustainability, infrastructure, wood imports and the environment.

They also heard from key stakeholders in Lapland, including the Sami Parliament’s president and WWF Finland, about the continuing dispute concernring old-growth logging in the region.

TTF chief executive John White said: “TTF members are acutely aware of the impact perceived controversy can have on the reputation of wood in the UK market. This visit has given us an opportunity to explore the issues first hand.”

ConFor chief executive David Crichton said: “We were hugely impressed by the efforts that both the state and private forestry sectors make to work with the government, communities and NGOs to articulate the market benefits and sustainability credentials of wood.”

The delegation also learnt more about the Finnish Forest Certification Scheme, which is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes, and the use of satellite technology to improve harvesting.