A future forest policy for Britain

Abstract

Forests are a national resource - for timber, for employment, for wildlife conservation and ecological protection, for recreation and leisure activities, for multiple land use and the enhancement of landscape. The complementary contributions of state and private forestry are described, as are the continuity of the existing forest, and the problems of new planting. The underlying conflict between silviculture and economics are stressed. A description of contemporary policy in these fields in state and private forestry is given, covering such topics as targets and goals for production, technology and social benefits, priorities for land use and the wealth of the nation. Trends of world timber supply are reviewed, and the adaptability of timber as a renewable natural resource are contrasted with the extravagant energy consumption of alternatives. Social aspects of forestry are discussed, including the preference of the public for hardwoods, and the growth of emphasis on social benefits and access to woodlands. The value and silvicultural difficulties of continuous forest and the extension of the principles of dedication to conservation are mentioned, as are the vulnerability of forestry to urban ignorance. Ministerial responsibility for and local government involvement in forest policy is stressed.