Increase in productive forestry required to offset future timber supply shocks
Scotland must seize the opportunity to rapidly increase planting of productive forestry to offset the full impact of future timber supply shocks.
Forestry and Land Scotland says that the UK as a whole – which currently imports 80% [note 5] of its annual timber requirement – is far too vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market.
But it also says that Scotland is well placed to mitigate that risk by stepping up its commercial forestry sector.
Home-grown grown timber makes up only around 33% of the UK market [note 6] and while we are largely self-sufficient in fencing, there is significant, unmet domestic demand for more structural timber and also pallet wood.
Mick Bottomley, FLS Head of Marketing and Sales, said:
“Scottish-based timber manufacturers could potentially triple production to meet current and anticipated future demand and produce a greater share of the remaining 67% of the market which is currently imported, predominantly from Scandinavia, Latvia and Germany.
“There is also significant potential to expand Scotland’s one fifth of forested land area so that we can be more self-reliant in our requirements for timber.”
Sawmills in Scotland and UK produce high quantities of pallet and fencing products but mainly produce construction timber - kiln dried carcassing that is used for roof battens, floor joists and studwork for partitioned walls.
Already this year prices have risen 30%, as house builders and related industries struggle to secure supplies due to a huge increase in building activity, post lockdown. This is even noticeable in the DIY stores when trying to get timber for home projects.
Pointing out that the timber market is set to become increasingly competitive in years to come – and with long lead time of 25-40 years in productive forestry - Mick Bottomley suggested that the opportunity needs to be seized now:
“Transport and energy costs will increase; emerging economies around the world will demand more timber and timber producing countries may be required to use more of their own timber at home as they seek to meet stricter climate protocols and net zero targets.
“Sweden is recording the lowest stock levels in 20 years and this trend is likely to be further exacerbated as current issues like wildfires, tree diseases and pests, exert additional worldwide pressures on the supply of timber.
“The UK can attempt to compete for diminishing supplies on the world market against growing economies such as China and India or do something to mitigate its exposure to these forces, by planting more commercial forestry now so that we are more self-sufficient in the future.”
FLS’ sustainable management of existing productive forests aims to bring 3 million tonnes of timber to market every year.
This year, FLS is planting 25 million trees and is further contributing to meeting the Scottish Government targets by acquiring land for new productive and native woodland creation.
Notes to editors
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Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot
- Over the last five years, Forestry & Land Scotland has planted approximately 3,282 ha of new forest; average per year 656 ha. The approximate split is 70% broadleaf, 30% conifer. All FLS forests are UKWAS accredited
- Source of statistic: Confor
- Source - EUWID