Consultation closing date RSE inquiry into public support for tree planting and forestry

Thus, within the context of this Inquiry and subsequent report, we will use Commercial Forestry to cover tree planting that is wholly or in part intended for harvesting (some refer to this as productive forestry), and Woodland to cover tree planting that is intended to remain as such for the long term. [...] We seek to establish the extent to which current practices are delivering these benefits, how far they represent good public value in the short and long term, and what more, if anything, could be done to improve public benefits in tackling the climate-nature crisis and the economic and social well-being of resident communities by tree planting, woodland and commercial forest management. [...] Do you have evidence on the role tree species choice and composition have in influencing biodiversity, timber production, flood management, and other outcomes? Do the species of trees and the mix of species help, hinder or change the balance of the benefits being sought? [500 words] Response: While I have some evidence from our own (rather limited) work in the UK context, it is important to note t. [...] The failure to diversify and experiment on a large scale in the commercial forestry sector is detrimental not only to biodiversity and other environmental benefits, but could also be self defeating in undermining the resiliency of the production system and supply chain. [...] There is immense potential to improve data acquisition, from a variety of sources, and to improve the integration and interpretation of such data, and making data transparent and accessible and thus usable by almost anyone with access to a smartphone or computer.