The Forestry Market - Forestry investment UK regional markets Carbon offsetting Woodland creation - Savills
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UK Rural - April 2021 S P OT L I G H T The Forestry Savills Research Market Forestry investment UK regional markets Carbon offsetting Woodland creation
Forestry investment 50% rise in hectares traded £205.5m 20,372 UK forestry investment in the Gross area of hectares traded in the 2020 forest year 2020 forest year in the 2020 forest year Breaking convention Forestry now sits at the apex of both climate and land use policy and continues to attract new interest This Spotlight on Forestry tracks UK forest not uncommon for forests to sell in excess of existing forests, these sites have few of the investments during the 2020 forest year 30-70% over the asking price, which ultimately constraints levied on new planting sites, and (1 October 2019 – 30 September 2020) represents the scarcity value of tradeable therefore offer good opportunities to investors and shows that interest in the UK forestry forest assets. Asset supply constraints are willing to improve assets over a longer investment market continues to follow its being matched with an aggressive appetite for timeframe. This is demonstrated by increasing long-term upward movement. Last year’s managed carbon and timber resources, with prices for secondary or even tertiary forest Spotlight reported evidence of new buyers owners wanting to report on sustainability property, with the expectation that through entering the UK forestry market and this metrics of forestry performance in climate focusing on the better soils within a property, trend has intensified as climate concerns and biodiversity regulation, especially when drainage, species change and improved growth continue to dominate investment landscapes. considering afforestation projects. The one performance the second rotation over a The traditional market drivers of capital asset note of warning is that competition is driving potentially smaller net area is likely to appreciation and rising timber prices have demand in excess of market realities. significantly outperform the first rotation. not changed, but evolving policy and action The trend towards off-market sales seen For years forest management was about around the sustainability agenda has shone during the 2020 forest year suggests that the restricting expenditure in a no income a light on forestry as not only a financial privacy of buyers and sellers and managing environment, but management is now rewarded investment, but also an environmental one. speculative interest remain concerns. by strong timber prices and capital values, so This has diversified the investment pool, but additional money spent on scrub clearance, also focused demand for lesser quality assets for ACTIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT respacing, infill planting, enhanced drainage, etc re-purposing, and in the more remote areas. As a result of the increasing competition for is not wasted. Improvements in management During the 2020 forest year the value of the property, there is clear interest in properties don’t just benefit future timber revenues UK forestry investment market hit a record that were traditionally less popular mainly due though. Microsoft, for example, in its recent of over £205 million. The main difficulty to location and the expectation of poorer carbon markets report included carbon storage is predicting where true forestry values lie commercial returns. While never destined to from enhanced forest management projects as against the market’s return aspirations. It is produce the same output as prime property, as part of its ambitious net positive strategy. FORESTRY forest hectares sold, however, Total market area and total market value during 2020, 20,732 hectares INVESTMENT were transacted, representing a ANALYSIS rise of 50% compared to the 2019 250 25 (figure 1). Although the number of The total value of the UK forestry Market value hectares sold increased during Value of market transactions (£ millions) investment market increased from Market area 2020, the demand for forestry still Market gross area (thousand ha) 200 20 £119 million in 2019, to just over considerably exceeds supply. £205.5 million. During 2020, 20,372 hectares were transacted AVERAGE FOREST VALUES 150 15 representing a 73% increase in Analysis of our 2020 database the value of forestry sold and, shows the average gross forest according to our research, exceeds 100 10 value increased by 17% to just over the record in 2015 by just short of £11,600 per hectare. All forests £60 million, when forest sales were have unproductive areas such as bolstered by a large portfolio sale 50 5 tracks, rivers, lochs, etc, so it is (figure 1). important to consider the value of This report focuses on data the productive area. The average from all mainstream forestry 0 0 price per net productive hectare 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 transactions and, where we are rose by 11% to £15,000. This aware, off-market or private reflects all sales over 20 hectares figure 1 Source