Open Letter to Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer
Christopher Williams, RFS Chief Executive, writes to the newly appointed government to promote the forestry sector and asks for support in the years ahead.
The Labour Manifesto 2024 outlined a number of ways in which woodlands, forestry, and nature should be supported and protected. RFS wrote to support some of these ambitions and promote the possibility of a thriving forestry sector.
“From climate management to mental wellbeing, the value of trees and forests are far-reaching, and positively impact UK citizens across the country. Forestry truly is one of our untapped resources.”
The open letter calls on the new UK government to:
- to extend woodland cover and bring existing woodland into management.
- to effectively control grey squirrels and deer populations.
- to reform vocational education and apprenticeships to ensure small businesses can offer these opportunities and provide a living wage.
- to deliver a curriculum that ensures access to nature in order to improve mental health and educational attainment.
In addition, the letter stresses the various benefits of well-managed woodlands, from reducing flooding and capturing carbon to reducing temperatures in urban environments.
The RFS welcomes Labour’s plans for 3 new National Forests promised in its manifesto and encourages the government to ensure these are productive to reduce timber imports.
Read the full open letter here.
