Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber sectors to biodiversity and net zero goals
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 637
Published 19 July 2023
Recommendations
4
Accepted
Para 39
Integrate future forestry strategies to establish a clear long-term vision for woodland creation.
Recommendation
To give the sector greater clarity, we recommend that future strategies for forestry should be fully integrated so as to establish a clear and holistic long-term vision for all woodland creation types. The Government should clearly set out how forestry …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated its existing England Trees Action Plan provides a generational vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, claiming these already establish a clear and holistic long-term vision for forestry.
5
Accepted
Para 40
Develop Timber in Construction roadmap with forestry vision, addressing afforestation and future timber supply.
Recommendation
We further recommend that the Timber in Construction roadmap should be closely related to, and developed in conjunction with, the Government’s vision for the forestry sector as a whole. As we recommended in our recent report, Building to net zero: …
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Government Response Summary
The government is developing the Timber in Construction Roadmap in conjunction with stakeholders, aiming to balance wood production with diversified supply chains and broader forest policy objectives for nature recovery and net zero.
8
Accepted in Part
Para 51
Require Government to assess tree planting progress and accelerate future policy
Recommendation
We recommend that in its response to this report the Government provide an assessment of the progress of tree planting in (a) England and (b) the UK against the targets set by Ministers; set out its latest and most realistic …
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Government Response Summary
The government provided an assessment of England's tree planting progress and future projections but did not provide a specific numerical estimate for planting by March 2025 or detail new policies to accelerate the current rate.
10
Rejected
Divide overall tree planting targets into sub-categories for specific goals
Recommendation
In order to give the forestry sector greater clarity, we recommend that following the development of the Land Use Framework, the Government divide its overall tree planting targets into sub-categories for the types of woodland needed to achieve different goals. …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected dividing statutory tree planting targets into sub-categories, citing delivery confidence, but stated a 2028 review would provide an opportunity to reconsider non-statutory sub-targets. They affirmed using policy and incentives to encourage a range of woodland types.
12
Not Addressed
Para 64
Require Forestry England to publish a clear plan to meet woodland target
Recommendation
Decisive action and a clear delivery plan are required for Forestry England to meet its target of planting 2,000 hectares of new woodland by 2026. We recommend that a plan be prepared by the end of October 2023 and published …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated Forestry England is confident in meeting its woodland creation target and provided updated planting figures, but did not commit to preparing or publishing a specific delivery plan by October 2023 as recommended.
14
Accepted
Para 66
Ensure Forestry England has sufficient resources to promptly restock cleared forest areas
Recommendation
In addition to planting new woodland where possible and using good forestry practice to do so, we recommend that Ministers ensure that Forestry England has sufficient resources to restock cleared forest areas as soon as possible, to ensure that Forestry …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating that Forestry England's business planning already allocates resources for restocking and that an £11 million investment is being made to modernise seed and sapling facilities to prevent delays and ensure resilient planting stock.
16
Acknowledged
Para 71
Commission work to identify woodland creation opportunities on the Government estate
Recommendation
We recommend that Ministers commission work to identify opportunities for woodland creation on the Government estate, to advance nature recovery further and increase timber production.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the recommendation, stating it is currently considering how to better collate data and identify tree planting opportunities across the government estate and is in conversation with departments and No10 regarding the scope of this work.
17
Accepted
Para 72
Re-establish annual public reporting on progress towards Greening Government Commitments immediately.
Recommendation
Public annual reporting on progress towards the Greening Government Commitments apparently ceased in 2019–20. We recommend that annual reporting of this nature should be re-established as soon as possible, to give assurance to Parliament and the public that the Government …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating that the Greening Government Commitments reporting cycle was delayed due to the pandemic but confirmed the 2020-21 report was published in April 2023 and the 2021-22 report is scheduled for later this calendar year.
18
Accepted
Para 88
Communicate clearly that England Woodland Creation Offer supports commercially productive mixed woodlands and nature recovery.
Recommendation
The Government is relying on third parties to plant the lion’s share of the trees required to meet its tree planting targets and thus deliver timber production as well as a suite of climate and environmental objectives. It is therefore …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated that the England Woodland Creation Offer's ambition already includes commercial forestry and timber production, and they have run campaigns focusing on the economic aspects of woodland creation to communicate its benefits to prospective planters.
19
Accepted
Para 89
Ensure forestry strategies clearly communicate grant scheme support for domestic timber production to landowners.
