Plantation timber sales generated more than £1.2 million in the last financial year.
Responding to a question from Jason Moorhouse, DEFA Minister Clare Barber said receipts for the 2025/26 year to date stand at £1,231,512. Sales in previous years were £793,226 (2023/24) and £766,669 (2024/25).
Mrs Barber said only one company submitted an acceptable quote with DEFA being granted a financial regulation exemption to award the contract to that sole bidder.”
The minister also confirmed plans for around 170,000 trees to be planted this year, including broadleaf and conifer species.
Tree stumps are being left as “standard forestry practice” because removal “can cause significant disturbance to soils”.