DEAR editor,
Don’t ever mention the ‘c’ word!!!
Forestry and tree planting in the UK has never had such wall-to-wall coverage as during the last three months. However, the industry (yes, that’s all of us in the supply chain) are not making the most of this tremendous opportunity.
Where is our quantifiable strategy for the next 30 years? Who is reporting on the actual area planted against target? Who is our industry spokesman?
Frequently, I hear Minette Batters, president of the NFU, forcefully putting forth the case for British farmers and British farm produce. Who is speaking for us?
The media is full of stories about local communities and schoolchildren planting a few hardwoods. Very laudable, but it won’t make a jot of difference to the bigger picture. Not until we see large areas of CONIFERS being planted are we going to see any significant change in the area of UK land under forest and/or woodland.
I will believe it when I see it.
Andy Chalmers
MD, Melcourt Industries, Boldridge Brake, Long Newnton, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8RT
P.S. What ever happened to the ‘Tree Tsar’?
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