Celebrating Grown in Britain Week with Rachel Lawrence and Dougal Driver

In this special episode of the Foresight podcast, host Dom Burch kicks off Grown in Britain Week with an in-depth conversation featuring Rachel Lawrence and Dougal Driver from Grown in Britain. As this year’s Grown in Britain Week begins, they celebrate certificate holders and explore the innovations driving sustainable forestry in the UK. Rachel and Dougal dive deep into the challenges and opportunities surrounding British woodlands, focusing on the importance of certification in fostering consumer trust and ethical choices in timber procurement.

Key themes include the need to reduce the UK's reliance on imported timber, with Dougal pointing out that "we need to be more self-sufficient" by managing under-utilised UK woodlands more effectively. They also explore how technology, such as remote sensing and drones, is revolutionising forest management. "The ability to see more, more quickly, more forensically, has got to be a good thing," Dougal explains as he highlights the role of cutting-edge tools in identifying risks and improving woodland health.

Rachel emphasises the role of consumers and retailers in making sustainable choices, particularly during Grown in Britain Week, which is themed around "creating change through certification and collaboration." She encourages listeners to make informed decisions about their timber purchases, stating, “Consumers can make a difference with their choices of timber products, and demand that they know the product...is sustainable and from the UK.”

The episode also touches on the ethical questions surrounding timber importation, with Dougal arguing that “beyond and above regulation, what right do we have to demand natural resources from another country when we neglect having that same product available here?” The conversation expands into public education, with Rachel drawing parallels to the early days of the organic food movement, stressing that "there's a big educational message that needs to get out there about what's right and what's wrong" when it comes to sustainable timber.

This episode offers valuable insights into how Grown in Britain is paving the way for a prosperous future for British timber, emphasising the importance of collaboration, education, and innovation. Released on the first day of Grown in Britain Week, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about forestry, sustainability, and supporting local woodlands.

Tune in now to learn how you can make a difference by supporting British woodlands and making ethical timber choices!