Confor statement on Land Use Framework consultation for England

England’s wood producing forests are in the front line of efforts to tackle climate change and they can drive rural economic growth and help farmers diversify. It is vital that the planned 1.5 million homes are made from wood if we are to achieve net zero, and that means we also have to address the fact the UK is the second largest net importer of timber products globally.

The framework presents a crucial opportunity to identify and promote areas suitable for productive forestry, supporting both our net zero ambitions and economic growth.

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, said: “I welcome this consultation. It is timely and hopefully the Framework will enable Confor to partner with Government in unlocking the many benefits of productive forestry and wood products. Strategic land use planning must recognise that forestry is vital for tackling climate change, while driving rural economic growth and providing more of the timber we need for those 1.5m homes the Government plans to build.

“As the world’s second largest net importer of timber after China, importing 81% of the wood we consume, we have to urgently address our future timber security. With mounting pressure on global timber supplies, we need a framework that actively protects and promotes productive forestry.”