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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Conclusions (2)
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.
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.