Woodknowledge Wales

Woodknowledge Wales

Inspiring innovation through collaboration

Forestry

Timber grading course: properties and value of softwood timber

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Enjoy 25% off our practical hands-on visual strength grading course with Phil O’Leary for forest owners, forest managers, architects, timber frame manufacturers and merchants

Date:
Time:
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Subject expert:
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Friday 18 October
10 – 4
20
Glynllifon College. Clynnog Rd, Caernarfon LL54 5DU
Phil O’Leary, Director, Filros Timber Consultancy
John Sweeny, Specialist Advisor Small Scale Sawmilling
Ceri Loxton, University Liaison and Skills

Following on from the very successful “Timber 101” sessions held at WoodBUILD 2024 this one-day course will be an opportunity to learn more about the features used to visually strength grade softwood timber. The course will cover knots, compression wood, resin pockets, grain angle, density, growth rates, rot, fissures, and cracks.

As a pilot offering, all participants will benefit from a 25% discount on this exciting new course. Additional subsidies are also available. Please contact Ceri Loxton through the ‘Apply for a subsidy’ button.

Members of our Sawmillers Community of Practice (CoP) are advised to apply for complimentary CoP course on Saturday 18 October.

What to expect: During the day you will do a little bit of theory backed up with lots of opportunity to handle both small and large sections of timber. You will be shown how to use features such as, knots, compression wood, grain angle etc. to visually strength grade softwood timber. There will then be opportunity to practice your skills on specifically selected samples to help embed the learning. In addition, there will be lots of opportunities to exchange knowledge and get invaluable industry insights from Phil O’Leary who has worked in the sector for over 30 years.

Who should attend: This information will be useful to you/your staff/your organisation if you are involved in any part of the timber supply chain including:

  • Forest owners and managers – understand the potential value in your crop and why/how you need to manage it.
  • Primary processors – how to get the most out of the logs you process. This course will also be useful if you are considering doing a full visual stress grading course or want a refresher before regrading.
  • Builders’ merchants – this will be a perfect course if you/your staff deal with customers to help you explain solid timber products to them.
  • Timber frame manufacturers – to help you/your staff identify and understand features in timber so that it can be used to its best advantage and therefore avoid possible problems down the line.
  • Architects – learn about this valuable resource, the grading process, and how it relates to strength classes.  And importantly, why you should not over specify on a job.

Learners completing the course will receive a certificate of completion from Woodknowledge Wales. These courses are especially useful for those working in the timber and allied industries or for other professionals working in the construction industry.

Cost:

  • Members:  £125.00 £93.75 inc. VAT
  • Non-members:  £250.00 £187.50 inc. VAT
  • Subsidies: Financial support is available upon request via the ‘Apply for a subsidy’ button.
  • Sawmillers CoP Members are advised to apply for our complimentary CoP course on Saturday 18 October.

While some events will first be advertised to our members or Communities of Practice, Woodknowledge Wales (WkW) endeavours to ensure all its events and training is as inclusive and accessible to all. Please note that students may claim membership level fees if their university is a WkW’s member. Additionally, both students and low income professionals may apply for subsidised participation.

What to bring: Bring warm clothing. This event will be taking place primarily in a large unheated barn. Toilets are available on site but there is a walk between buildings. Bring a flask and lunch. There is a café on site where hot drinks and food can be purchased.

About your subject expert: Phil O’Leary

Phil is Director of Filros Timber Consultancy and has over 25 years of experience in the design, specification, structural grading, supply, installation, and performance in service of timber, including 20 years of experience as an expert witness. 

Previously Phil was head of Timber Consultancy at BM TRADA, the technical authority behind TRADA. With over 30 years of post-qualifying experience, Phil has published in local and international journals about wood science.

Phil is one of the UK’s leading authorities for visual strength grading and specialises in:

  • Timber quality, performance characteristics, deterioration, and preservation.
  • Condition surveys of historic buildings, performance assessments and determining the structural strength of timber in many situations.
  • Serving as an expert witness in establishing the causes of timber failures.
  • Developing and presenting highly regarded topical and bespoke training courses on a range of timber subjects.

Phil is chairman of BSI’s Wood Preservation Committee and a member of the Wood Protection Association’s Technical Committee.

Driving innovation and collaboration: key takeaways from WoodBUILD 2024 for forestry and timber experts

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WoodBUILD 2024 was a landmark event that brought together leaders from the forestry sector, academia, and the timber industry to explore the future of sustainable timber use in construction.

Held on July 2-3 at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) in Swansea, and hosted by Woodknowledge Wales with support from Morgan Sindall Construction, the conference served as a dynamic platform for sharing insights, discussing innovations, and addressing challenges in the sector.

Here are details of key takeaways for forestry and timber professionals from this year’s conference and how the industry can drive innovation and collaboration.

