Recommendations & Conclusions
43 items
1
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
There are currently multiple overlapping strategies which purport to articulate the UK Government’s ambitions, actions, and objectives for woodland creation. Stakeholders are concerned that it is unclear how the Government’s policy objectives for forestry and the timber sector align with its land use and decarbonisation policies. Furthermore, it is not …
Government response. The government stated that its England Trees Action Plan provides a long-term vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, addressing concerns about clarity and long-term direction, and is working with industry on the National Wood Strategy.
2
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Although it has some references to the timber sector, the England Trees Action Plan, intended to be the ‘strategic framework’ for treescapes in England, did not comprehensively articulate a vision for timber production. It has not provided an adequate framework for the forestry sector.
Government response. The government reiterated that its England Trees Action Plan offers a generational vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, and is collaborating with industry on the sector-led National Wood Strategy.
3
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We therefore welcome Defra’s engagement with the forestry, timber and construction sectors in relation to the industry-led National Wood Strategy and through the Timber in Construction working group. It is important that the proposed Timber in Construction Roadmap is published as soon as possible and provides clarity on how the …
Government response. The government committed to publishing the Timber in Construction Roadmap later in 2023, noting good progress and ongoing engagement with industry to increase domestic timber supply and use.
4
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
To give the sector greater clarity, we recommend that future strategies for forestry should be fully integrated so as to establish a clear and holistic long-term vision for all woodland creation types. The Government should clearly set out how forestry in England will contribute to the delivery of its policy …
Government response. The government stated its existing England Trees Action Plan provides a generational vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, claiming these already establish a clear and holistic long-term vision for forestry.
5
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We further recommend that the Timber in Construction roadmap should be closely related to, and developed in conjunction with, the Government’s vision for the forestry sector as a whole. As we recommended in our recent report, Building to net zero: costing carbon in construction, this roadmap must address the afforestation …
Government response. The government is developing the Timber in Construction Roadmap in conjunction with stakeholders, aiming to balance wood production with diversified supply chains and broader forest policy objectives for nature recovery and net zero.
6
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Tree planting and woodland creation are vital for delivering many of the Government’s environmental targets and commitments, as well as providing a domestic source of timber. We therefore support the tree planting targets set by the UK Government and welcome the commitments to increase woodland cover in England made in …
Government response. The government agreed with the committee's observation, detailing over £675 million in funding, legislative targets, and achieving the highest tree planting rate in England in nearly a decade.
7
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We are concerned about the current rate of tree planting. In 2022–23, tree planting rates across the UK were at similar levels to the previous four years and remained below half the rate required to meet the overall target of 30,000 hectares per year by March 2025. At this rate …
Government response. The government responded to concerns about tree planting rates by highlighting a significant increase in England's planting in 22/23, the highest in a decade, and a strong pipeline, stating it considers this positive progress towards targets.
13
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
The private sector is concerned about the implications of delays to Forestry England restocking on future timber supply. Forestry England is responsible for a significant proportion of domestic timber production and should be appropriately resourced to carry out timely restocking.
Government response. The government acknowledged concerns about restocking delays, stating Forestry England regularly restocks and allocates resources through business planning. Additionally, it is investing £11 million to modernise seed and sapling facilities to improve production and prevent future delays in restocking.
14
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
In addition to planting new woodland where possible and using good forestry practice to do so, we recommend that Ministers ensure that Forestry England has sufficient resources to restock cleared forest areas as soon as possible, to ensure that Forestry England at least maintains its contribution to future timber supply.
Government response. The government accepted the recommendation, stating that Forestry England's business planning already allocates resources for restocking and that an £11 million investment is being made to modernise seed and sapling facilities to prevent delays and ensure resilient planting stock.
17
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Public annual reporting on progress towards the Greening Government Commitments apparently ceased in 2019–20. We recommend that annual reporting of this nature should be re-established as soon as possible, to give assurance to Parliament and the public that the Government is contributing to nature recovery to the fullest extent possible.
Government response. The government accepted the recommendation, stating that the Greening Government Commitments reporting cycle was delayed due to the pandemic but confirmed the 2020-21 report was published in April 2023 and the 2021-22 report is scheduled for later this calendar year.
18
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
The Government is relying on third parties to plant the lion’s share of the trees required to meet its tree planting targets and thus deliver timber production as well as a suite of climate and environmental objectives. It is therefore crucial that the Government is clear on what it requires …
Government response. The government stated that the England Woodland Creation Offer's ambition already includes commercial forestry and timber production, and they have run campaigns focusing on the economic aspects of woodland creation to communicate its benefits to prospective planters.
