Small sawmillers’ and processors’ Community of Practice come together to create a shared platform to exchange knowledge, identify challenges, and collaborate
On Saturday 12 October 2024, a group of small sawmillers and processors came together both in person and online for a Community of Practice meeting at Y Plas, Machynlleth. The event running from 12pm to 2pm, marked the first step toward creating a collective group to exchange knowledge, identify challenges, and collaborate on practical solutions for smaller sawmills, processors, woodland owners. Not forgetting the vital ingredient of a saw doctor too!
An introduction to ASHS (Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers) was given by Jim Birley, founder and director of Scottish Wood and founding member of ASHS. According to their website, ASHS are ‘more than just a co-operative of sawmills‘, they are ‘a community dedicated to the sustainable harvest, production, and promotion of Scottish timber’. Their aim is to ‘promote and increase marketplace awareness of the beautiful timber resources Scotland has to offer‘.
This was followed by an introduction from chief executive Gary Newman of Woodknowledge Wales. Gary remarked at how the high-value work of these smaller companies often goes amiss in the bigger picture of the forestry and timber sectors but the role they play in keeping a wood culture and economies alive at a local level across Wales is invaluable.
Coming together and using the ASHS model to work from allowed the scene to be set, the interest was there. Gabriel Hibber, forest manager of Coleg Glynllifon, was elected as chair and a second meeting put in place to be held at Glynllifon College, near Caernarfon on the 30 November 2024.
On 30 November 2024, when the group came together at Coleg Glynllifon to discuss next steps, the gathering aimed to build connections and outline how this emerging group could move forward. They will be supported by John Sweeny and Anna Dauksta and the rest of the team at Woodknowledge Wales (WkW).
Setting the scene
The meeting began with a welcome from the first elected Chair, Gabriel Hibber, and John Sweeny with an introduction to the purpose behind forming this group. The hosts outlined how bringing people together with shared goals can foster collaboration, address common challenges, and create mutual benefits for everyone involved. The Community of Practice, as envisioned, is a place to share knowledge, identify opportunities, and help drive practical action across related sectors.
A draft memorandum of understanding (MoU)
A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Woodknowledge Wales of their draft memorandum of understanding (MoU). This document outlined the ways WkW already supports communities like this one and how they can assist further. WkW provided examples of their work to date, including:
- Best practice guides and tools for improving processes.
- Facilitating access to valuable insights and knowledge-sharing platforms.
- Supporting stronger connections across the network to address shared challenges.
WkW is committed to enabling the network by providing resources and expertise where needed.
Open discussion
The event moved into an open discussion, encouraging participants to share their thoughts on what the group could achieve and how it might best function. The floor was opened to ideas, leading to a productive exchange of views. Key points included:
- Identifying common challenges such as biosecurity concerns, future timber supplies and funding gaps.
- Exploring opportunities to collaborate between sawmills, forestry professionals, and small businesses.
- Suggestions for practical support, including tailored guidance and events.
This discussion was a constructive exercise in highlighting shared needs and aspirations, with attendees actively contributing ideas for how the group could move forward effectively.
Resources and practical support
At the close of the main session, attendees had access to additional resources. Copies of ASHS best practice guides were available, offering practical insights relevant to the timber and forestry sectors.
In addition, biosecurity information provided by Llais y Coedwig served as a valuable reminder of the importance of safeguarding Welsh woodlands from emerging risks.
Tour of the water mill
After the formal meeting concluded at 2 pm, participants were invited to join a guided tour of the water mill at Coleg Glynllifon, led by Gabriel. The tour provided attendees with a chance to see the practical side of milling operations and discuss how local timber resources can play a role in strengthening Wales’ forestry sector at a local level.
The day’s activities concluded at 4 pm, with the option for informal networking continuing at a nearby pub for those interested.
Looking forward
These meetings laid the foundation for an association focused on collaboration, shared learning, and practical outcomes. This group has the potential to become a valuable resource for those involved in small businesses and individuals occupied in forestry, milling, and timber use across Wales.
By creating a space for connection and shared purpose, the group can help address challenges, unlock opportunities, and drive positive change for the sector.
For those who attended, the event served as a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision. More updates and opportunities for involvement will follow as the group develops.
Stay Connected: To learn more about this and other Communities of Practice, please visit our CoP page.