Key Themes and Insights

The conference commenced with an engaging Ministerial address by Huw Irranca-Davies MS, The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs (Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Newid Hinsawdd), setting an optimistic tone for the discussions and workshops that followed. The event featured an immersive film experience, hands-on workshops, and thought-provoking plenary sessions. These activities delved into critical topics such as sustainable forestry practices, regenerative construction, and advanced timber applications.

An immersive woodland film

Created by Jamie Brookes at Landspan an immersive woodland experience introduced visitors to the world of immersive film and its application for engagement and visual display of LiDAR maps. Through dynamic imagery and thoughtful narration, the film underscored the critical importance of sustainable forest management and conservation.

Collaborative discussion for problem solving

On the first day, the plenary session “Pushing Boundaries – Communities of Action,” led by Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change, Woodknowledge Wales, proved particularly influential. This session was instrumental in transforming insights into actionable strategies for enhancing the wood value chain and construction practices. Key discussions centred around carbon management, sustainable forestry techniques, and the complexities of timber use in modern construction. Topics explored included fire safety, workforce skills, and the benefits and drawbacks of using Western Hemlock. The session emphasised the need for continuous dialogue and joint problem-solving to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the industry.

The workshops at WoodBUILD 2024 provided valuable practical solutions and insights for tackling key issues in forestry and timber use:

Welsh Government’s Timber Industrial Strategy

The Welsh Government presented work to date on its Timber Industrial Strategy (TIS) and used the opportunity to gather further industry feedback. The TIS aims to bolster the domestic timber sector by increasing sustainable forest management and promoting timber use in construction. It emphasises enhancing local supply chains, supporting innovation, and fostering industry collaboration to boost economic growth and environmental benefits. This strategy aligns with WoodBUILD 2024’s focus on sustainable timber solutions and will offer valuable guidance and case studies on how to increase the economic impact of Wales’s forest industries.

Sustainable Forest Management: Hosted by Anna Dauksta, Forestry and Timber Project Manager, Woodknowledge Wales, this workshop highlighted the urgent need for improved timber marketing strategies, effective biodiversity management, and enhanced woodland management practices. Recommendations included shifting NRW’s timber sales approach towards a more marketing-focused model, conducting a comprehensive biodiversity census, and fostering community involvement in woodland management. These actions aim to optimize timber use and ensure sustainable forest practices.

Circular to Regenerative Construction was led by headline sponsors, Morgan Sindall Construction. This session highlighted the importance of adopting a holistic design approach and fostering broad collaboration within the construction industry. The workshop stressed the need to simplify regenerative principles and address policy barriers to promote more sustainable and circular building practices. Participants discussed the benefits of moving beyond traditional capital cost considerations and embracing a collective effort for meaningful progress in construction.

Future Generations in Forestry addressed the challenge of attracting young talent to the forestry and timber industries. Strategies discussed included leveraging social media for outreach, offering competitive career benefits, and creating engaging opportunities for Generation Z. The session highlighted the importance of making forestry careers appealing and dynamic, showcasing diverse career paths, and using influencers to shift perceptions and attract new talent.

Natural Fibre Insulation focused on the benefits of natural fibres in construction, this session emphasized their advantages in thermal performance, moisture control, and indoor air quality. Despite being a rapidly growing insulation segment in the UK, challenges such as limited availability and insufficient industry awareness hinder broader adoption. The workshop called for improved communication and regulation of embodied carbon, as well as the integration of energy modelling to advance sustainable building practices.

Timber 101 provided an in-depth look at the properties and potential of home-grown timber. Three of the UK’s top wood scientists; Dr. Dan Ridley-Ellis from Edinburgh Napier University, Dr. Morwenna Spear of Bangor University’s BioComposites Centre, and Phil O’Leary from Filros Timber Consultancy discussed wood’s variability, moisture content, and strength grading. The session highlighted the need for better communication between researchers and industry professionals, improved grading practices, and expanding the use of different timber species. Challenges such as the scarcity of wood scientists and extensive testing requirements were also addressed. The workshop advocated for innovative solutions to enhance timber’s role in sustainable construction.

Managing Forests in a Changing Climate focused on the impact of climate change on forest management. Key discussions included managing risks like pests and drought, planning for future climate conditions, and implementing adaptive management practices. The workshop raised the importance of maintaining diverse species, improving monitoring systems, and adopting flexible regulations to adapt to changing climate conditions. It also highlighted gaps in understanding forest resilience and the need for reinvestment in forestry to support long-term sustainability.

Circular Economy and Sustainable Schools’ Challenge explored practical examples of timber reuse in schools, specifically at Ysgol Bontnewydd. Discussions included timber grading, repurposing, and the establishment of re-manufacture facilities and salvage networks. The session revealed a need for better standards, stronger networks, and the integration of circular economy principles into training and policies. Emphasis was placed on modular design, material reduction, and engaging local communities and students in sustainability initiatives.