Savills Research transactions. While we make every and covers a wide variation in the effort to record all forest sales, type, location and size of forest through our market knowledge have become more widespread suggests the value of sales may be sold. However, closer analysis of of and networks, it is becoming with our analysis showing private as high as £225 million for 2020. the larger commercial forest sales increasingly clear that the market sales represented 32% of all sales The remarkable increase in the (>150ha) highlights the strength of is becoming harder to determine during 2020, compared to 11% in overall value of sales can be partly the upper end of the investment as some sales are not easily 2019 and 7% in 2017. As a result, attributed to a rise in the total area market, with average gross values identified or verified through although our database reports of forestry transacted across the at £13,100 per hectare and the available records. total sales of just over £205.5 UK. In recent years, our analysis average net productive hectare In recent years, off-market sales million, anecdotal evidence found a relatively even number of rising to £18,250. savills.com/research 2
Regional market Although the number of hectares sold increased during the 2020 forest year, the demand for forestry still considerably exceeds supply Higher average yields from younger trees 40% 35% Percentage of spruce trees 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Low yield Medium yield High yield Very high yield class class class class Tree age 0-19 years Tree age 20+ years (second rotation) (first rotation) figure 2 Source Savills Research Regional performance Higher demand for forestry is driving interest in previously unconsidered locations Average forest values are diverse and factors closely to asset value. Analysis of a forestry benefit from better growing conditions such as location, accessibility, tree species, portfolio comprising first and second rotation and access to timber markets. However, average age and timber volume continue to spruce crops indicated that younger timber, during the 2020 harvest year, North influence the price. However, as demand for less than 20 years old and therefore nearly all Scotland achieved a price of over £16,500 forestry intensifies we are seeing growing early second rotation, recorded a higher average per net productive hectare, which is a interest in areas that were considered less yield class of 17, compared to a medium yield regional high. North Scotland also reported attractive in the past, resulting in average class of 13 for timber over 20 years old, which the second largest market share across forest value growth being strongest across was nearly all first rotation. Furthermore, our Scotland, England and Wales at 28% with North and Central Scotland. research indicated that 53% of the younger 5,678 hectares transacted. The growing interest in previously less timber was rated high to very high yield class, attractive forest properties is also driven by compared to 22% of timber over 20 years CENTRAL SCOTLAND a realisation that through improvements in (figure 2). This is in part why we are seeing The area enjoyed a significant 24% rise management techniques, tree stocks, genetics, very strong values paid for younger age profile in the average net productive value to and precision breeding, the performance of woodlands, with valuations capturing this £16,555 per hectare. Average prices here forests can be boosted. Improved techniques heightened performance as well as other have been gradually rising and for a second for tree establishment provide the basis for benefits, such as the smoothed income profile consecutive year recorded the highest number better performing and faster growing forests. associated with multi-age forests. of forest hectares sold across Scotland, Foresters are also witnessing longer growing England and Wales. seasons due to milder UK autumns. NORTH SCOTLAND Monitoring yield helps forest managers In North Scotland the average price of SOUTH SCOTLAND understand performance patterns in terms of £8,513 per net productive hectare continues During the 2020 forest year, the average value growth and productivity, which should link to be lower than more southerly regions that of net productive forest rose by 3% to £15,100 per hectare. This follows a 33% rise in the 2019 forest year and the 2020 data reflects the range Regional market share and values of prices and properties sold across the region. The number of hectares transacted reduced by almost 500 hectares when compared to the Region Average £ per Number of Market 2019 forest year. productive hectares share hectare sold % ENGLAND AND WALES ● North Scotland £8,513 5678 28% England and Wales continue to benefit from the highest prices paid per hectare of ● Central Scotland £16,555 7210 35% net productive forest. This year’s analysis shows a 4% rise in the average value to ● South Scotland £15,100 4000 20% £17,131. The number of hectares sold in ● England & Wales £17,131 3484 17% England and Wales increased by over 2,000 hectares during the 2020 forest year compared figure 3 Source Savills Research to the 2019 year. 3
