Great Britain Forest Strategy published

A new science and innovation strategy for the long-term future of forestry in Great Britain has been published by the Welsh Government, with support from the Scottish and UK Governments.

The new strategy encompasses country strategies already in place for Scotland, England and Wales. It seeks to build on each of these individual strategies and work on common objectives across all three nations by supporting a shared Great Britain research strategy into forestry.

There are four main strategic outcomes to the shared research, including:

• improved evidence base;
• increased knowledge and understanding;
• policy and practice informed by science; and
• a skilled research community/national capability.

There will be seven shared priorities for research themes in this new framework:

• sustainable forest management in light of environmental change;
• markets for forest products and services;
• societal benefits from trees, woods and forests;
• resource assessment and sector monitoring;
• achieving multiple ecosystem benefits;
• woodland creation and expansion;
• tree health and biosecurity.

According to the Welsh Government the strategy supports a green recovery from COVID-19 and takes in account the role forestry has in reversing the decline in biodiversity and tackling climate change.

Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Minister at the Welsh Government, Lesley Griffiths, commented:

''Forestry in the UK is a vital sector, generating enormous environmental and economic benefits. As we seek to increase woodland creation to tackle the climate emergency and work towards a green recovery from Covid-19, a strategic approach to forestry research is more important than ever. Our forests face a number of challenges from pests and diseases, and in adapting to climate change. That is why it is so important to have robust and innovative science to guide decisions and policy. This new strategy will play a key role in making sure our forests are resilient and healthy and ensuring the sector has a sustainable future.''

Lord Goldsmith, the UK Government's forestry minister, commented:

''Growing and protecting the UK's forests is an integral part of our green recovery from coronavirus and fight against climate change, which is why we're committed to increasing tree planting across the UK to 30,000 hectares per year by 2025. Using the brilliant expertise of Forest Research and other research providers, this new strategy gives us the framework needed to ensure we maintain sustainable and resilient woodlands for decades to come.''

For more information, see the:

• Science and innovation strategy for forestry in Great Britain.