New forestry insurance solution launched amid growing concerns around wildfire and extreme weather risks

Forestry is increasingly being recognised as both a commercial asset and a long-term environmental investment. However, as woodland owners face growing exposure to wildfire, storm damage and flooding, protecting the value of forestry assets has never been more important.

Recent years have highlighted the vulnerability of woodlands to extreme weather and environmental events. Prolonged periods of dry weather, higher temperatures and changing weather patterns have increased concerns around wildfire risk, while storms and flooding continue to threaten timber value and future harvesting plans.

For forestry owners and managers, the financial impact of a significant loss can extend beyond the immediate damage to trees. Woodland creation projects, long-term timber production and carbon-related interests can all be affected when an insured event occurs.

Recognising these challenges, Howden’s specialist Rural team has launched a dedicated Forestry Insurance solution designed to help protect growing timber and associated carbon interests against a range of insured risks.

Protecting forestry investments

Unlike many traditional assets, forestry investments can take decades to mature. The loss of growing timber can therefore represent a significant setback, both financially and operationally.

Specialist insurance broker Howden offers a Rural Forestry Policy, providing cover for a range of risks faced by forestry owners and managers, including:

• Fire

• Flood

• Windstorm

• Snow and ice damage

• Landslip

• Carbon credits associated with insured timber

This flexible approach enables woodland owners, estates and forestry businesses to select protection that reflects their individual forestry operations and risk profile.

As with all insurance policies, cover is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions. Not all forestry risks are covered.

The growing importance of carbon

As carbon sequestration projects become more established, landowners are increasingly considering woodland creation as part of their long-term estate and environmental strategies.

This has created new considerations around risk management, with the value of forestry assets extending beyond timber production alone.

Forestry insurance can play an important role in helping landowners protect both their physical woodland assets and qualifying carbon interests where cover has been arranged.

"Forestry is increasingly recognised not only as a commercial asset, but also as a long-term environmental investment. From established timber plantations to woodland creation projects, it is important that woodland owners understand the risks facing their investment and the protection available to them. As forestry owners continue to consider risks such as fire, windstorm and flooding, forestry insurance can form an important part of a wider risk management strategy." Rory Gibson, Sales Director - Rural, Howden

A changing risk landscape

As environmental risks continue to develop, forestry owners are placing greater emphasis on resilience, risk management and protecting the long-term value of their assets.

By combining specialist insurance expertise with an understanding of the rural sector, Howden’s expert team will support woodland owners, forestry managers and estates in managing these evolving risks and protecting their investments for the future.

To find out more about Forestry Insurance, contact our Rural specialists on 03301 652 726 or email forestry@howdeninsurance.co.uk.