Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 48
48
Not Addressed
Conduct impact assessment of active forest management on UK climate and biodiversity commitments
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government conduct an impact assessment of the effects on the delivery the UK’s climate and biodiversity commitments of bringing a higher proportion of existing forests into active management. (Paragraph 229) 82 Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber sectors to biodiversity and net zero goals
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the benefits of active forest management for domestic biomass supply and highlights existing grant schemes, but does not address the recommendation to conduct an impact assessment of its effects on climate and biodiversity commitments.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
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.