Gwynfaen: A Case Study in Low Carbon Development provided an update on the Gwynfaen social housing project, which has focused on using timber to reduce whole life carbon emissions. The session highlighted innovations in timber panel assembly, insulation, and cladding that have improved efficiency and performance. Challenges and successes in the project were discussed, with future evaluations planned to monitor home performance and occupant experiences to ensure project goals are met.

Development of Embodied Carbon and Footprint Assessment Tools was co-hosted by The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) and Woodknowledge Wales. It introduced new tools for assessing embodied carbon and carbon footprints. The session underscored challenges such as balancing simplicity with accuracy in assessments and effectively accounting for biogenic carbon. Participants called for ongoing refinement of these tools and their integration into early project planning to address climate change effectively.

A call for ongoing dialogue

WoodBUILD 2024 highlighted the crucial role of innovation, collaboration, and strategic action in the forestry and timber sectors. The event underscored the significance of integrating Welsh timber in construction and emphasised the need for skills development and teamwork to overcome industry challenges and advance sustainable practices.

The conference provided valuable insights that call for ongoing dialogue, practical solutions, and a unified approach to improving timber use and forest management. By embracing these strategies and fostering collaborative efforts, the forestry and timber sectors can make significant strides toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

WoodBUILD 2024 presentations can now be downloaded from the event page. For more information on how to become a member of Woodknowledge Wales and join this critical ongoing conversation, please contact Rachel Cook or visit woodknowledge.wales

Wood science at WoodBUILD

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Sign up for WoodBUILD 2024 now and grab your opportunity to quiz three of the UK’s leading wood scientists at
‘Timber 101 – Making wood work in the built environment’

Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis, Head of the Centre Wood Science and Technology,
Edinburgh Napier University
Dr Morwenna Spear,
Research Fellow at the BioComposites Centre,
Bangor University
Phil O’Leary,
Director,
Filros Timber Consultancy

Three of the UK’s top wood scientists Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis, Dr Morwenna Spear and Phil O’Leary, will be coming together in a presentation and discussion workshop at WoodBUILD 2024 at 14:00 on Tuesday 2 July at the IQ Building of the University of Wales Trinity St David Waterfront Campus in Swansea.

“I’m excited to be able to offer this workshop as a part of WoodBUILD 2024. The opportunity to come and engage with three of the UK’s top wood scientists is certainly one not to be missed. Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis’s wealth of knowledge on the properties of wood is second to none. Dr Morwenna Spear’s aptitude for research into novel timber treatments and wood-fibre technologies is unbeatable, and Phil O’Leary is considered one of the UK’s leading authorities for visual strength grading. What more could we want?  Let’s crack on! Do come and join this interactive session about how best to use home-grown Welsh timber in construction in order to help decarbonise the built environment.” Anna Dauksta, Forestry and Timber Project Manager, Woodknowledge Wales.

The workshop will be hosted by Anna Dauksta, Forestry and Timber Project Manager, Woodknowledge Wales. As session chair, Rob Thomas, Director, Architect and Certified Passivhaus Designer from Hiraeth Architecture will give an introductory presentation about how great wood really can be in the built environment. This will be followed by short presentations from three of the UK’s leading wood scientists to discuss home-grown timber, its properties, opportunities, and limitations. Best practice tips and tricks for maximising the potential of using home-grown timber to help decarbonise the built environment will also be shared. This session will be interactive and provides a unique opportunity to engage with esteemed speakers of the wood science world. 

“How amazing to get three such eminent wood scientists in a conference workshop together. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the properties of home-grown timber, but the facts are often hard to come by. This workshop will be a great opportunity to access quality information, ask questions of these experts who have spent their careers exploring wood properties, and challenge some of the prevailing misconceptions about fast-grown conifers.” Gary Newman, CEO, Woodknowledge Wales.

About our three speakers

Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis is head of the Centre for Wood Science and Technology at Edinburgh Napier University. He is one of the UK’s technical experts on guessing the strength of wood and can talk for hours on the topic – which he frequently does if nobody stops him. His main area of research is understanding the properties of wood, and how they are influenced by tree growth, forest management, and climate. He represents the UK at European Standards Committees for grading of construction timber, and the majority of structural sawn timber produced in the UK is now graded with settings he developed. He was named “woodland hero” for 2016 by Grown in Britain, and is also active in online learning, public engagement and science communication. He was the lead organiser of Bright Club Edinburgh from 2011 to 2023.

Dr Morwenna Spear has worked at the BioComposites Centre at Bangor University for over 15 years, conducting research into timber and a wide range of bio-based materials. She has worked with companies to scale up new technologies and processes, increase efficiency, reduce waste and to assess materials performance. She is a fellow of the IOM3, and Chair of the Wood Technology Society. Morwenna is active in research into novel timber treatments; the physical, thermal and chemical properties of wood. She is also working on energy efficient buildings and researching the environmental effects of materials and objects such as disposable and reusable facemasks.