19
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We recommend that in all its forestry and timber strategies the Government must ensure that it is clear to private landowners and the commercial forestry sector that grant schemes are intended to support planting for domestic timber production through the establishment of mixed woodlands planted to the UK Forestry Standard, …
Government response. The government stated that the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) already aims to encourage commercial forestry and timber production, and they have conducted campaigns to clearly communicate that grant schemes support planting for domestic timber production in mixed woodlands.
20
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
To realise the benefits of tree planting, and to avoid detrimental outcomes, it is essential that the ‘right tree in the right place’ principle is followed. The ‘presumption to plant’ principle being developed by the Forestry Commission could be a useful tool to enable ecologically sensitive tree planting and faster …
Government response. The government has already published initial maps for woodland creation constraints and is actively developing updated versions with Natural England, planning to publish them in autumn 2023 to support forestry regulation under the 'presumption to plant' principle.
22
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
For transparency, we recommend that the Forestry Commission publish a summary of the analysis underpinning the ‘presumption to plant’ system when details of how the system will work are announced. (Paragraph 97) 78 Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber sectors to biodiversity and …
Government response. The government has already published an initial report detailing the datasets used for the 'presumption to plant' maps and plans to publish updated maps and a short report in autumn 2023, outlining their use for regulating forestry proposals.
23
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Against a backdrop of increasing demand, the UK’s softwood timber production is set to peak in the late 2030s before falling back to current levels in the 2040s. Given the UK’s heavy reliance on timber imports and the potential negative impacts that increased UK and global demand could have on …
Government response. The government agrees with the importance of increasing domestic timber production and highlights its England Trees Action Plan and statutory tree and woodland target to achieve 16.5% cover by 2050, which aims to stimulate increased planting of both hard and …
27
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Planting more conifer trees is needed if domestic softwood production levels are to be maintained or increased. However, a policy to grow productive woodlands to achieve future timber supply and other benefits for nature and climate, are dependent on forests surviving in the medium to long term. Such policies should …
Government response. The government accepts the need for policies prioritising species diversity and resilience, stating it encourages mixed woodlands and implements measures like the Seed Sourcing Grant, Tree Production Innovation Fund, and Tree Health Resilience Strategy to ensure trees are resilient to …
28
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
New or restocked woodlands planted to the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) will have lower yields of timber per area. The planting of predominantly broadleaf species in recent decades has reduced the future availability of softwood timber. To ensure the continued availability of softwoods from productive forestry, it is evident that …
Government response. The government accepts the need to increase conifer planting without sacrificing broadleaf species, stating that its statutory woodland cover target will stimulate planting of both hard and softwoods, and that it aims to encourage mixed woodlands for diverse purposes.
29
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
Given the different advantages of different woodland types and species mixes for biodiversity, carbon storage and timber production, to ensure that the benefits of the nation’s woodlands are fully realised, the total area of woodland managed to the UKFS must be increased. Significantly expanding the UK’s woodland cover is necessary …
Government response. The government accepts the need to increase woodland cover and manage it effectively, citing its statutory target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to at least 16.5% by 2050, which aims to stimulate diverse and resilient woodland creation for …
37
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
To support the Government’s commitments, we reiterate the recommendation made in chapter 1 that the Timber in Construction roadmap be published as soon as possible. The roadmap must comprehensively address the afforestation commitments made in the England Trees Action Plan and the need for timber construction products.
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation, stating that good progress has been made on the Timber in Construction Roadmap, which they intend to publish later in 2023. They confirm the roadmap will consider actions to increase domestic timber supply and involves …
39
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
The Timber in Construction roadmap should consider how Government can incentivise changes in practice to allow the safe use of domestically grown timber in construction, including through the use of innovative engineered timber products.
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation, stating that during the development of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, they have already explored options to incentivise low carbon construction, including the safe use of domestically grown timber and innovative engineered timber products. They …
41
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We recommend that, as part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, the Government consider how the future UK market can be served by a greater proportion of domestically grown hardwoods (for example, through engineered timber products).
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation and is considering the potential for homegrown hardwoods within the Timber in Construction Roadmap, including promoting woodland management, pest control, and working with industry on tree breeding.
46
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
We echo and endorse the recommendation of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, in its recent report on Decarbonisation of the power sector, that the full lifecycle emissions from BECCS facilities in the UK should be made carbon neutral within a timeframe compatible with the UK’s climate targets.
