Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the merits of continuous cover forestry for the production of (a) sustainable quality timber production and (b) public goods including improved water quality, water retention and biodiversity.

Continuous Cover Forestry is not the default approach to forestry management in England. The UK Forestry Standard advises forest managers to consider Continuous Cover Forestry where this is suitable to the site and species combination, and if this is compatible with land management objectives. Broadleaved woodland – which makes up approximately 49% of forest cover in the UK – is generally managed on a continuous cover basis.

Government is currently undertaking research and trials in England, Scotland and Wales investigating how continuous cover forestry (CCF) can provide sustainable quality timber, more resilient forests, and other public benefits. Further details can be found at: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/research/managing-resilient-forests/continuous-cover-silviculture/

Forestry is a devolved matter, meaning it is not for the UK Government to answer questions on Welsh forestry policy.