Phil O’Leary is Director of Filros Timber Consultancy which provides specialist independent consultancy across the timber sector. Previously, he was head of Timber Consultancy at BM TRADA, the technical authority behind TRADA. With over 30 years of post-qualifying experience, Phil has published in local and international journals about wood science. Phil is also chairman of BSI’s Wood Preservation Committee and a member of the Wood Protection Association’s Technical Committee. As one of the UK’s leading authorities for Visual Strength Grading, Phil specialises in condition surveys of historic buildings, performance assessments and determining the structural strength, quality, performance characteristics, deterioration and preservation of timber. He also serves as an expert witness and develops and presents bespoke timber training.

For the full programme, visit our events page.

Enabling Innovation through Collaboration across the Wood Value Chain in Wales

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Christiane Lelig gathered insights on technical and commercial innovations at Bioeconomy Innovation Day 2024, connecting with bioregional forest economy initiatives across Europe

On 5 June 2024 in Lemgo, North Rhine-Westphalia, the Bioregions Facility with its partners organised an intensive one-day event gathering forest innovators and leaders from industry, government, research, and other key stakeholders in the forest bioeconomy. The Bioeconomy Innovation Day was preceded by an excursion and networking programme on 4 June, which included a site visit to glue and adhesives specialist Jowat and the SmartWood Centre of TH OWL in Lemgo.

The event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with bioregional forest economy initiatives across Europe. It was also an opportunity to gather insight on technical and commercial innovations in areas spanning edible forest products, turning industry waste into new products, community funding for reforestation projects, international high-tech afforestation initiatives, voluntary carbon markets, and start-up accelerator programmes.

“It was truly inspirational to learn just how much is going on in the different spaces we are all active in. The event allowed me to forge a whole host of new relationships and connections for future collaborations that have the potential to elevate what we’re currently doing at Woodknowledge Wales. But most of all, our participation highlighted that Wales really should have a seat on the table as a member of the EFI Bioregions Facility to benefit from, and also input on, these exchanges. In a globally connected world, where we share tremendous challenges, we need to connect to share and advance our learning.” said Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change, Woodknowledge Wales.

Showcasing four bioregional ecosystems

Woodknowledge Wales was invited to present as part of a panel on ‘Initiatives for supporting innovation in forest and wood-based bioeconomy’ which showcased four bioregional ecosystems:

  • Zentrum Holz:  Supporting innovation in forest and wood-based bioeconomy in North Rhine-Westphalia
  • Forestry Hub of Catalonia: Catalonia’s forest bioeconomy innovation support
  • Future Forest Initiative: Germany’s first forest start-up accelerator
  • Woodknowledge Wales: Enabling innovation through collaboration across the wood value chain in Wales

The discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities in developing and supporting a resilient wood value chain in the different regions. It underscored the significance of community and cultural shifts to make the industry fit for the future. Despite significant differences in culture, history and scale of the forest economies between the bioregions, a number of recurring themes emerged that are common to all. These include resilience, connectivity, the need, potential and challenges to embrace circular economy principles within the supply chain as well as the struggle to recruit young people into the industry.

The Role of Forestry and Timber in Wales

In her presentation, Christiane highlighted the crucial role that forestry and timber can play in decarbonising the built environment and providing employment opportunities in economically deprived areas.

Historically reliant on industries such as coal mining and steel production, Wales now faces high levels of poverty and deprivation in these once-thriving industrial areas. Forestry and timber have not traditionally been a part of Wales’ cultural identity. Boasting only about 15% woodland cover, split evenly between conifers and broadleaf trees, Wales produces some of the finest softwood timber in Europe. Despite this, much of this resource is underused and often relegated to lower-value products with short to medium term lifespans.

“Wales can be as proud of its amazing forests and the timber it harvests from this precious resource as it is proud of its rolling hills and its steel, beef and dairy heritage. We need to make sure to make best use of the wood that comes out of Welsh forests and woodlands,” said Christiane.

Woodknowledge Wales and its partners are working towards the future production of high-value wood products such as wood fibre insulation, engineered wood products like glulam, and joinery items made from local timber. To this end Woodknowledge Wales collaborates with research facilities such as the Biocomposites Centre at Bangor University and the Construction Wales Innovation Centre at the University of Trinity Saint David in Swansea to support these developments.

Strategic Goals and Innovative Approaches

The overarching goal of Woodknowledge Wales is to cultivate a Thriving Forest Economy that benefits society while respecting planetary boundaries. This vision aligns with Wales’ Future Generations Act, which mandates that all actions contribute to the well-being of both current and future generations. Christiane articulated this strategy through key elements:

  1. Purposeful Growing: Managing forests for resilience and climate change mitigation.
  2. Added-Value Processing: Maximising the utility of harvested timber.
  3. Low-Carbon Manufacturing: Creating high-performing construction products from processed timber.
  4. Net-Zero Construction: Advancing towards regenerative construction practices.

