Importance of forestry stressed

NEW planting is vital to the forestry sector so that it can continue to provide an income stream for farmers and a steady supply of material for the timber and energy industries.

That’s the message of Forestry Minister Mary Wallace to mark National Tree Week which continues until Saturday with more than 300 events taking place countrywide.

“The importance of trees does, of course, go far beyond its provision of timber — the environment, clean air, jobs, wood energy and health and recreation are additional benefits,” she said.