the future of forestry and FC in the UK

[john burgess]

Is no one slightly concerned about the effect that the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will have on the future of UK forests? You can smokescreen any financial/economic led policy with an environmental spin! Panel decisions on the future of the estate will not only look at the lack of financial viability that forestry in the UK currrently suffers, but the longer term value of wood as a energy/fuel asset - This is potentially more worrying than private sell off!!!!

 

as far as I can see it will probably help the forestry industry that is the growers and harvesters for far too long. There's been no money or not a lot ingrowing trees I can remember within the last 20 years. A pound a tonne for things is now becoming economic to bring some neglected Woods back into production.

[andy26]

It seems madness the government in the business of timber production?

 

All the public benefits the FC delivers could all be given with the Forests and woodlands in private ownership.

 

When woodland is sold, appropriate access provisions can be written into the deeds. Indeed I believe any FC land which the freehold is owned, has already had the land declared as open access.

 

A large part of the FC estate is held leasehold, during the 1920's long leases were purchased from the big landed estates, typically 199-999 year leases. These forests typically have restricted public access, being a leaseholder the FC don't have the rights to bestow public access on this land.

 

As the informed arbtlak members will know, clearfelling forests is not an option.

Welll at least not without a felling licence and a woodland management plan.

It seems the media are very ill informed and scaremonger.

 

IMO the FC should regulate and adminster forestry policy.

 

Actually if you think the government should own forests;

1. Sell all existing forests.

2. Use the money to buy/lease land and plant new forests.

 

Could instantly double the area of woodland cover. Plus the new forests could be planted near to where they would deliver the most benefit.

 

As for the RHI its only good if it brings neglected woodland back into management.