The UK Government’s latest national security assessment is clear: global biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse pose serious risks to the UK’s food security, climate stability and economic resilience.
For the UK forestry sector, this means greater climate volatility, supply‑chain disruption, increased pests and diseases, and rising wildfire and storm risks. It also means a growing strategic need for resilient, domestic, sustainably managed woodlands.
But the report also highlights major opportunities: nature restoration, green finance, and the expansion of resilient, home‑grown timber supply as part of national security planning.
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) asks that:
- The assessment is considered and embedded in country strategies to address the UK’s vulnerability due to timber import dependency and set clear targets for increasing domestic supply.
The ICF will:
- Champion climate‑resilient forestry by disseminating guidance and maintain professional standards on diverse species selection, long‑term woodland resilience and adaptive management
- Drive domestic timber strategy by advocating for stronger UK‑grown timber supply chains to reduce reliance on vulnerable global markets
- Strengthen risk preparedness by supporting members with best practice on wildfire, storm, drought, and pest management
- Support the UK’s nature‑based resilience agenda by promoting woodland creation, restoration, and green‑finance readiness across the profession.
Forestry is now recognised as a critical pillar of national security and the ICF has a unique role in steering the UK’s response.
