Green agenda causes forestry values to soar

Record results

"Despite the problems with the Covid-19-related restrictions, the UK forestry market has performed robustly through 2020, producing record results in scale and unit prices. This year most properties were sold above guide price.”

Demand for younger restock sites as opposed to mature forests has been higher this year, with Mr Richardson putting this down to investor confidence in the future of the timber market.

This is because improved varieties of spruce, a result of many years of genetic research, have been planted in recent years and are performing well.

Other significant drivers for people owning forestry include moves to decarbonise the economy which are backed by Government policy, the emphasis on renewable and sustainable raw materials and the desire for positive environmental PR.

Scotland provided the largest share of the commercial forest market at 69 per cent (by value).

Planting in England has increased by 2,330ha, up from 1,420ha last year. Wales planted 80ha, the lowest annual figure seen in 50 years.