Timber industry has our support, says Forestry Commission chairman

The recently-appointed chairman of the Forestry Commission, Sir William Worsley, has spoken of the importance of maintaining the timber industry for its essential role in supply chains during the coronavirus lockdown.

Sir William has outlined his views in a blog published on the Forestry Commission website.

Keeping the timber industry operating is important because it produces items such as pallets that are vital to be able to transport goods such as food to shops and medicines, as well as fuel for homes and businesses.

While the government has asked people to work from home where they can, those whose livelihoods involve working in forests in the timber sector are designated key workers due to their role in helping people have food on their plates and their home heated.

A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission in the South West said staff continue to work to ensure that it can process licences as quickly as possible, to keep the supplies moving.

She said: “The South West has a number of aspirational woodland creation projects, such as the Forest for Cornwall ambition to plant 8,000ha of woodland by 2030. Our staff continue to work with partner organisations to help plan and take forward these projects so that, when the time is right, woodland creation to combat climate change can go ahead quickly.

“We are seeing an increase in alleged illegal felling during this period. Our staff are responding to these reports and liaising with the authorities to pursue action to protect woodland and trees where necessary.”

The South West is characterised by small woodlands, small forestry businesses and small sawmills. Farming is often mixed and marginal, which means that South West forestry and farming businesses are vulnerable during this period. Our staff are keeping in touch with key agents and businesses to understand how they are faring and what we can do to help.