To bring these elements together, a cultural shift towards an enabling wood culture is essential. This transformation requires a profound change in industry practices and societal attitudes. Woodknowledge Wales approaches this challenge by encouraging and facilitating innovation through collaboration and knowledge exchange, and strategic interventions.

Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Annual Conference

Central to Woodknowledge Wales’ approach are Communities of Practice (CoPs). These peer-to-peer learning groups foster connections and build trust among industry stakeholders. Each group sets its own objectives and guidelines, with co-leads who possess relevant industry expertise.

The CoP’s provide a platform for open discussions, idea generation, and project development. They are invaluable in driving change and advancing the collective agenda of the wood value chain.

The annual two-day WoodBUILD conference serves as a crucial event for cross-fertilisation of ideas and trust-building within the wood value chain.

Future Directions

Training, skills, and recruitment emerged as pressing themes, with a focus on understanding and attracting Generation Z to the industry. The concept of timber development centres was also discussed, envisaging spaces where processors and manufacturers can share tools and knowledge.

Unlocking the potential of forests and wood products for a thriving future within planetary boundaries touches on common themes, shared across all bioregions in Europe. Collaboration within these bioregions in key, collaboration across these regional ecosystems can take us even further.

Conclusion

Christiane’s Bioeconomy Innovation Day presentation underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in building a sustainable and prosperous wood value chain in Wales. Through strategic initiatives, community engagement, and a commitment to cultural transformation, Woodknowledge Wales aims to create a forest economy that benefits both society and the environment. The presentation offered a comprehensive overview of the current state and future aspirations of the wood value chain in Wales, highlighting the pivotal role of collaborative efforts in achieving these goals.

Discovering how cooperation benefits small timber processing

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Read the report from our recent Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers (ASHS) study tour for the Sawmillers CoP

From the left Alex Hall, Jonathon Hulson, John Sweeney, Jake Dauksta, Anna Dauksta, Ann Burgoyne 

Date of visit: 22 – 25 May 2024
Organised and lead by: John Sweeny, Sawmills coordinator, Woodknowledge Wales

“I think this trip has been hugely beneficial in more ways than one, with Woodknowledge Wales and the group participants that attended realising more outcomes than were perhaps anticipated.” Anna Dauksta, Head of Forestry, Woodknowledge Wales

250 years ago Scotland was the most deforested country in the United Kingdom with only 1% of forest cover left, in the last 100 years this figure has increased to approximately 19%. Small-scale sawmillers and other members of the ASHS play a vital part in sustaining a wood culture at a local and national level benefiting not only the landscape but also the people who live in it and the economy.

The purpose of this tour was to look at various ASHS member businesses in Southern and Central Scotland to see how the cooperative aspects of the ASHS organisation can benefit small timber processing businesses in Wales.

“Fantastic to see the processes being practiced at the mills in Scotland, and brilliant to be able to talk directly with the operators and owners about troubleshooting and methods being used. I enjoyed making new contacts with the professionals that came along on the tour and I am looking forward to building my network of people in the industry.” Alex Hall, participant.

“It was really inspiring to meet so many successful timber businesses utilising the hardwood resource in Scotland. These local timber markets and small sawmills are driving the sustainable management of woodlands in Scotland, providing a huge diversity of services and high-quality products like home grown elm for artisan furniture and ash for flooring in timber-frame buildings. A humbling tour by ASHA, thank you!” Jonny Hulson, participant.

Read the full report:

WKW-ASH-study-tour-report-FINAL-2024.06.02Download

About the businesses visited

Abbey Timber

A smaller scale sawmill producing both hardwood and softwood air dried and kiln dried timber for exterior and internal uses. Biomass fired kiln and district heating scheme using slabwood.  The main saw is a Mebor 1200.

Caledonia Log Homes

Specialised builder of full scribe and post and beam log homes using Scottish timber.

Tiny Temple

Specialist producer of charred timber and treated (SIOO:X, fire retardants etc) and stockist of modified timber for exterior uses.

Scottish Wood

Scottish Wood is a social enterprise hardwood sawmill  that specialises in the supply of quality Scottish hardwoods and hard wood products, plus premium softwoods from local, sustainable sources in Scotland to trade and the general public through-out the UK. The main saws are Woodmizer LT70’s

Real Wood Studios

Real Wood Studios is a social enterprise for furniture design, production and supply. In 2020 it became a Community Interest Company (CIC). It is home to some of Scotland’s finest designer-makers producing bespoke furniture and interiors from locally sourced hardwoods. The main saw is a trak-met.

