The review will support Welsh Government in strengthening Wales’s local timber supply chains by giving them a clearer, better-organised understanding of how the sector currently operates
The review will also consider how small and medium sawmills operate, as these often remain under-represented in national statistics, so that future support, investment and policy from the Welsh Government can be targeted to effectively deliver the objectives of the Timber Industrial Strategy.
Much of the data on Wales’s small and medium sawmill sector is currently fragmented, incomplete or difficult to interpret. National statistics capture large processors well, but the diverse network of smaller mills — which contribute to local employment, skills, and value-adding — remains poorly described. Existing evidence also varies in quality, format, and Wales-specific detail, making it hard to form a coherent picture when planning policy or investment. The purpose of this project is not to fill all those gaps, but to bring the existing evidence together, assess its strengths and limitations, and present a consolidated, well-structured picture of the supply chain. The work will highlight where the evidence is strong, where it is uncertain, and where targeted new data can realistically help improve understanding. This includes reviewing forestry availability forecasts, timber sales data, mill capability information, and the limited evidence available on post-harvest timber movement.
The contract (contract C219/2025/2026) was formally awarded on 18 November and commences on 20 November 2025.
