Forestry's 'vital role' in producing key products in virus fight

THE forestry and wood processing sectors have been highlighted for their "vital contribution" during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The industry's production of key products, such as pallets, packaging, biomass fuel and face masks, is invaluable in these times, Rural Economy and Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said.

The minister said: "In these challenging and difficult times, it is imperative that essential goods, such as food supplies and medicines, and biomass fuel for hospitals and care homes get to the places where they are needed. This needs pallet manufacture and wood-fuel processing to continue."

Pallets are needed to transport goods such as pharmaceuticals and food. Pallet manufacturers use around half of the 3.7 million cubic metres of sawn timber produced in the UK every year.

Wood pellets are often used in heating systems that have no alternative or back-up system and are produced continuously. Both require an unbroken supply of timber from Scotland’s forests.

Forestry and Land Scotland has confined its felling operations to keep staff safe to a level that helps meet these essential demands.

Scottish Forestry chief executive David Signorini said: "COVID-19 will undoubtedly have a longer-term impact on forest operations and on planting targets in Scotland. However, it’s clear that forestry has a major role to play in keeping Scotland moving."

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