Carbon offsetting Interest in the UK woodland carbon market has grown rapidly over recent years, presenting a new potential income stream for landowners IMPACT OF CARBON INCOME ON WOODLAND CREATION MODELS Model assumptions = 50ha over 80 years Amenity: England broadleaf n 100% mixed broadleaf n Woodland creation and maintenance grant income n Carbon price = £25/tonne n Timber income from selling firewood = £2,000/year for 40 years Scotland: mixed n 50% broadleaf, 50% conifer n 2 x conifer rotations n Woodland creation and maintenance grant income n Carbon price (from the broadleaf) = £25/tonne n Timber yield (from conifer) = £500 tonne/ ha for fell, 40 tonne/ha for thin n Timber price (from conifer) = £80/tonne Carbon as a disruptor for fell, £30/tonne for thin n Timber income from selling firewood = £1,000/year for 40 years Companies concerned about their climate impact are Commercial: Scotland conifer increasingly looking at woodland carbon offsetting n 100% conifer The reality of the climate crisis has sparked a risk. The growing demand for accountability, n 2 x conifer rotations race to net zero emissions across all sectors combined with increasing regulatory baselines n Woodland creation and maintenance grant income within the UK. Companies and organisations and the threat of carbon taxes, means that n No carbon income seeking to reach zero carbon impact start by companies are starting to address their carbon n Timber yield (from conifer) = £500 tonne/ reducing their procedural emissions and then emissions. This has resulted in a surge of ha for fell, 40 tonne/ha for thin look to offsetting for any residual emissions. interest in woodland carbon offsetting. n Timber price (from conifer) = £80/tonne Tree planting offers a nature-based solution for fell, £30/tonne for thin to carbon offsetting. As trees grow, they CREATING A CARBON OFFSET sequester carbon through photosynthesis. In order to sell woodland carbon offsets, This sequestration can be quantified and there are a number of key criteria that Estimated income breakdown over 80 years: reported as an internal offset or “inset” for need to be satisfied. Firstly, the woodland land managers, or it can be externally verified creation needs to be verified as a legitimate and sold to the voluntary carbon market as carbon sequestering project. Within the an offset. UK, the Woodland Carbon Code is the most Interest in the UK woodland carbon commonly used scheme to do this. Secondly, market has grown rapidly over recent years, it is essential that the woodland can prove presenting a new potential income stream for additionality. This means that the carbon landowners and generating demand for bare would not have been sequestered in the Amenity: Mixed: conifer Commercial: broadleaf and broadleaf conifer planting land. absence of a market for offset credits. In other words, carbon income needs to be ● Woodland grants ● Woodland carbon sales DEMAND FOR WOODLAND CARBON a key driver for planting the trees – the project ● Woodland timber sales There are a number of factors behind the cannot be financially viable without carbon increasing demand for woodland carbon income. This means deriving carbon income £ Conifer Mixed Broadleaf offsets. The legally binding net zero emissions from commercial forestry can be difficult Total target of 2050 for England and 2045 for to justify. The trees have to be planted on £3,882,210 £2,328,560 £673,535 income Scotland has put pressure on policymakers new land, and the land manager cannot be and business to take their carbon impact under an obligation to plant – meaning land Total £375,100 £457,912 £493,802 impact seriously. This ambition is brought managers cannot sell the carbon from trees costs to reality through Climate Related Financial grown through restocking (for example, under Net Disclosure, which is increasingly becoming the conditions of a felling licence). Trees £3,507,110 £1,870,648 £179,733 income mandatory for all large companies and sequester carbon at different rates depending financial institutions in the UK, requiring on age and species, therefore woodland carbon (all numbers are based upon theoretical models and assumptions) them to be transparent about their climate credits can take time to generate. figure 4 Source Savills Research savills.com/research 4
Woodland carbon £20.37/t The average price of carbon from three rounds of England’s 15x The amount of times the voluntary carbon market needs Woodland Carbon Guarantee over 2020-21 is £20.37/tonne to scale by 2030 in order to reach net zero in time Investment potentials Comparative income streams over time We look at carbon sequestration versus (illustrative – not to scale) returns from commercially driven forestry Woodland creation and maintenance grant income The growing interest in woodland timber remain far more substantial. Carbon offsetting income carbon for offsetting and ESG High timber prices and high yields Timber income objectives makes forestry an have resulted in exponential value increasingly attractive investment. growth for commercially driven Income (£) Savills