New report explores how the National Forest for Wales can boost timber supply for construction by supporting sawmills and sustainable woodland management practices
The National Forest for Wales has the potential to do much more than connect woodlands and enhance biodiversity—it could also support a thriving Welsh timber industry.
A new report from Anna Dauksta at Woodknowledge Wales explores how this long-term initiative can increase the flow of home-grown timber into high-value uses such as construction, while strengthening rural economies and supporting climate goals.
The report highlights the foundational woodlands of the National Forest and new sites added during the 2023 expansion phase. It makes the case for better alignment between forest management, timber sales, and the needs of the processing and manufacturing sectors.
A key recommendation is to support the sawmilling sector—from small-scale, locally embedded processors to larger mills supplying construction markets—by addressing log supply issues, adapting sales mechanisms, and investing in infrastructure. These improvements would enable more Welsh timber to be sawn, engineered, and manufactured into products suitable for low-carbon buildings.
Case studies from the Home-Grown Homes 2 project show how manufacturers are already working with Welsh timber, but barriers such as cost, supply regularity, and grading must be overcome. The report also explores the broader cultural and economic potential of the National Forest to foster a stronger wood culture in Wales.
Read the full report to explore how a joined-up approach—linking forests to homes—can help realise the National Forest’s vision of a more resilient, sustainable and productive Wales.
