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We want the East of England to be a creative and competitive economy, using resources sustainably.
The economic value of woodland to the East of England Economy is estimated to be in the region of £680 million per year. The majority of this however accrues from the value of the green infrastructure that trees, and woodlands provide (or capital value of woodlands in the landscape). For example, increases in house prices, inward business investment, recreation and tourism activity which generate real spend in the region but for which there is no market transaction with the woodland owner.
The economic activity of tree and woodland management is much smaller, but it can provide a significant financial return to owners. A healthy, viable and competitive woodland business sector would underpin the provision of the wide range of benefits that trees and woodlands bring to the people of the East of England. Without the necessary finances to undertake woodland management and planting the delivery of social, environmental and wider economic benefits would be severely impoverished. Whilst some grant assistance is available it is insufficient to support the provision of all the public benefits of woodlands.
Employment within the timber production and processing industries is about 1,250 full time equivalent posts in the East of England, although much of the processing sector only deals with imported timber. In addition, there are probably another 1,200 jobs arising from the indirect and induced effects of timber production. The number of people employed in other aspects of woodland management, recreation and tourism is not known, but will be significant. Many of the jobs are in rural areas and are thus particularly important within the context of a diversified rural economic base.
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