Grown In Britain final report now available

The Grown in Britain report ‘Creating a sustainable future for our woodlands and forests’ was published on 15th October 2013. Delivery of the report coincided with Grown in Britain week which was held from 14-20th October and featured a wide range of events taking place all around the country, allowing the forest wood sector to 'open its doors' and show people the great things done with wood.

Following the publication of the report, the Grown In Britain initiative will be tackling the following priorities:

– Establishing a financially sustainable structure for Grown in Britain.
– Developing and deepening markets for UK wood.
– Increasing the resources available to the sector for woodland creation, for example, through corporate social responsibility funding.
– Licensing the Grown in Britain logo to companies to place on products.
– Connecting more people ‘culturally' to wood and where it comes from.

Defra's Secretary of State, Owen Paterson MP, commented on the report:

"I congratulate Dr Bonfield on his report. Already, as a result of the Grown in Britain movement, more businesses are pledging to buy more British wood. A new range of British-grown and manufactured ash furniture is to be released as part of Grown in Britain Week. The economic engine that should be driving forestry is being re-invigorated: this early success shows that it can be done."

The successes achieved by Grown In Britain over the last few months include:

– Reaching 10 million people via social media, national press, television and radio.
– Committing 17 of the largest construction companies to British timber procurement.
– Changing Public procurement policy to accept wood products that come from woodlands managed under a Forestry Commission management plan and with a felling licence.
– Opening up a new investment opportunity for businesses to support woodland planting through corporate social responsibility.