Recommendation
We recommend that in all its forestry and timber strategies the Government must ensure that it is clear to private landowners and the commercial forestry sector that grant schemes are intended to support planting for domestic timber production through the …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated that the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) already aims to encourage commercial forestry and timber production, and they have conducted campaigns to clearly communicate that grant schemes support planting for domestic timber production in mixed woodlands.
22
Accepted
Publish summary of analysis underpinning the 'presumption to plant' system for transparency.
Recommendation
For transparency, we recommend that the Forestry Commission publish a summary of the analysis underpinning the ‘presumption to plant’ system when details of how the system will work are announced. (Paragraph 97) 78 Seeing the wood for the trees: the …
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Government Response Summary
The government has already published an initial report detailing the datasets used for the 'presumption to plant' maps and plans to publish updated maps and a short report in autumn 2023, outlining their use for regulating forestry proposals.
24
Rejected
Para 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 …
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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.
25
Accepted in Part
Para 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.
30
Acknowledged
Para 153
Ensure the revised UK Forestry Standard fully supports productive forestry compatible with climate and nature goals.
Recommendation
We recommend that the project board with oversight of the current quinquennial review of the UK Forestry Standard ensure that the revised Standard not only contributes to beneficial outcomes for biodiversity and carbon storage but also supports productive forestry to …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges that the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is already based on principles supporting productive forestry and biodiversity. The Forestry Commission will work with stakeholders and devolved administrations to ensure clarity and consistency regarding changes to the latest UKFS version.
33
Acknowledged
Para 164
Establish a programme for routine woodland monitoring to ensure UKFS adherence beyond establishment.
Recommendation
Given the importance of the UKFS in ensuring that forests are managed sustainably, we recommend that the Forestry Commission establish a programme for the routine monitoring of woodland to ensure that the standard is being adhered to beyond establishment, adopting …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for monitoring UKFS compliance beyond initial establishment, particularly for non-grant aided operations. The Forestry Commission intends to conduct periodic reviews of compliance and explore the future use of Earth Observation and remote sensing technology.
34
Not Addressed
Urgently review Forestry England's resources to ensure sufficient capacity for UKFS compliance.
Recommendation
We further recommend that the Forestry Commission urgently review the resources available to Forestry England so as to ensure that it has sufficient resources to ensure the compliance of woodlands with the UKFS. (Paragraph 166) 80 Seeing the wood for …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response highlights that Forestry England uses independent certification schemes that exceed UKFS requirements to demonstrate sustainable management, but it does not address the recommendation to urgently review resources available to Forestry England for UKFS compliance.
37
Accepted
Para 179
Publish the Timber in Construction roadmap addressing afforestation commitments and timber product needs.
Recommendation
To support the Government’s commitments, we reiterate the recommendation made in chapter 1 that the Timber in Construction roadmap be published as soon as possible. The roadmap must comprehensively address the afforestation commitments made in the England Trees Action Plan …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating that good progress has been made on the Timber in Construction Roadmap, which they intend to publish later in 2023. They confirm the roadmap will consider actions to increase domestic timber supply and involves engagement with industry.
41
Accepted
Para 188
Increase proportion of domestically grown hardwoods serving the UK market through engineered timber products.
Recommendation
We recommend that, as part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, the Government consider how the future UK market can be served by a greater proportion of domestically grown hardwoods (for example, through engineered timber products).
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation and is considering the potential for homegrown hardwoods within the Timber in Construction Roadmap, including promoting woodland management, pest control, and working with industry on tree breeding.
43
Accepted in Part
Para 217
Issue Biomass Strategy promptly, establishing risk-based approach for sustainable use and highest-risk feedstock quotas.
Recommendation
The Biomass Strategy, which was promised by the end of 2022, must now be issued as soon as possible. We recommend that the Strategy take a risk-based approach to ensuring the sustainability of biomass use, managing risks on a domestic …
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Government Response Summary
The government states the Biomass Strategy was published on August 10th and includes actions to strengthen sustainability criteria, covering GHG emissions, biodiversity, and feedstock origin, with a consultation planned for 2024. However, it does not explicitly commit to considering quotas or a moratorium.
44
Acknowledged
Para 218
Constrain UK power sector biomass use by sustainable feedstock supply, quantified in Biomass Strategy.
