(openPR) - Seattle, WA, September 03, 2011 -- An innovative Wales-based forestry investment firm has started up and has attracted support from Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Woodland Bond is a concept launched by managing director John Tunnicliffe, who wanted to offer people the chance to invest in Welsh woodland, while helping to manage the woodland in the country sustainably.

FRA has spoken out in support of the idea, which is similar to the successful concept being operated in Brazil by firms like Greenwood Management. Woodland Bond buys up sections of forested land and offers people the opportunity to invest in them directly. The firm then manages the land on the investors’ behalf. Mr Tunnicliffe said he was attracted the idea of offering British people with no experience the chance to own their own piece of woodland.

Like many investors, Mr Tunniclffe was eager to find a less risky investment in light of the volatile nature of the traditional stock markets. He said, "I wanted a safer investment to add to my investment portfolio, something far removed to the banks and financial institutions, as markets were not looking as dependable for a return as I would like.

"I needed something that was unlikely to drop in value. All investments carry a level of risk and I wanted this one to be as low-risk as possible, but I didn't want my investment to have a negative effect on the environment,” he added.

FRA supports sustainable forestry management and believes the Woodland Bond concept will help to safeguard the future of Wales’ forest land for future generations. Peter Collins, an analyst at FRA, said, “These kinds of investment opportunities have already proved a success in emerging economies where forests need to be protected, so we can’t see why similar model will not work in the UK.”

In Brazil, Greenwood Management manages a number of plantations where they plant non-native tree species, such as teak and eucalyptus. Investors have directly invested in the land and returns on investment are expected to outperform equities.

Contact :
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane, Bainbridge Island,
WA 98110 United States
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
www.forestry-research.com

An innovative Wales-based forestry investment firm has started up and has attracted support from Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane, Bainbridge Island,
WA 98110 United States
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
www.forestry-research.com