The UK imports over 9 million m³ of roundwood every year, and timber is the 6th largest import into the country.

Paradoxically, our woodlands have been neglected in recent decades, timber prices have been low, and our domestic woodchain has become increasingly disjointed. A lack of interest by owners has meant that woodland management has been of low priority, and in many cases strong evidence suggests that biodiversity has declined as a result.

The forestry sector, meaning all those who manage or care for trees, will have an unprecedented role in the 21st Century as the importance of our tree resource is fully realised. Trees provides habitat for wildlife today, and will be crucially important as biodiversity adapts to climate change in the future.  Trees and woodlands also provide ecoservices, or green solutions for society, such as protection from flooding, maintaining drinking water quality and soil protection.  Wood is the greenest material of use to mankind, providing carbon-lean products for construction, heat and energy.

However, to realise the potential to meet fully these economic, environmental and social goals, the English forestry sector must address several challenges (see right).

myForest is an innovative service developed and provided by the Sylva Foundation. myForest aims to: support sustainable woodland management; provide a free online wood marketing service; promote wood using businesses and rural development. myForest is a web-based service that provides a virtual network for the forestry sector. Visit our dedicated website by clicking on the logo below.

For Woodland Owners Create a free online woodland management planning account. Link up with local businesses to generate income from your woodland. For Wood Businesses myForest is a web-map of woodlands, products and businesses. Link up with local woodland owners and decrease wood miles. For the General Public Find local wood businesses including firewood merchants, tree surgeons and local timber merchants.