Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 47
47
Accepted
Paragraph: 228
Increased domestic biomass sourcing enhances UK supply security and offers biodiversity benefits
Conclusion
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 biodiversity and resilience.
Government Response Summary
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.
Paragraph Reference:
228
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We agree with the Committee that there are opportunities for increasing the supply of woody biomass from domestic sources by bringing a higher proportion of existing forests into active management. This would have the added advantage of improving habitat quality and enhancing the resilience of woodlands to climate change as long as the biomass sustainability criteria are met. However, the biomass resource from existing woodlands is finite and may be insufficient to meet future demand. Presently around 42% of our woodlands are not actively managed. Unmanaged woodlands can have an adverse effect on wildlife and resilience. Bringing a higher proportion of forests into active management will support climate and biodiversity commitments. We want to encourage woodland managers to improve the ecological condition, resilience, carbon sequestration potential, biodiversity and connectivity of woodlands encouraging a more diverse age structure and species mix via management. We are already helping more owners manage more woodlands by providing Countryside Stewardship woodland management planning grants, infrastructure grants and woodland improvement grants. The Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds are part of government’s Nature for Climate Fund, aim to encourage and broaden innovation in forestry. The second round closed in May 2022 and included Routes to Market for Ash Timber Innovation Fund, Temporary Infrastructure Innovation Fund, Regional Woodland Restoration Innovation Funds and the Timber in Construction Innovation Fund. These funds are aimed at forestry businesses and conservation organisations to help owners better manage their existing woodlands.