Government response. The government commits to developing a BECCS policy ensuring net-negative emissions based on full lifecycle assessment, outlining principles for deployment and confirming criteria for robust negative emissions.
47
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the …
Accepted
As demand for biomass feedstock grows globally, sourcing more biomass domestically could increase the security of UK biomass supply. Provided that overharvesting is avoided, bringing a higher proportion of existing forests into active management could provide a source of woody biomass for bioenergy in the UK with added benefits for …
Government response. The government agrees with the committee that increasing domestic woody biomass supply from actively managed forests offers opportunities and benefits for biodiversity and resilience, and highlights existing Countryside Stewardship grants and Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds that support this.
1
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Significant action is required to reduce the impact on deforestation of the UK’s consumption of agricultural products. While the UK is the 15th largest contributor to tropical deforestation in global terms, the intensity of UK consumption (measured in footprint per tonne of product consumed) is higher than that of China. …
Government response. The government states it has already taken significant action through initiatives like the Global Resource Initiative Taskforce and incorporated recommendations into the Environment Act 2021. It also highlights ongoing work by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to monitor the global …
3
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
We reiterate the recommendation we made in our September 2021 report on The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity, which reflects that of the Global Resource Initiative Taskforce, that the UK Government should commence the process of setting an environmental footprint target with the aim of reducing the UK’s global environmental …
Government response. The government describes its existing Forest Risk Commodities scheme, support for the UK Soy Manifesto, the UK Sustainable Commodities Initiative (UK SCI), and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) as initiatives already in place or coming into force to …
9
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Given the scale of government purchasing power, both centrally and across the wider public sector, the UK Government has an opportunity, and a responsibility, to drive best practice and to demand the use of sustainably sourced products.
Government response. The government states that the Environment Act will require large organisations using forest risk commodities to ensure compliance with local land laws, and commits to publishing a review of the Forest Risk Commodity scheme two years after it comes into …
14
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Current UK regulation is not sufficient when it comes to limiting non-sustainable deforestation. It relies too heavily on the laws in exporting countries and an assumption that that these laws will incorporate adequate provision for sustainability: as currently drafted the Regulations take control of the UK’s impact on sustainable timber …
Government response. The government commits to publishing guidance on the application of the Schedule 17 regime for the financial sector when secondary legislation is laid, and HM Treasury will conduct a review to assess the regulation of illegal deforestation financing.
20
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
To be effective, the Government’s proposed approach requires the UK to work in partnership with producer countries and to reinforce (and in some cases, strengthen) their legal and policy provisions to counter deforestation. We therefore recommend that the proposed demand-side due diligence system is complemented by Government initiatives to support …
Government response. The government stated it shares responsibility for IPLC Forest Tenure Pledge commitments and detailed numerous existing UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes that support IPLCs, strengthen tenure rights, and build capacity in producer countries, including future scoping missions and support …
23
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
A due diligence system is likely to require companies to comply with any human rights requirement included in local land use or land ownership laws. We observe that the legal status of customary land tenure rights of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) varies between nations. Unless customary tenure rights …
Government response. The government recognises the importance of safeguarding customary tenure rights and explains that its due diligence legislation applies where these rights are protected by national laws. It details several FCDO programmes (Land Facility, Land Enhancing Governance for Economic Development) working …
28
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Information and data availability is one of the greatest challenges for financial institutions with regards to allowing them to assess and reduce their deforestation risk. We therefore welcome the Government’s championing of the work of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. We observe that making nature-related disclosures mandatory would not …
Government response. The government commits to publishing guidance on the application of the Schedule 17 due diligence regime to the financial sector and to conducting a review of financial regulation concerning the financing of illegal deforestation.
31
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
The UK Government has played a significant role in brokering agreements to reverse deforestation and has been influential in increasing the profile of nature at climate COPs. For the first time, many nations and significant private sector institutions have committed to action on deforestation: substantial financial commitments on deforestation have …
Government response. The government details its ongoing commitment to invest at least £1.5 billion in UK International Climate Finance for forest protection, confirming it is on track to deliver this pledge. It also highlights new funding announced at COP28, including significant support …
33
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
It is encouraging to see the commitments made at COP26, COP27 and COP28 on deforestation which were accompanied by major funding commitments. Past commitments to mobilise finance for climate adaptation have not yet been fulfilled and commitments to restore nature remain relatively underfunded. In order to meet the commitments of …
Government response. The government reiterates its commitment to invest at least £1.5 billion in UK International Climate Finance for forest protection, outlining progress towards this target and detailing new funding announcements from COP28. This demonstrates its efforts to mobilise promised funding.
