Political Engagement

The forestry industry must shout more loudly on the international stage, and to make its voice heard at global gatherings like the COPs.

The forestry and wood industry must “inspire the next generation of tree guardians” - which is being addressed in a number of ways, including the development of a sector skills plan for forestry.

Private investment is crucial to unlock the environmental and economic potential of the forestry and wood industry - but a range of barriers are deterring investors, a forestry analyst told the conference.

The forestry and wood industry is in a "Goldilocks moment" where conditions are “just right” to align industry aspirations with UK Government policies, Confor's annual Westminster conference heard.

Confor is holding another major UK policy conference at Westminster.

Confor has welcomed the establishment of a Task Force on Tree Planting which brings together the four governments of the UK in a shared effort to increase levels of woodland creation across the UK.

Leaders of the forestry and timber industries met UK Forestry Minister Mary Creagh to seek the minister’s support for the Timber in Construction Roadmap.

The day after Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented her Autumn Budget, Confor and Woodland Trust Scotland (WTS) met with Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon to press the case for forestry.

To ensure our members are fully apprised of the specific measures that affect them as businesses and as part of the forestry and wood use sector we have provided the attached analysis.

A groundbreaking Guide intended to improve the process of engagement with local people and communities in new woodland creation projects in Scotland has been launched.