PRESS RELEASE: Huw Irranca-Davies to address wood value chain members at WoodBUILD 2024

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From farming and forestry, through processing and manufacturing, to designing and building homes, Wales’ wood value chain will work together towards a more resilient future for our environment and the Welsh people

29 May 2024, Cardiff, UK: On 2 July 2024 at 9:30AM, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs (Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Newid Hinsawdd) will present to participants from across the wood value chain at WoodBUILD 2024. Hosted by Woodknowledge Wales, this year’s conference will be held in at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David IQ Building in Swansea from 2-3 July.

“I’m delighted that the new The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, will be making the keynote address on day one of our conference. Now with responsibility for both the Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals and the emerging Timber Industrial Strategy, his perspective should be of huge interest to our network, from forestry through to timber construction. WoodBUILD, since its inception in 2016, has always been well supported by Welsh Government with past Ministerial addresses from Julie James MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning, in her previous roles as Housing Minister and then as Minister for Climate Change.” Gary Newman, CEO, Woodknowledge Wales.

In addition to the Ministerial address, WoodBUILD participants can look forward to a keynote speech from Paul King, CEO, Built by Nature, an industry leader debate on how to create more resilient wood value chains, an update from Welsh Government on progress towards Wales’ first Timber Industrial Strategy, two book launches, and a host of useful and insightful workshops, demonstrations, immersive experiences and exhibits.

Farmers and foresters must stick together

In The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs’ recent written cabinet statement on the Future of Farming in Wales, published on 14 May 2024, he wrote that the Welsh Government, working with Farming Connect, will: “…continue to promote the benefits and opportunities of tree cover and woodland on farms and work on knowledge transfer…” and delayed the transition from the Basic Payment Scheme to the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) until 2026.

There has been a great deal of unbalanced media speculation following the farming protests earlier this year, which culminated in rallies outside the Welsh Senedd. The popular press tends to single out the 10 per cent tree-planting target under the draft Sustainable Farming Scheme as the main impetus behind these protests. However, a recent article, written by Deputy Editor Jack Haugh and published in the Forestry Journal on 1 May, calls this out as unfair bias. In the article, Huw Morris, a woodland estate manager with a farming heritage rooted in Powys, notes that tree-planting is just “one small issue among many things” and, while Morris does not believe trees on farms will be purposely planted to produce timber, he does make it clear that “Farmers and foresters…[ ]… need to stick together, and not be pitted against one another. Singling out tree planting is an easy way to demonise farmers. We need to balance the message because it’s not really what the protests are about.”

Woodknowledge Wales works across the wood value chain with a mission to purposefully develop Wales’ forest industries from tree to product to benefit the economy, the environment and the people of Wales. Well considered land use, and co-operation between farmers and foresters, is essential to this mission.

How to create more resilient wood value chains

The WoodBUILD conference and expo brings together wood value chain stakeholders to discuss progress and consider next best steps towards an economic and environmentally beneficial forest industry for Wales. Woodknowledge Wales stakeholders include land users who plant trees, all the way through primary and secondary processors and timber product and timber frame manufacturers, to representatives from the built environment sector who build with timber. These include professionals focused on designing, manufacturing and building homes using both traditional and innovative construction models and social housing developers responsible for commissioning Welsh homes.

This year, the conference will also include a day two keynote presentation from Paul King, CEO of Built by Nature, a network and grant-making fund dedicated to accelerating the timber building transformation in Europe. This keynote presentation will be followed by an industry leader debate between Paul King, Charlotte Hale (CEO, SO Modular), Jonathan Poynton (MD, Pontrilas Sawmills), and Tim Clement (Director of Social Value & Sustainability, Morgan Sindall Construction): How to create more resilient wood value chains and rise up to tomorrow’s challenges in the spirit of collaboration, 09:30 – 11:00, 3 July.

A Timber Industrial Strategy for Wales

Home Grown Homes project (HGH) (Prosiect Cartrefi O Bren Lleol) is a key project for Woodknowledge Wales. Supported by Welsh Government, one of the current phase two project tasks focuses on assisting in the development of the emerging Timber Industrial Strategy. WoodBUILD 2024 participants, can therefore also look forward to the day two Welsh Government workshop update on the progress of its Timber Industrial Strategy for Wales: The Timber Industrial Strategy: Making wood work for Wales, 14:00, 3 July.

Two new authors salute Super Sitka as a woodland hero

Images: The Sitka spruce A) as depicted in Figure 6.3, Timber! by Paul Brannen (2024, p98, Source: Shutterstock) B) Illustrated by Emily Hocking in Jenny Bailey’s storybook, ‘Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree’ (2024, p4)

Also, at WoodBUILD 2024, participants will enjoy the Welsh launch of two new timber-focused books. Paul Brannen’s new book, ‘Timber! How wood can help save the world from climate breakdown’ and Jenny Bailey’s children’s picture book and audio book, ‘Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree’ published in both Welsh and English. Both books salute the Sitka spruce as a woodland hero, rightfully reframing the narrative around what was once a poster species for long-ago defunct forest monoculture planting practices.

