This report provides a concise, updated quantitative snapshot of Wales’ small sawmilling sector in 2025.
Wales is at a turning point for its timber industry, yet the picture we have of our sawmilling sector is incomplete. National figures show broad trends, but they are not broken down for Wales which has a small number of medium and large mills and a network of small sawmills that is almost entirely invisible in industry statistics. These small mills matter as they have local supply chains, create skilled jobs in rural areas, and provide an accessible route to market for small parcels of locally harvested timber. Effective support and planning for the Welsh timber economy require a clear understanding of its mills — yet current data leave critical gaps, particularly around small processors, raising the risk that any industrial strategy, investment and support may be built on a partial and potentially misleading picture.
Sixty small and medium sawmilling enterprises from the Community of Practice (CoP) established through Woodknowledge Wales were approached, and 20 responded to our short survey. The aim was to begin quantifying insights from the CoP and related work supporting this sector and start gathering data that bring the small sawmillers’ stories from anecdote to evidence.
Key Findings include:
- Respondents collectively process around 5,360 green tonnes per year — modest at the national scale but potentially significant locally.
- On average, around 80% of timber is sourced within Wales, often exclusively, making these mills central to short supply chains.
- Mills operate at about 70% of reported capacity, highlighting the need to understand the factors preventing fuller use.
- Nearly all mills cut larch and Douglas fir, with smaller amounts of oak, beech, and western red cedar.
- Products are dominated by cladding and fencing, with occasional bespoke structural projects delivering high value added and long-term carbon storage.