Recommendation
The amount of biomass used by the UK power sector should be constrained by the supply of low-carbon sustainable feedstocks, factoring in potential domestic supply and rising trends of bioenergy use globally. The Biomass Strategy should set out and quantify …
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Government Response Summary
The government states the Biomass Strategy acknowledges biomass as a limited resource and presents an assessment of its potential, while noting the complexity and uncertainty in predicting future sustainable supply and prioritising uses for negative emissions.
45
Accepted in Part
Para 219
Strengthen biomass governance framework, requiring sustainability criteria adherence and complete life-cycle carbon accounting.
Recommendation
The Government needs to manage risks associated with the sustainability of feedstock supply through its governance framework for biomass, which must be strengthened. Improvements should include: • All biomass used for large-scale power generation in the UK should be required …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees to strengthen its biomass governance framework, committing to requiring 100% proven sustainable woody biomass feedstock and developing a common GHG emissions calculation methodology, with a consultation planned for 2024. However, it does not explicitly commit to a thorough review of the subsidy regime.
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 …
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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.
50
Acknowledged
Para 231
Determine UK capacity for bioenergy feedstock from forest resources, modelling land-use trade-offs
Recommendation
In the forthcoming Biomass Strategy and Land Use Strategy the Government must determine the capacity of the UK to supply bioenergy feedstock from its forest resources—including forest residues, short rotation forestry and coppicing—analysing the risks of drawing upon these resources …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the need for sustainable upscaling and states an updated assessment of potential future biomass availability was published. They commit to exploring these issues in depth and further detail will be provided in the Land Use Framework.
51
Acknowledged
Collaborate Forestry Commission and Ofgem to develop sustainable bioenergy feedstock regulatory framework
Recommendation
We recommend that the Forestry Commission, as the Government’s experts on forestry, work with Ofgem to share best forestry practice. The objective of this collaboration ought to be to ensure that, should demand for domestic wood biomass in energy markets …
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Government Response Summary
The government clarifies that DESNZ is responsible for the regulatory framework, while Ofgem's role is administrative. They acknowledge the importance of collaboration and state DESNZ has already developed actions with the Forestry Commission for a consultation in 2024 to strengthen sustainability criteria.
Conclusions (27)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 36
There are currently multiple overlapping strategies which purport to articulate the UK Government’s ambitions, actions, and objectives for woodland creation. Stakeholders are concerned that it is unclear how the Government’s policy objectives for forestry and the timber sector align with its land use and decarbonisation policies. Furthermore, it is not …
Government Response Summary
The government stated that its England Trees Action Plan provides a long-term vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, addressing concerns about clarity and long-term direction, and is working with industry on the National Wood Strategy.
2
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 37
Although it has some references to the timber sector, the England Trees Action Plan, intended to be the ‘strategic framework’ for treescapes in England, did not comprehensively articulate a vision for timber production. It has not provided an adequate framework for the forestry sector.
Government Response Summary
The government reiterated that its England Trees Action Plan offers a generational vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, and is collaborating with industry on the sector-led National Wood Strategy.
3
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 38
We therefore welcome Defra’s engagement with the forestry, timber and construction sectors in relation to the industry-led National Wood Strategy and through the Timber in Construction working group. It is important that the proposed Timber in Construction Roadmap is published as soon as possible and provides clarity on how the …
Government Response Summary
The government committed to publishing the Timber in Construction Roadmap later in 2023, noting good progress and ongoing engagement with industry to increase domestic timber supply and use.
6
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 49
Tree planting and woodland creation are vital for delivering many of the Government’s environmental targets and commitments, as well as providing a domestic source of timber. We therefore support the tree planting targets set by the UK Government and welcome the commitments to increase woodland cover in England made in …
Government Response Summary
The government agreed with the committee's observation, detailing over £675 million in funding, legislative targets, and achieving the highest tree planting rate in England in nearly a decade.
7
Conclusion
Accepted
We are concerned about the current rate of tree planting. In 2022–23, tree planting rates across the UK were at similar levels to the previous four years and remained below half the rate required to meet the overall target of 30,000 hectares per year by March 2025. At this rate …
Government Response Summary
The government responded to concerns about tree planting rates by highlighting a significant increase in England's planting in 22/23, the highest in a decade, and a strong pipeline, stating it considers this positive progress towards targets.
