SNP's Fergus Ewing defends use of Sitka spruce in Scottish forestry

Fergus Ewing, whose previous cabinet secretary role included a forestry brief, backed the use of conifers in the country due to their carbon capturing ability. 

A recent study by Forest Research found fast-growing conifer plantations soak up higher levels of CO2 in the short term than other species used in the UK. But in the long term the difference becomes much more negligible, with broad-leaved woodlands matching some variations of conifer over a 100-year period. 

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Speaking during a debate on forestry in the Scottish Parliament this week, Mr Ewing referenced the report and said: "We need to maintain and not reduce the current proportion of 60 per cent of new plantings being commercial. 

"We also need to maintain, as far as possible if we are to remain consistent with the forestry standard, the proportion of restocking that is of coniferous species." 

Mr Ewing's comments came amid some claims from other MSPs that the use of Sitka spruce had to be reduced in favour of native species, such as oak. 

Scotland was the only one of the four UK nations to put more conifers in the ground than broadleaves in the most recent annual period, according to Forest Research. 

Brian Whittle, a Tory MSP, was one of those in favour of moving away from conifers, saying: "It is not as simple as saying that we must radically shift towards native species, as Scotland’s forests must be productive for industries that rely on timber. 

Fergus Ewing defended the use of Sitka spruce

"However, they must also be productive for nature. I welcome moves to increase the use of domestic timber but, for timber to be truly domestic, the industry cannot and should not continue to rely so heavily on imported saplings." 

READ MORE: CO2: Conifer or broadleaf - which soaks up more? Forest Research report sheds some light

In a wide-ranging debate, members also touched on: 

• The announcement of a review into future grant support for forestry 
• Fears from the farming sector over plans to plant more trees
• Criticism of private investment in forestry 

Mairi McAllan, the environment secretary, said: "I agree with Fergus Ewing’s point about the importance of commercial forestry that can absorb carbon quickly and lock it up in a wood product. Equally, my point today is about balance and optimising everything that forestry can deliver for us."