WQ85192 (e) Tabled on 19/05/2022

What estimate has the Welsh Government made of carbon emissions resulting from soil disturbance as a result of Welsh forestry activity?

Answered by Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 26/05/2022

The Welsh Government has not made an estimate of the carbon emissions related solely to soil disturbance from forestry. Total carbon sequestration from Welsh woodlands has been estimated to be about 1840 gigagrams (1,840,000 tonnes) annually.

The carbon sequestration resulting from individual forestry sites depends upon a range of factors, including soil type, tree species, planting and harvesting methods and the end use of timber if felled. Forest managers should minimise the soil disturbance necessary to secure their management objectives for the forest.