Rural Research modelled forestry. It is important to assess the impact of carbon income on a the relative price of the assets at variety of woodland creation models maturity, rather than focusing solely to understand the extent to which on chasing the earlier income streams carbon is changing forestry market from carbon, which may lead to dynamics. Our models (figure 4) investment in a lower yielding model. demonstrate that growing trees for While forestry is not solely about Time commercial carbon (offsetting) and carbon, the emergence of carbon growing trees for commercial timber sequestration as a key incentive for figure 5 Source Savills Research are very different projects in terms of planting is undeniable. As a disruptor income potential, timescales around carbon boosts a strengthening return on investment and scheme forestry market, increasing demand Illustrative capital appreciation of each model design. The need to prove additionality for bare land with planting potential, means that commercial carbon and and making forestry an attractive Conifer £25000/ha commercial forestry schemes are asset for its “soft” insetting power. Mixed increasingly incompatible, as deriving For certain planting schemes such Broadleaf carbon income from financially viable as lower yielding broadleaf amenity £12000/ha Capital value (£) timber production makes additionality woodland, carbon income is becoming £8000/ha hard to justify. All growing trees a key driver. However, history sequester carbon, however not all reminds us that focusing on single £5000/ha £5000/ha woodland creation models can sell issue drivers has led to regrettable carbon offsets. Carbon sequestered mistakes in woodland design, such as can be used as an internal “inset” on monoculture plantations when the a carbon balance sheet. Figures 5 and sole aim was mitigating income tax. £4000/ha Dip in value is because the impact of traded carbon units on 6 show that although carbon income It is crucial that investors and land the capital valuation of a woodland asset remains uncertain is an incentive to planting and will managers understand all their drivers Time (80 years) ease cash flow for certain schemes, at for planting and adopt a long-term, current carbon prices, returns from balanced approach. figure 6 Source Savills Research CARBON VALUES £160 Income from carbon offsets is not linear, as sequestration tCO2e rates vary depending on age and species of the tree. Carbon prices within the voluntary offsetting market vary £75 greatly, from £3/tCO2e to £30/tCO2e. The average price tCO2e of the mandatory EU Emissions Trading Scheme for April 2020–2021 was £24.41/tCO2e. Research has suggested £50 tCO2e that carbon should be priced between £40-£100/tCO2e in order to accurately represent the cost of reaching net zero by 2050 (2045 for Scotland). For many companies looking 2020 2030 2050 to purchase offsets, the UK provides high quality, verifiable “charismatic carbon”. Companies value the additional Source LSE, Grantham Institute benefits UK tree planting can provide such as public access, biodiversity uplift and species protection. If carbon A report from LSE and prices rise in line with research predictions, and regulatory Grantham Institute baselines continue to increase, carbon will endure and grow suggested that shadow as a dominant force for change within the forestry market, carbon prices consistent blurring the lines between land use change and viable with net zero would start investment. However, even with rapid carbon price growth, at £50/tCO2e in 2020, the high returns from timber are likely to remain the most reaching £75/tCO2e in 2030 substantial income driver for forestry investment. and £160/tCO2e in 2050. 5
Woodland creation 100 students graduate from higher 900k ha of woodland to be created by 2050 education forestry courses each year to meet UK net zero recommendations Future of forestry With policy drivers and private market demand promoting woodland creation, we discuss what it will take to significantly increase the nation’s tree planting The UK government has committed to use (normally farmland) is the core challenge. before ambitious tree planting targets are ambitious tree planting, promising to reach Land managers need to be committed to long- taken into account. The Institute explained an annual target of 30,000 hectares of new term change, which means that most tenanted that “the necessary scale of change must be woodland creation by the end of its term, land is likely to be excluded. A number of reflected in professional delivery capacity bringing goals in line with the Committee grant schemes exist to incentivise woodland at all levels and in all settings. It will also be on Climate Change (CCC) net zero creation, and the rising value of forestry crucial to maintain standards to avoid damage recommendations. The most recent ratified should be a motivator in its own right. to the environment and reputational risk to UK figures suggest 13,500 hectares were Land use change to forestry is a complex the sector.” planted in the 12 months to March 2020, with process and can require environmental There are calls