Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 121
Determine proportion of new woodland creation targets contributing directly to domestic timber production.
Recommendation
In tandem with this target, and in line with our earlier recommendations, we recommend that the Government determine the proportion of new woodland to be established under current targets which is to contribute to timber production.
Government Response Summary
The government commits to increasing both productive conifer and broadleaf planting and is working with stakeholders to understand how to promote this, including supporting woodland management through innovation funds and researching tree breeding programmes, but does not explicitly commit to determining a specific proportion of new woodland for timber production.
Paragraph Reference:
121
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
We are committed to increasing both productive conifer and productive broadleaf planting. We are working with stakeholders to better understand how Government and Industry can increase and promote productive planting. UK hardwood availability will be dependent on increasing rates of woodland management in predominantly broadleaf/amenity forests. We are supporting more woods into management through our Woods into Management Innovation Funds where we have awarded £7.6 million to date. We are also considering the potential for tree breeding programmes to encourage untapped species such as beech and sweet chestnut into timber supply chains as an innovative additional resource, as well as research into emerging species.