Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Accepted
Increased conifer planting is essential for softwood availability, balancing broadleaf species for biodiversity.
Conclusion
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 rates of conifer planting compliant with UKFS ought to increase. But increased planting of conifers ought not to be undertaken at the expense of native broadleaf species, given the clear importance of the latter for biodiversity levels. (Paragraph 151) Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber sectors to biodiversity and net zero goals 79
Government Response Summary
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.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government agrees that the forestry and timber sectors will be crucial nature-based solutions as we work towards Net Zero and reverse the decline in biodiversity. The Government’s England Trees Action Plan (ETAP) sets out our vision for a thriving forest economy which contributes to the local economy of rural communities whilst also meeting our national objectives on climate and nature. We have legislated for a statutory tree and woodland target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover of England to at least 16.5% by 2050, equating to 250,000 hectares of trees. The Government acknowledges the Committee’s call to plant more conifer and we recognise that some stakeholders are calling for the same. Our new statutory woodland cover target will stimulate increased tree planting of both hard and softwoods and we are improving regulatory processes to make tree planting easier while retaining strong environmental and biosecurity safeguards. Commercial conifer planting is an important part of our overall planting, and we need all types of planting to meet our woodland cover target. We want to encourage mixed woodlands that serve a variety of environmental, productive and amenity purposes. We are making sure our trees are resilient to climate change through the Seed Sourcing Grant and Tree Production Innovation Fund and actions under the Tree Health Resilience Strategy.