to make forestry and an estimated similar, albeit slightly higher impact assessments in extreme cases. The environmental studies more mainstream figure to March 2021. This puts current process is also time-consuming and this has at school level, and build on degree planting rates at 45% of what is required. But, to be factored into appraisals. As a result, the apprenticeships as an opportunity to increase exactly what is needed if we are to have any process of developing a scheme can take six capacity in the sector and promote diversity hope of achieving these goals? months to two years depending on scale, and in the workforce. The need for upscaling and often the net plantable area is only 40% to upskilling is also a great opportunity to forge LAND AVAILABILITY 60% of the overall area after deductions for links with the wider land use community and At the highest level, land availability is the safeguarding. draw in career changers from other sectors, most significant factor for new woodland especially post-Covid-19. creation. Not only does land need to be LABOUR/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS Approximately 100 students graduate available, but it also needs to be suitable for Rapid upscaling is needed if the UK is to meet from higher education forestry courses each woodland development. its tree planting targets. A crucial part of that year across the UK. Work is being done by Excluding valuable agricultural land upscaling revolves around the labour and devolved governments to develop plans to and land under protected designations, skills needed to advise, plant and manage new attract talent to the sector, improve skills the Forestry Commission has identified woodland creation. A Scottish study (2019) and technical knowledge, support education approximately 3.2 million hectares in England suggested that in order to meet Scotland’s providers and employers. as favourable for tree planting. A similar share of the 30,000 hectare commitment, Funding from schemes such as the Green project commissioned by the Scottish it needed an uplift of 29% of the workforce Recovery Challenge Fund and Scotland’s government estimated there were 2.7 million over 10 years. Estimates based on the Scottish Kickstart programme may help enable hectares of land with the “most likely potential research and the planting targets indicate the increased employment in the sector. However, for woodland expansion” across Scotland. shortfall could be as many as 12,500 people in there are no guarantees. Sustained political Together this represents an extra 24% of England and Wales. will and government commitments will be the total land mass in Scotland and England The Institute of Chartered Foresters essential in delivering scale, if the UK is that is suitable for expanding woodlands. believes there is an urgent need for more realistically going to achieve its net zero, Converting this land from it’s current primary skilled staff in the forestry workforce even biodiversity and planting targets. Planting progress across UK 24% Current annual planting Excluding valuable targets 12 agricultural land and 2019-2020 land under protected Scotland Number of trees planted (000Ha) 12,000ha designations, the Forestry Target in 2020 9 N Ireland Commission has identified 900ha an extra 24% of the total England 6 land mass in Scotland 5,000ha and England suitable for 3 expanding woodlands Wales 2,000ha 0 England Scotland N Ireland Wales figure 7 Source Forestry Commission figure 8 Source Savills Research savills.com/research 6
Woodland expansion The industry requires substantial investment if tree planting is to be delivered rapidly and at significant scale – trees don’t grow overnight NURSERY CAPACITY years are good mast (seed production) years. TIMBER With increasing planting and re-stocking The Forestry Commission recently MARKET demand comes even greater demand for announced a potential Nursery Notification tree seedlings. Tree nurseries have endured Scheme, intended to inform UK seed suppliers A year on from the start sustained demand increases over the last and tree growers of forthcoming woodland of the Covid-19 pandemic few years. The nursery sector has struggled creation and restocking projects, in the and we can start to to anticipate demand for seedlings in what is hope that it will enable them to prepare tree uncover the ways in which essentially a time-critical operation. Scaling stock accordingly and ensure supply across the virus has had an up planting stock needs careful planning given the sector. impact on the end users of the long term nature of these ventures to avoid The forestry sector has not seen such a the timber market. During under or over supply. rapid demand for upscaling for many years, the pandemic, many home Nurseries also need to be ready to adapt to possibly ever. The turn around needed to owners, bored of staring the impact of a changing climate on seedling reach net zero emissions by 2050 is at odds at the same four walls and requirements, as there is likely to be a rising with a sector that has always worked on long with time on their hands, demand for seeds able to