Supporting Sustainable Forestry: A Conversation with Grown in Britain

At Supply Chain In-Sites (SCI), sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve always believed that business growth should not only benefit our company but also have a positive impact on our planet. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve launched the Foresight podcast to engage with industry leaders who share this vision.

In the latest episode, our host, Dom Burch, sat down with Rachel Lawrence and Dougal Driver from Grown in Britain to discuss their organization’s mission and the importance of sustainable forestry. Grown in Britain is working to promote responsible forest management and reduce the UK’s reliance on imported timber. Their work is essential in ensuring that our woodlands are preserved and that consumers are making informed, ethical choices when it comes to timber products.

The Importance of Certification

One of the key points Rachel and Dougal raised in the podcast is the importance of forest certification. Certification ensures that the wood and timber products we use come from responsibly managed forests. As consumers and businesses, it’s crucial that we know where our wood comes from and that it’s sourced in a way that maintains the health of our forests for future generations.

Certification isn’t just about legality; it’s about making sure that forest ecosystems remain intact and that the social and environmental impacts of timber production are properly managed. This is especially important as we face increasing pressure on natural resources.

Using Technology to Manage Forests

As with many other industries, technology is playing an increasingly important role in forestry. One of the exciting developments that Rachel and Dougal shared is the use of remote sensing technology to better manage the UK’s forests.

Remote sensing allows landowners and forestry managers to monitor large areas of forest efficiently. By using advanced technologies such as satellite imagery and drones, they can assess the health of trees, detect potential risks, and ensure that forests are being managed sustainably. This not only helps with forest preservation but also improves the supply chain by ensuring that timber is sourced in an environmentally responsible way.

At SCI, we’re always interested in how technology can help drive sustainability. The use of tools like remote sensing aligns perfectly with our own approach of using innovation to solve real-world problems for our clients.

Educating Consumers on Ethical Choices

Another topic that resonated with me was the need to educate consumers about the sustainability of the timber products they buy. Many consumers don’t realize the impact their choices have on forests, especially when it comes to imported wood, which often comes from countries with less stringent sustainability standards.

By supporting organisations like Grown in Britain, consumers and businesses alike can help reduce the demand for unsustainable timber and instead choose products that are responsibly sourced. As a company, we believe that educating consumers and raising awareness is key to creating long-term change.

Creating Change Through Collaboration

What stood out most in this conversation was Grown in Britain’s commitment to collaboration. They are working with a wide range of stakeholders—landowners, businesses, and the government—to create a unified approach to sustainable forestry. Their work is crucial for both the environment and the UK’s economy, especially as we seek to reduce reliance on imported timber and support our local woodlands.

At SCI, we believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration. It’s only through working together—whether it’s with clients, suppliers, or organisations like Grown in Britain—that we can truly create change.

Supporting Local Woodlands for a Sustainable Future

I encourage everyone to listen to this episode of the Foresight podcast. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of making informed choices and supporting local, sustainable solutions. At SCI, we’re proud to work alongside organisations like Grown in Britain, and we’re excited about the future of sustainable forestry in the UK.

By supporting our local woodlands, we’re not only helping the environment but also contributing to a more sustainable future for all. Let’s continue to work together to drive real change.

Listen to the full podcast now to learn more about sustainable forestry and how you can make a difference.