Rob Thomas and Matt Stevenson are two innovators with a passion for working with timber in all its forms. In this podcast, recorded earlier this year, they join David Hedges for a conversation about why we innovate, collaboration and partnership, ingredients for and tests of success, the curse of the pilot, the role of Government and regulation and a lot more besides. Rob and Matt are keen to work with other like minded people and they offer an open invitation to listeners to get in touch if they have an idea they want to explore.
The new Welsh Government and reasons for optimism
A comment by Gary Newman Three months into the new legislative period, it’s time to look at the political implications for trees and timber of this year’s elections. With an effective majority, Labour now has a clear mandate to implement their stated commitments to forestry and timber. Which should mean a substantial increase in tree […]
Trees and Timber | WoodBUILD Podcast with Tom Barnes and Andrew Bronwin
In this podcast Tom Barnes and Andrew Bronwin talk about the impact of the pandemic, climate change, productive woodlands, the role of government and policy, pests and disease, tree species and how we can add value to the timber our woodlands produce.
Investing in Afforestation—Economic aspects of woodland creation for timber production | Briefing Papers
The decision to invest in an afforestation project with the primary aim of producing timber may involve many personal and environmental factors alongside financial considerations. Adoption of a forestry enterprise within a farming unit represents a change in land use and a long-term investment of land, labour and resources. Financial evaluation provides a structured and […]
Climate Change Mitigation Potential of Conifer Plantations
Expanding commercial conifer forestry is the most efficient strategy for achieving climate change mitigation through woodland creation, according to a new study published in Nature Communications. The ground-breaking research led by Bangor University, applied dynamic life cycle assessment to the UK’s national planting strategy of 30,000 ha yr-1 from 2020-2050. A total of 33 different […]
Top five alternative conifer tree species review
Forests and woodlands are as much part of the mix of solutions for the Biodiversity and Climate Emergency as they are themselves under threat from it. The UK Climate Change Committee have set out strong recommendations for 30,000 hectares of new woodland per annum by 2050 (UKCCC, 2020), of which a significant portion will likely […]
The new timber sales and marketing plan: Small processors and access to timber on Welsh Government Woodland Estate
NRW’s Timber Sales & Marketing Plan (2021-2026) can offer opportunities for the small timber processing community in Wales. The purpose of this paper is to interpret the Plan and its implications for small sawmillers. This will create a solid foundation for exploring the means by which small processors may be able access timber grown on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate […]
Unlocking the full potential of offsite manufactured timber housing in Wales: The Challenge of timber price volatility
Unprecedented price volatility of timber is constraining the development of the timber frame manufacturing sector. This threatens the delivery of Welsh Government’s affordable housing, MMC and zero carbon strategies. The purpose of this paper is to highlight issues of concern and offer first ideas to develop potential solutions. DOWNLOAD BRIEFING
Wood Fibre Insulation – Specification Guidance
A building’s thermal performance is now as important an aspect of the building’s design and construction as its structure. Energy prices and climate change are often cited as the principal reasons for the increased energy and CO2 reduction standards required of our built environment. Less known is the fact that insulation can also play a major role in our health, safety, comfort and wellbeing.
Clyro’s newest housing project takes shape
The drones flying over the community of Clyro in Powys over the past few months have been capturing images of the progress being made on one of Powys County Council’s first new rented housing projects for over 40 years. It’s part of the council’s response to the climate emergency and the housing challenges faced by many of its rural communities.
