When Did You Last Specify Or Buy British Timber?

Wood is a truly miraculous material. It comes from renewable sources, and very little energy is used in its production.

It has great structural, aesthetic and insulating properties which used in the right way can last years with very little maintenance. Wood can be recycled – oh, and it looks great, too. Little wonder then, that wood has never been more popular for use as a building material. Clearly, if sustainability is important to you and your client, then wood is a great choice. But why not go one better, and buy British? Buying British timber is an investment in our future. It helps create jobs and employment in rural areas. It can improve the way woodlands are managed, supporting biodiversity and reduce the risk of diseases that our woodlands are facing. In 2011, the Government’s proposal to change the way the public forest estate was managed sparked fierce public debate. A subsequent report by an Independent Panel on Forestry was clear on the importance of developing and growing the British timber industry. In October, a new organisation called Grown in Britain was launched following a successful campaign which seeks to create a more sustainable future for our forests and woodlands. To create sustainable forests and woodlands requires the delivery on environmental, social and economic factors. Whilst most commercial softwood plantations are well managed productive woodlands, there are a significant number of broadleaf woodlands that are often unmanaged, where biodiversity is poor and no access exists – these are typically where rural unemployment is also a real problem. There is also significant scope to develop more innovative use of both softwoods and hardwoods, adding value to the raw material and supplying new and existing markets. Grown in Britain is tackling three main areas: Generating more demand for the wide array of quality products generated from productive woodlands, and in so doing strengthening considerably the economic engine that underpins the sector. Tackling barriers in the supply chain to meet the demand including the need to increase woodland management, investment in processing and innovation. Establishing a mechanism and fund to allow businesses more readily to exercise their corporate responsibility through funding the creation and management of woodland in the UK and thereby to demonstrate to customers and shareholders the carbon, societal, and other ecosystem service benefits achieved. Creating a stronger wood culture in our society: making it the norm that we use, buy and enjoy wood products, managing woods to achieve this; more people active in our woodlands with improved mental and physical wellbeing, and a sense of community inspired by woodlands. The report issued to the Secretary of State in October at the launch of Grown in Britain included a broad support base, enthused by its focus on the symbiotic link between commercial timber production and woodland development. This not only covers timber companies and industry organisations, but also NGOs, retailers, construction end users. 19 UKCG members with a turnover of over £24bn have agreed to give preference where viable to use timber and timber products which are assured as Grown in Britain. Behind the scenes, a lot more work is going on to make it easier for companies and people to buy British timber by increasing the visibility of home grown timber. To meet the additional demand requirements, particularly for hardwood, Grown in Britain is bringing people together throughout the supply chain, making business to business connections and trying to fix the disconnect between availability, supply and specification. You can support the campaign by committing to buying British timber wherever you can. You can also visit the Grown in Britain website at www.growninbritain.org and see the many other ways in which you can follow and support its work.

Author – Steve Cook, Principal Sustainable Development Manager at Willmott Dixon and co-chair of Grown in Britain