9
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 52
To ensure that the nation’s woodlands help to deliver the Government’s ambitions for nature, carbon storage and timber production, several stakeholders have called on the Government to apportion tree-planting targets in line with desired outcomes, to ensure that the right balance of outcomes is achieved from woodland creation. We agree. …
Government Response Summary
The government stated that statutory sub-targets for tree planting were considered but rejected for delivery confidence; however, it will use policy and incentives to encourage a range of woodland types to meet targets.
11
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 63
Forestry England has planted only 303 hectares against its target of 2,000 hectares of new planting between 2021 and 2026. Despite pursing leasehold partnership arrangements, in recent years Forestry England has planted virtually no new woodlands on leasehold land.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the observation, stating Forestry England is confident of meeting its 2,000-hectare target and has planted 189 hectares on leasehold land, with another 267 hectares expected by 2026/27, further extending its partnership offer to purchase freehold land.
13
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 65
The private sector is concerned about the implications of delays to Forestry England restocking on future timber supply. Forestry England is responsible for a significant proportion of domestic timber production and should be appropriately resourced to carry out timely restocking.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged concerns about restocking delays, stating Forestry England regularly restocks and allocates resources through business planning. Additionally, it is investing £11 million to modernise seed and sapling facilities to improve production and prevent future delays in restocking.
15
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Central government is a major landowner. The Greening Government Commitments commit the Government to identify opportunities to contribute to nature recovery on the Government estate. Woodland creation can be a significant contributor to nature recovery. (Paragraph 70) Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the conclusion, highlighting its ongoing actions under the England Trees Action Plan to increase timber production and nature recovery on public land, and its current efforts to identify further tree planting opportunities across the government estate.
20
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 95
To realise the benefits of tree planting, and to avoid detrimental outcomes, it is essential that the ‘right tree in the right place’ principle is followed. The ‘presumption to plant’ principle being developed by the Forestry Commission could be a useful tool to enable ecologically sensitive tree planting and faster …
Government Response Summary
The government has already published initial maps for woodland creation constraints and is actively developing updated versions with Natural England, planning to publish them in autumn 2023 to support forestry regulation under the 'presumption to plant' principle.
21
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 96
The reliance on the UK Forestry Standard to ensure the sustainability of planting in areas identified as ‘low risk’ could provide a proportionate risk-mitigation mechanism. For this to operate effectively it is important that Forestry England maintain its monitoring of the compliance of new woodland with the UKFS beyond the …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges that UKFS compliance checking is currently limited to grant applications and felling license assessments, and states it is considering what additional resources would be needed for greater woodland management oversight beyond the establishment stage.
23
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 119
Against a backdrop of increasing demand, the UK’s softwood timber production is set to peak in the late 2030s before falling back to current levels in the 2040s. Given the UK’s heavy reliance on timber imports and the potential negative impacts that increased UK and global demand could have on …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the importance of increasing domestic timber production and highlights its England Trees Action Plan and statutory tree and woodland target to achieve 16.5% cover by 2050, which aims to stimulate increased planting of both hard and softwoods for multiple benefits.
26
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 140
Delivery of the Government’s net zero and nature recovery targets depends on wide- scale woodland creation. The amount of CO absorbed, the levels of biodiversity 2 supported and other benefits or negative effects of woodland creation are all highly variable, depending on where and how woodland is established, the tree …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that forestry and timber are crucial for Net Zero and biodiversity, outlining its England Trees Action Plan and a statutory target to increase woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050, emphasizing mixed, resilient woodlands for varied environmental, productive, and amenity purposes.
27
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 141
Planting more conifer trees is needed if domestic softwood production levels are to be maintained or increased. However, a policy to grow productive woodlands to achieve future timber supply and other benefits for nature and climate, are dependent on forests surviving in the medium to long term. Such policies should …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the need for policies prioritising species diversity and resilience, stating it encourages mixed woodlands and implements measures like the Seed Sourcing Grant, Tree Production Innovation Fund, and Tree Health Resilience Strategy to ensure trees are resilient to climate change.
28
Conclusion
Accepted
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 …
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.
29
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 152
Given the different advantages of different woodland types and species mixes for biodiversity, carbon storage and timber production, to ensure that the benefits of the nation’s woodlands are fully realised, the total area of woodland managed to the UKFS must be increased. Significantly expanding the UK’s woodland cover is necessary …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the need to increase woodland cover and manage it effectively, citing its statutory target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to at least 16.5% by 2050, which aims to stimulate diverse and resilient woodland creation for various environmental and productive benefits.
