Value Your Woodlands - Bradshaw

"We have to look beyond the traditional markets. The challenge is to find new and innovative ways of using woodlands and the benefits they provide to economic advantage", says Forestry Minister.

Addressing forest industry representatives at the opening of the South West Woodland Show near Exeter, Mr Bradshaw explained: "An independent economic study on woodland and forestry in the South West estimated that they bring economic benefits to the region worth over £500 million a year.

The study looked at the economic contribution made by the timber industry as well as woodland used in other ways for tourism, sport, health and education.

"Timber prices are under great pressure and other costs, like liability insurance, are rising.

But the study shows that there is a real opportunity to get more of the full economic value of woodlands to be reflected in the incomes of forestry businesses, which will help them ensure that the region's woodlands are sustainably managed.

"In a world market, the pressure on timber prices is likely to remain for some years to come.

So we have to look beyond the traditional markets.

The challenge is to find new and innovative ways of using woodlands and the benefits they provide to economic advantage.

"I know there are developments that could help these markets, like woodfuel which is part of our commitment to renewable energy.

The Forestry Commission, with its partners, is developing a practical woodfuel strategy for the region.

"And new engineered wood products, which use the gluing and laminating of small dimension timber, can be used in many new, sophisticated, high-value applications with benefits for construction engineering and innovative architecture.

"The industry also needs to engage in the wider regional agenda, playing an active role in the preparation of the Regional Forestry Framework which will become the foundation stone for the strategic development of future forestry policy in the region." Launching the new Forestry Commission booklet aimed at those new to woodland ownership and management, Mr Bradshaw said: "Every woodland owner has a part to play in caring for the country's woodland heritage, and this booklet is a really useful and accessible guide for those woodland owners who want to know more.".

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