UK softwood log production reached 8.2 million green tonnes in 2008, according to the latest statistics released by the Forestry Commission.
Forestry Statistics 2009 also says hardwood log production delivered to wood processors reached 400,000 green tonnes.
Wood product imports were worth £6.3bn and comprised 11 million m³ of sawn timber, panels and other wood products, plus nine million tonnes of pulp and paper.
The UK’s total woodland area now stands at 2.8 million ha, of which 1.3 million ha is independently certified as sustainably managed. Some 6,000ha of new woodland were created in 2008-09.
The Forestry Commission’s net expenditure on public forests totalled £59m during the year, while a further £91m was spent on other activities, including grants, administration and research.
For a full breakdown on the statistics visit www.forestry.gov.uk/statistics