31
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 162
The UK Forestry Standard underpins regulation of the sustainability of the nation’s forests and plays an important role in ensuring that renewed efforts to increase timber supply do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Yet the existence of the standard is not proof that the nation’s forests are being …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges concerns about monitoring UKFS compliance beyond initial establishment for non-grant aided operations. The Forestry Commission intends to conduct periodic reviews of compliance and is exploring the future use of Earth Observation and remote sensing technology to assist.
32
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Para 163
The Government aims to increase tree-cover expansion at rates not seen for decades in order to deliver a range of ecosystem service benefits. To ensure that these benefits are realised, and to deliver the Government’s vision for increased woodland cover, Forestry England must be resourced appropriately so as to ensure …
Government Response Summary
The government's response highlights that Forestry England uses independent certification schemes that exceed UKFS requirements to demonstrate sustainable management, but it does not address the recommendation to review and ensure appropriate resourcing for UKFS compliance.
35
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 177
We welcome the Government’s aims to increase the uptake of timber in construction. The long-term use of timber in construction offers longer term carbon storage potential than other uses of harvested wood products and therefore has an important role to play in helping the UK to meet its net zero …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the environmental benefits of using responsibly sourced timber in construction, affirming its commitment through various strategies to increase timber use for carbon storage.
36
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 178
It is important that domestically-grown timber resulting from the current drive to plant is available for use in construction as far as possible. While there is scope to use UK-grown timber for a wide variety of non-structural purposes, engineered solutions and potentially changes in construction practices are required to allow …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of domestically grown timber for construction and describes ongoing efforts through the Timber in Construction Roadmap to address barriers and increase demand for English wood. They highlight current projects and a knowledge library supporting innovative engineered timber products.
38
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 180
For UK-grown timber to be used in construction, the Government needs to support the sawmilling sector to transition UK production towards producing a higher percentage of construction grade timber products and engineered timber. Action to support this transition should be specifically set out in the Timber in Construction roadmap.
Government Response Summary
The government commits to addressing the need to support the sawmilling sector within the Timber in Construction Roadmap. The roadmap will explore barriers to using English wood and aim to set out how these can be addressed, including through greater guidance and improved understanding of domestic timber properties, to stimulate demand.
39
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 181
The Timber in Construction roadmap should consider how Government can incentivise changes in practice to allow the safe use of domestically grown timber in construction, including through the use of innovative engineered timber products.
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating that during the development of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, they have already explored options to incentivise low carbon construction, including the safe use of domestically grown timber and innovative engineered timber products. They also reference current projects and collaboration with DLUHC on safety.
40
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 187
Growing the market for hardwood in composite products—as an alternative to use for firewood—could utilise broadleaf resources in the UK, with the added benefit of incentivising more broadleaf woodlands to be brought into management. However, growing quality hardwoods remains difficult due to disease and pests, and undermanagement.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee that there is an opportunity to increase domestic hardwood use and is considering its potential as part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, mentioning existing funds and future work with industry.
42
Conclusion
Acknowledged
While imported woody biomass continues to be a major bioenergy feedstock, it is important that biomass used in UK power generation, whether from the UK or overseas, is genuinely sustainably sourced in a way which minimises the impact on forest biodiversity and carbon stocks. The CCC has continually stressed that …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of sustainable biomass by stating the Biomass Strategy, published on August 10th, includes actions to strengthen sustainability criteria and commits to a consultation on these in 2024.
46
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 220
We echo and endorse the recommendation of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, in its recent report on Decarbonisation of the power sector, that the full lifecycle emissions from BECCS facilities in the UK should be made carbon neutral within a timeframe compatible with the UK’s climate targets.
Government Response Summary
The government commits to developing a BECCS policy ensuring net-negative emissions based on full lifecycle assessment, outlining principles for deployment and confirming criteria for robust negative emissions.
47
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 228
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 …
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.
49
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 230
Short-rotation forestry and short-rotation coppice crops are currently little used, but demand for them is likely to increase. If they are considered to be significant and necessary bioenergy feedstock sources, their planting must be scaled up sustainably, in line with best forestry practices and limited to an appropriate area of …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that any upscaling of short-rotation forestry and coppice must be sustainable and not reduce food production, stating they will explore these issues with industry and that the Land Use Framework will provide further detail.