FRA Welcomes Figures on English Forestry Sustainability

England is fairing extremely well when it comes to sustainable forestry, according to a new report, which is being welcomed by Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The new figures published by the Forestry Commission England show that only 0.04 per cent of trees that are chopped down are felled illegally. “The sustainable approach to forestry and the gradually expanding wooded areas in the country have all contributed to the increase in local timber being used instead of imported timber,” explained FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

FRA is a research and analysis consultancy that specialises in advocating timberland investment as a strong alternative asset class. It has welcomed the news that England is investing in its conservation habits, such as increasing the amount of land given over to woodland and restoring heathland.

Simon Hodgson from the Forestry Commission explained, “For the first time we have been able to publish a suite of new statistics to show what is happening to woods and forests in England and how Forestry Commission England is performing.

“The overall picture is great news for us. Protection of our woods and forests is strong with minuscule amounts of illegal felling.”

Although timber imports are falling in England, other nations, such as China, import much more timber than they used to, with much coming from the US, South America and Canada. China and other emerging economies are using more and more timber in the development of their infrastructure and housing in response to their recent economic growth.

FRA says that the increasing demand for sustainable timber in developing nations is great news for those investing in plantation projects in countries like Canada and Brazil. Firms like Greenwood Management are providing investors with the chance to directly invest in sustainably managed plantations of non-native species that help to reduce the pressure on natural forests in Brazil.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.