The drive to create new woodland cover in Cornwall is given fresh impetus by the value of trees in carbon offsetting.

Geraint Richards, secretary of the forestry section of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association (RCAA), says carbon offsetting is one of the many reasons why a healthy woodland estate represents such good value for the economy and the environment.

Every two years, the section organises a forestry woodlands competition, winners of which receive their trophies at the Royal Cornwall Show in June (10 – 12).

Only nine per cent of England is wooded – one of the lowest percentages in Europe, although a major effort is now being made to build up a much larger and diverse woodland environment.

Cornwall is one of the least-wooded counties in the whole of England, with only 7.5 per cent of the land mass being tree-covered. The majority of woodland in the county is made up of broad-leafed species.

The county’s trees are an important economic asset – providing timber that is sold on or converted to woodland products within the county, thus providing valuable employment.

From the point of view of recreation, woodlands accommodate everything from walking and orienteering to cycling and riding.

They are visually very important in the landscape and they provide a huge range of habitats for all kinds of creatures and plant life.

Well managed, they are a sustainable resource and an extremely valuable part of the overall solution for climate change.

A significant feature of woodland is that once established it can provide for all these needs, given sensible management.

“Global warming is affecting us all in many ways and Cornwall needs to be thinking about climate change,” said Geraint.

“Trees have never been in such clear focus for their value in providing biodiversity and carbon offsetting.

“While our forestry woodland competition does not cite carbon offsetting specifically, anything which encourages good management and new planting will have a positive effect and widespread benefit.”

This is a good time for land owners and managers to think about tree planting, with generous grants available from the Forestry Commission, particularly for broadleaved species, said Geraint.

Entries for the competition are now being sought. There are five categories: newly plated woods 0.5 to 20 hectares formed before 1st October 2008 and since 1st October 2004; woods of 0.5 to 20 hectares renovated or undergoing renovation from a neglected site since 1st October 2007; woods 0.5 to 20 hectares managed mainly for conservation; woods 0.5 to 20 hectares established before October 1988 managed primarily for timber production; whole woods or significantly wooded parklands with emphasis on landscape and/or recreation.

Entries close on March 1. Judging will be completed and results announced before the show in June.

Further details and entry forms from Roger Pook, telephone 01566 773935 or 07971 517795.