withstand increasing timescales. The industry requires substantial have taken to renovating, disease and climatic pressure and achieve investment if tree planting is to be delivered with sales of home desired productivity. Even the collection of rapidly and at significant scale – trees don’t improvement and gardening products seed for nursery stock is challenging, as not all grow overnight. growing by almost 50% compared to the previous year (Statista 2020). Much of these purchases will be Historical woodland creation across the UK timber-based building materials. However, 50 despite the increase in England Wales Scotland DIY, housebuilding was UK (minimum) target halted for the first UK (upper) target 38 lockdown of 2020, disrupting demand for Thousand hectares timber materials on a larger scale. 25 Finally, Covid-19 has resulted in a rapid increase in online retail – 13 in June 2020 online retail accounted for a record 33% of all retail sales and 91 local authorities have 0 seen parcel deliveries rise 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 by more than 100% over the past year (Savills Research). This is likely to figure 9 Source Forestry Commission, Carbon brief have resulted in an increased demand for both cardboard and THE SOCIAL POWER OF FORESTRY timber pallets, critical to a booming delivery Forestry is a multi-functional asset, with multiple logistics sector. ecosystem services flowing from it, whether it be timber, Ultimately, promoting a carbon, flood prevention or public access. Woodlands are high quality, high demand increasingly being understood and utilised for their timber market is a key holistic value. Forest bathing is a practice garnering part of the solution to interest. It originates from Japan and focuses on increasing tree planting immersing oneself in woodland as a way to relax, cure across the UK and in doing anxiety and improve mental health. so thereby sequestering There is more and more science emerging into the more carbon. effects of leaf shape, the colour green and the sounds and smells of a forest and the positive impact that this has on mental and physical health. Some land managers are leasing spaces within their woodland for forest bathing courses to take place, or reaping additional value by creating commercial forest therapy enterprises. As society increasingly demands the multiple benefits that flow from forestry, land managers have the chance to innovate with service lines and opportunities. 7
UK Rural - January 2020 UK Rural - February 2021 Regenerative S P OT L I G H T Savills Research Natural Capital S P OT L I G H T Savills Research Agriculture Carbon Offset Market Biodiversity Net Gain Nitrate Neutrality Rewilding Building resilience Core principles Increasing profitability 1_Savills_Spotlight_NatCapital_10.indd 2 15/01/2020 14:56 UK Cross Sector – April 2021 November 2020 Property S P OT L I G H T Savills Research and Carbon S P OT L I G H T Savills Research Rural Logistics Measuring risk Green real estate Operational challenges Emissions reduction Urban migration Logistics capacity Rural repurposing Savills Research We’re a dedicated team with an unrivalled reputation for producing well-informed and accurate analysis, research and commentary across all sectors of the UK property market. To view copies of our previous Spotlight publications, go to www.savills.co.uk/insight-and-opinion/ Analysis methodology: Our research analyses our transactional database of forest sales. This database collates data from all mainstream forestry transactions over 20 hectares in area, and where we are aware, off-market or private sales. While every effort is taken to ensure all transactions are included within the information presented within this publication, it is very likely that further sales are reported after our publishing. Therefore, this Spotlight on the UK Forestry Market takes into account all new available information. James Adamson Nicola Buckingham Molly Biddell Head of Forestry Investment UK Rural Research Rural Research +44 (0) 1738 447 510 +44 (0) 7807 999 011 +44 (0) 7866 885 240 james.adamson@savills.com nbuckingham@savills.com molly.biddell@savills.com Savills plc: Savills plc is a global real estate services provider listed on the London Stock Exchange. We have an international network of more than 600 offices and associates throughout the Americas, the UK, continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, India and the Middle East, offering a broad range of specialist advisory, management and transactional services to clients all over the world. This report is for general informative purposes only. It may not be published, reproduced or quoted in part or in whole, nor may it be used as a basis for any contract, prospectus, agreement or other document without prior consent. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, Savills accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from its use. The content is strictly copyright and reproduction of the whole or part of it in any form is prohibited without written permission from Savills Research.
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