Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Rejected
Paragraph: 120
Set realistic long-term target for domestically produced timber, informed by comprehensive land use analysis.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government set a realistic long-term target for the amount of timber to be produced domestically. This target should be informed by: • the analysis being undertaken to produce Defra’s Land Use Framework; • a comprehensive analysis of the commercial species which need to be planted, and over what area, and • the context of the global timber market, including a realistic assessment of the level of imports still required to meet both the quality and quantity requirements of the UK market.
Government Response Summary
The government has rejected setting a specific long-term domestic timber production target, citing challenges due to market factors, but notes its existing woodland cover target. It is, however, working with industry on forecasting, a Timber in Construction Roadmap, and identifying priority species for breeding.
Paragraph Reference:
120
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Government’s statutory tree and woodland cover target sets out our intentions for woodland creation in England until 2050. Setting a specific domestic target for timber production beyond this would be challenging, as rates of harvesting are dependent on a wide range of factors such as changes in global timber markets. However, Forest Research produce a 25-year forecast of UK softwood availability and a 50-year forecast of hardwood availability. We are working with industry as part of developing the Timber in Construction Roadmap and sector-led National Wood Strategy to understand how we can develop these forecasts further to better support the use of timber in construction and additionally, the ongoing demand for imports. We are also working with industry to identify priority commercial soft and hardwood species for tree breeding and improvement programmes. This research will support a wider range of domestic soft and hard woods to meet anticipated increases in demand.