Seeing the wood and the trees

When it comes to forestry, Scotland again is taking the lead. Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing has asked ex-chief planner Jim Mackinnon to analyse the process of approving new planting schemes.

https://www.confor.org.uk/news/latest-news/appointment-of-jim-mackinnon/

Putting together a fit-for-purpose grant and approval scheme for new planting has been an on-going priority for Confor on behalf of the wider forestry sector for many years. A huge amount of work has gone into this across the UK. The process has been frustratingly slow with the private sector's advice and suggestions often not listened to.

In Scotland, there has been greater political support and politicians, if consistently and frequently lobbied, have pressed for improvements that have seen progress towards a 10,000 ha a year target.

The new Cabinet Secretary, Fergus Ewing has hit the ground running and demonstrated that he wants to get to the root of problems quickly. Following a meeting with industry professionals to identify final pieces in the planting jigsaw, it was suggested to me that we needed to learn from those involved in the planning process - this appointment should assist with that.

If only this pro-active approach was mirrored elsewhere in the UK. Confor has commissioned independent analyses that demonstrates the financial benefit to landowners. The carbon and biodiversity benefits are clear and well known, as are benefits for flood mitigation and much more. But still planting is at pitiful levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. And what we get is warm words, but little real action.

We all know there is a future shortfall in wood supply. It may be decades away, but the solution can only be provided now. Scotland, at least, appears to want to see a future of home-grown wood products as well as trees.