Role of forests

Dr Adam Watson (Letters, 9 March) claims research shows Scotland's foresters are managing forests in a way that releases rather than sequesters carbon, and goes on to list some spurious claims.

It was in response to such research, and the attention it received, that the government commissioned Professor Sir David Read to assess the potential for trees and timber to contribute to climate change mitigation.

The report, "Combating Climate Change: A Role for UK Forests", is clear – planting trees and using wood from sustainable sources is a cost-effective and valuable way to help tackle climate change.

The report also identifies the particular role that conifers can make, as they are fast growing, locking up carbon more quickly. They are harvested as their growth and carbon-fixing has peaked, and are then replaced by more carbon sequestering trees. The harvested wood locks up carbon throughout its useful life, finally being available for renewable energy.

Wood products also save carbon by substituting for less "carbon-lean" products such as steel and concrete. Scotland's foresters are a key component of the only major industry in Scotland that reduces carbon the more it produces.

STUART GOODALL

Chief Executive, Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor)

George Street

Edinburgh