The "forgotten" forestry sector should be remembered by politicians as the General Election approaches, according to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

Dorothy Fairburn, Yorkshire regional director, said: "We are talking about timber and trees. The trouble is that forestry tends to be the forgotten sector. Forests and woodlands in addition to producing timber provide wildlife habitats, are useful for clothing development sites and are a valuable source of recreation.

"These various uses can be a source of jobs and income. Forestry can underpin the rural economy through the production of timber and through tourism-related uses. For too long forestry has had a low priority with politicians.

"Compared with other parts of the European Union, the woodland cover of England and Wales is low. It is, therefore, important that forestry must have a higher priority in the future."

She said that the Government's Strategy for England correctly emphasised the importance of multi-purpose forestry and had set a number of innovative objectives, including the use of woodlands to "clothe" industrial regeneration.

"If a woodland does not generate an income, its value is lessened, and its management may become non-viable. This in turn has a negative effect on its environmental and recreational value."

She said smaller woodland managers often found it difficult to secure economic outlets for their timber because mills were reluctant to take small supplies.

"Candidates in this General Election, particularly if their constituency includes a rural area, need to know the facts about this forgotten sector. We can help them with information.

"All woodlands have a future, but they must have an economic use. They may have a high environmental value, but that is not enough for those who have to look after them."

Updated: 15:42 Tuesday, May 29, 2001