IT is beginning to feel like the word ‘crisis’ has lost all meaning. In the last few years, I think the majority of us have become rather accustomed to living with chaos and uncertainty, navigating our way through one crisis or another, none of which ever seem to get resolved.

To many, right now, the so-called ‘cost of living’ crisis is the most important. Ordinary people are looking at the rocketing prices of food and fuel realising they’re about to be driven into poverty. It’s a situation that deserves all the headlines it gets.

However, seeming to get less attention is the ‘cost of working’ crisis, as soaring prices married to stagnant rates make it ever-more difficult (even impossible) for the workers the forestry industry relies on to do their jobs.

Most pertinent is the cost of fuel. Price at the pumps is frightening enough, but some contractors I’ve spoken to in the last month have been quoted as much as £1.80 a litre for red diesel (with fears it could reach £3 a litre before the year is out). And that’s for those lucky enough to still be receiving red diesel.

The UK government’s baffling decision to proceed with its changes to rebated fuel use have left many in the sector high and dry. While forestry, lumped in with agriculture, should still be entitled, many have been told by their suppliers they will be cut off amid persistent confusion over the rules and fears huge fines will be imposed on those who supply to the wrong person.

Is it any wonder to hear tales of contractors deciding to park their machines until the situation improves (if it ever does)? Should we be concerned when the Forestry Contractors Association says the price of fuel is pushing the industry to the brink of collapse? I am.

Among the many buzzwords to tumble from the mouths of politicians, campaigners and journalists whenever the importance of forestry is discussed is ‘sustainability’. When we look to the future of our environment, our economy and our industry, sustainability is at the heart of everything.

But just how sustainable does anyone expect our current situation to be?

Other topics covered in the latest issue of Forestry Journal include:

• New equipment launches from STIHL, including the MSA 300 cordless chainsaw

• Education events in Scotland and Ireland

• We question stagnant rates of payment for piecework tree planting

• Our monthly Buyer’s Guide looks at timber trailers and cranes.

• An interview with the UK’s chief plant health officer.

To learn more, visit www.forestryjournal.co.uk/subscriptions