34
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Whilst the Committee welcomes recent funding announcements to tackle deforestation, it is unclear whether these are in addition to the £1.5 billion previously committed to in the Global Forest Finance Pledge.
Government response. The government clarified that it remains committed to the £1.5 billion pledge, and announced £576 million in new forests programming at COP28, with £466 million of this committed for support beyond the current ICF3 period, including a £35 million uplift …
35
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
The UK Government should lead by example. We therefore welcome the recent confirmation that the UK is to maintain its flagship £11.6bn climate and nature funding pledge. The UK cannot step off the global stage in relation to its climate, nature and deforestation commitments. The Government should make it clear …
Government response. The government confirms it is on track to deliver its £1.5 billion forest funding pledge, detailing £345 million spent in 2021-23 and announcing £576 million in new programming at COP28. It also states its commitment to transparency, publishing annual progress …
36
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
It is encouraging to see the IPLC donor pledge supporting the principle of the advancement of Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ forest tenure rights and rewards their role as guardians of forests and nature. However, extremely little funding pledged for nature has previously supported IPLC tenure rights, and even less …
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's observation and is actively addressing the issue of direct funding for IPLCs. It details new ODA programmes that strengthen IPLC governance, including channeling £9m through the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility for direct …
37
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
We welcome the commitment of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to fund capacity building initiatives for IPLC grassroots organisations. We recommend The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation 51 that, in order to ensure that this funding is used to maximum effect, Ministers ensure that the greatest possible proportion …
Government response. The government agrees with the recommendation to increase direct funding to IPLC organisations. It outlines current efforts and new initiatives, including channeling £9m through the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility to provide direct grants to IPLCs, and supporting capacity …
39
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
We recommend that the scope of the next phase of the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme should be kept under regular review to ensure that the most significant drivers of deforestation are included.
Government response. The government has accepted the recommendation, stating that the new 10-year forest governance programme, for which a business case is being developed, will adopt a phased approach to adapt to new threats and will have a broader remit to include …
40
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
We look forward to the publication of the report of the Government’s review of the effectiveness of FLEGT-VPA programme. The evidence we have received indicates that the experience of the FLEGT-VPA varies greatly depending on the country context.
Government response. The government confirms that the FLEGT Post Implementation Review (PIR), reflecting on VPA countries and country-specific factors, provides clear conclusions and recommendations, and will be published shortly on gov.uk.
42
Conclusion
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) are vital protectors of forests: but they themselves are victims of the negative effects of deforestation activity, which can include violence and deprivation of livelihoods. Ensuring the full and meaningful participation of IPLCs in negotiations to address deforestation activity is therefore crucial: it is …
Government response. The government confirms its recognition of the crucial role of IPLCs and outlines extensive ongoing efforts through various ODA programmes to improve IPLC tenure rights and ensure their participation in global and national negotiations, including establishing dedicated platforms like the …
43
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Security of tenure rights for IPLCs is essential to measures to address deforestation. The UK Government can make a significant contribution to ensuring security of tenure. We recommend that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Government response. The government highlights several existing UK ODA programmes and contributions to international funds that focus on improving IPLC tenure rights and forest security, and mentions a recent scoping mission to inform future work.
44
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
We recommend that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continue to address measures to improve tenure rights through its development programming. Ministers must ensure that IPLCs are supported in the protection and restoration of forests: one means of achieving this objective is by promoting the inclusion of IPLC representatives in …
Government response. The government details current UK ODA programmes and contributions that aim to improve IPLC tenure rights and forest security, and highlights ongoing efforts to promote IPLC inclusion in global negotiations, such as through the FCLP platform and UNFCCC processes.
45
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
For the UK Government to make good on its declared intention to put environmental sustainability measures at the heart of global production and trade, Ministers must ensure that biodiversity considerations are more consistently incorporated into its trade agreements and operations. (Paragraph 168) 52 The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of working with partners, including through trade negotiations, and states it will continue to uphold high environmental standards in all trade agreements. It is working to secure provisions supporting environmental protection and aims to use …
46
Recommendation
Fourth Report - The UK's contribution t…
Accepted
Ending commodity-driven deforestation requires decisive action by all major consumers. While the UK and EU markets represent a relatively high proportion of global consumption of some forest risk commodities, such as cocoa and coffee, they account for a relatively small proportion of others, including soy and palm oil, compared to …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of working with international partners and explains its approach through trade negotiations to uphold environmental standards and address deforestation. It also highlights its leadership in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration and the Forest, Agriculture and Commodity …