“…although much-maligned, given the climate and latitude of the UK, no tree can grow faster, and no tree can absorb more carbon dioxide while at the same time producing good-quality commercial timber”, writes Paul Brannen, Timber!, (Agenda Publishing, 27 June 2024, p99, now available to pre-order)

“As the tree of choice for forestry across the country, I’ve been growing here for 40 years, and now my timbers are straight and mature, just right for what you need for building and creating your environment”, says the Sitka spruce, as personified by Jenny Bailey in ‘Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree’ (Tales from Mother Earth™, 2024, p3)

Paul and Jenny will both be available at WoodBuild, so you can speak directly with the authors, grab your copies and get them signed while networking and enjoying the broader industry knowledge share workshops.

About WoodBUILD 2024

WoodBUILD 2024 will engage Timber and Construction Industry stakeholders in a collaborative effort to build new, multi-disciplinary business opportunities and regenerative solutions. Sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction, Wales & West Housing, The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) and Welsh Government, participants will enjoy two days of knowledge share, debate, networking and exhibitions. Conference tickets are on sale via the WoodBUILD registration page. Find out more about WoodBUILD and keep up with exciting additions to the programme by signing up to the Woodknowledge Wales newsletter and via the Woodknowledge Wales news pages.

Two new authors salute the Sitka Spruce as a woodland hero

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WoodBUILD 2024 to host the Welsh launch of Paul Brannen’s book ‘Timber!’ and Jenny Bailey’s storybook ‘Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree‘

Images: The Sitka Spruce A) as depicted in Figure 6.3, Timber! by Paul Brannen (2024, p98, Source: Shutterstock) B) Illustrated by Emily Hocking in Jenny Bailey’s storybook, ‘Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree’ (2024, p4)

During WoodBUILD 2024, UWTSD IQ Building, Swansea, 2-3 July, participants will enjoy the Welsh launch of two new timber-focused books. Paul Brannen’s new book, ‘Timber! How wood can help save the word from climate breakdown’ and Jenny Bailey’s children’s picture book and audio book, ‘Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree’.

Both books salute the Sitka spruce as a woodland hero, rightfully reframing the narrative around what was once a poster species for long-ago defunct forest monoculture planting practices.

“…although much-maligned, given the climate and latitude of the UK, no tree can grow faster, and no tree can absorb more carbon dioxide while at the same time producing good-quality commercial timber”, writes Paul Brannen, Timber! (2024, p99)

“As the tree of choice for forestry across the country, I’ve been growing here for 40 years, and now my timbers are straight and mature, just right for what you need for building and creating your environment”, says the Sitka Spruce, as personified by Jenny Bailey in ‘Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree’ (2024, p3)

Timber! How wood can help save the word from climate breakdown’ by Paul Brannen


The built environment is currently responsible for 40 percent of global carbon emissions. So why haven’t we transitioned from steel and concrete to more environmentally friendly building materials?

In his new book, Paul Brannen’s message is unequivocal: we must change how we build. Timber! offers fresh and inventive ideas that over time could see our expanding cities storing more carbon than our expanding forests. In addition to traditional forestry models, the book explores alternatives such as wood farming and agroforestry that bring with them added biodiversity gains for farms.

Agenda Publishing, Timber! press release

This book brings timber from the periphery to the forefront, bridging the gap between forests and urban areas. Paul directly addresses sustainability, safety, the biodiversity of commercial forests, and land use pressures. The book leverages the latest advancements in engineering and material science to support its case for timber. The author advocates for timber as a construction material, highlighting the creation of engineered timbers with the strength of steel and concrete, making wooden skyscrapers possible. Additionally, he explores non-traditional forestry practices such as wood farming and agroforestry, which contribute to biodiversity gains on agricultural lands.

Paul Brannen is Director of Public Affairs for the European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry and the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries. He also works for Timber Development UK.

Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree by Jenny Bailey

Once upon a time, in a big forest, there stood a very special tree called the Sitka Spruce. This tree wasn’t just any tree – it was amazing! Let Jenny Bailey, author and co-founder of publisher Tales from Mother Earth, tell your children its story. Available in print and audio versions, in both Welsh and English, this book aims to bring the world of commercial forestry to life for children.  

Jenny Bailey’s book, Sitka the Amazing Timber Tree, was illustrated by Emily Hocking. The audio version is read by Craig Dempsey and Jenny Bailey, with music composed by Chris Symons. The publication was sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction and launched to English speaking audiences on the Nature Stage at Footprint+ as part of the Building with Nature: An opportunity for construction and society session on 8 May 2024.

