HC Deb 03 April 1981 vol 2 cc161-2W
Mr. Lyell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what acreage of solely conifer forest and what acreage of broadleafed forest, whether with or without a matrix of conifer, has been planted in (a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland during each of the past 15 years.

Mr. Wiggin

The available figures for planting (including restocking) are as follows:

Acres
Year ending 30 September England and Wales Scotland
(1) Conifers (2) Broadleaves (3) Conifers, (4) Broadleaves (5)
1965 38,778 1,045 45,044 18
1966 36,073 1,092 47,561 49
1967 33,292 1,029 53,533 43
18 months ending 31 March 1969 42,393 1,033 66,320 43
Year ending 31 March 1970 34,861 339 66,999 47
1971 36,331 3,031 87,019 211
1972 32,617 3,027 87,876 635
1973 28,157 3,140 84,333 339
1974 23,675 3,255 82,776 287
1975 21,592 2,394 85,586 393
1976 15,572 2,063 62,714 580
1977 15,506 2,137 50,779 417
1978 14,594 1,428 46,336 631
1979 13,378 1,171 48,184 791
1980 17,629 2,923 59,413 753

Notes:

A breakdown between conifers and broadleaves is not available before 1971 except for planting by the Forestry Commission. All private planting before 1971 is therefore included under conifers in cols (2) and (4), but in those years the broadleafed element of private planting is estimated to be less than 10 per cent. of the total.

Planting by private woodland owners without grants is not included.