Making wood work

Woodland harvest can power more of England, strategy says

The Forestry Commission plans to put wood back at the centre of our energy strategy. Its Woodfuel Strategy for England says we could be using two million more tonnes a year by 2020. That would be enough to power an additional 250,000 homes. Before the rise of fossil fuel use, forests were the country’s main source of fuel for heat.

The strategy involves encouraging investment in the woodfuel industry, stimulating demand for woodfuel boilers, and educating the owners of unmanaged woodland. Getting half of the unused stock of woodfuel harvested would save 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. “The targets we’ve set are very ambitious - but it’s about a sense of possibility,” said Emma Harding, head of business and skills at the Forestry Commission.

One challenge will be raising awareness of woodland management among communities. “People might see woodlands as somewhere where they walk their dog, and might not want to see harvesters going in cutting down trees. But it’s sustainable and it’s encouraging new growth, and flora and fauna,” Harding said. - Chris Alden

2 May 2007

Chris Alden