“This book is all about hope. It focuses on a crucial part of our future built environment: renewable materials. It makes it clear that materials like wood can’t be thrown away when they’re no longer needed; we need to find a way to use them again, and again, and again. And the use of renewable materials creates jobs; meaningful, worthwhile, purposeful jobs, where responsible stewardship of nature not only helps us restore our lost habitats, but also yields construction products which lock away carbon dioxide for a long time. I’m so excited that this book will be in the hands of those who will find new ways of creating the inspiring places of the future.” Timothy Clement, Director of Social Value and Sustainability, Morgan Sindall Construction

Meet the authors and pick up your signed copy at WoodBUILD 2024

Paul and Jenny will both be available at WoodBuild, so you can speak directly with the authors, grab your copies and get them signed while networking and enjoying the broader industry knowledge share workshops.

Bioeconomy Innovation Day 2024

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Woodknowledge Wales talk on Regenerative Systems Change on 5 June 2024 at TH OWL Lemgo Campus in Germany

On 5 June 2024 in Lemgo, North Rhine-Westphalia, forest innovators and leaders from industry, government, research, and other key stakeholders in the forest bioeconomy will gather for Bioeconomy Innovation Day 2024. Convened by the European Forest Institute EFI’s Bioregions Facility, the day aims at bridging the knowledge-innovation divide, speeding up the uptake of new solutions, and strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration.

As part of the 15:30 panel discussion focused on initiatives supporting innovation in the forest and wood-based bioeconomy, Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor Regenerative Systems Change at Woodknowledge Wales will discuss how to enable innovation through collaboration across the wood value chain.

“We’re honoured to be invited to share Woodknowledge Wales’ approach to fostering innovation in Wales through the creation of communities of practice, applied research and facilitating interactions across the wood value chain, from trees to the built environment and we’re even more excited to meet and learn from a plethora of similar initiatives across Europe,” said Christiane. “Participating in the Bioeconomy Innovation Day is a unique opportunity for us to connect in person with an international network of change makers, each acting within their regions to further innovative use of locally growing natural materials, and to deepen our existing connections with the EFI Bioregions facility”.

The development and adoption of renewable, circular solutions are crucial for achieving the green transition, with bio-based products and materials playing a key role. Currently, the construction, food packaging, and industrial manufacturing sectors are highly material-intensive and must transition to circular and bio-based practices.

For more information on the agenda and to book your tickets for this free event, please visit the Bioregions, Bioeconomy Innovation Day 2024 event page.

Forestry and Timber Knowledge Transfer and Networking Event

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13 June 2024, 9:30 AM – 16:15 PM
Neuadd Reichel, Bangor University, LL57 2TR (and online)

Join Forest Research, NRW, Confor, Woodknowledge Wales and Welsh Government

This free, hybrid event is the first in a series to share research findings of relevance to Welsh forestry and the timber industry.

Forest Research will present findings from the Science and Innovation Strategy for Forestry in Great Britain.  Other speakers include Natural Resources Wales, Confor, Wood knowledge Wales and the Welsh Government.

Topics will include:

  • felling and restocking methods to maintain/increase productivity
  • climate change adaptation and resilience
  • future species diversification
  • the climate change mitigation and carbon benefits of forestry

This Knowledge Transfer event offers presentations, exhibition stands and networking opportunities.

FREE Webinar: Phytophthora ramorum & the future for larch in Wales – an update

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Online via Zoom on 29 February at 18:30 – 19:30

Dr Joan Webber, Principal Pathologist and project leader at Forest Research will present her recent research on Phytophthora ramorum and offer an informed perspective on the future for larch in Wales.

This webinar should appeal to sawmillers, tree growers, forest contractors and anyone interested in tree disease and the future for larch in Wales.

Agenda

Date: 29th February 2024
Time: 18.30 to 19.30
Location: Zoom

  • 18.30 to 18.40 Welcome & introduction from the chair: Christiane Lellig – Woodknowledge Wales
  • 18.40 to 19.00 Phytophthora ramorum – the science and implications – Dr Joan Webber (Forest Research)
  • 19.00 to 19.30 Q and A

What is Phytophthora ramorum?

Phytophthora ramorum is a fungus like organism that affects a wide range of species and the effects of the pathogen vary greatly depending on the host. Phytophthora ramorum is regulated as a Schedule 1 organism under EU emergency measures (2002/757/EC), and implemented in Wales by the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 and the Plant Health (Wales) Order 2018. This was updated by The Official Controls (Plant Health and Genetically Modified Organisms) (Wales) Regulations 2020.

Phytophthora ramorum Action Plan for Wales

In 2018, Welsh Government set out its commitment to tackle the growing issues around the increasing prevalence of Phytophthora ramorum in larch across Welsh woodlands. The Phytophthora Operational Response Team (PORT) was set up to provide clearstrategic advice and recommendations to the Wales Tree and Plant Health Steering Group for the management of notifiable Phytophthora species in Welsh woodlands within the context of the scientific understanding, risks and overall management of these pathogens in woodlands.

To gain a better understanding of this disease and its spread, the Wales Tree and Plant Health Steering Group launched the Phytophthora ramorum Action Plan for Wales in 2019