Summary

Forest Research and Resource Efficiency Services were commissioned by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to develop an evidence base for understanding the behavioural, cultural, physical and economic barriers which may be limiting the use of wood products (focusing on English production) in a range of markets.

This research formed part of the government’s response to thefinal report ofIndependent Panel on Forestry, as set out in the Government Forestry and Woodland Policy Statement, published on 31st January 2013. The results of this project informed the industry-led action plan “ Grown in Britain”, which was developed under the leadership of Dr Peter Bonfield, OBE.

Research objectives

The objectives of this project were to:

1) Identify and analyse current and potential markets for wood and wood products.

2) Evaluate actual and perceived barriers to greater use of wood in these markets, focusing on the suitability of English wood for the markets considered.

3) Establish the volumes of English wood that could potentially be supplied to the markets considered and explore whether there are any new techniques/products that could significantly expand this.

4) Review the effectiveness of current and previous activities or interventions aimed at furthering the use of wood and, in particular English/UK wood, in different markets.

5) Evaluate a range of potential approaches for future public/private sector activities and interventions that could be developed to increase the use of wood in different markets.

6) Assess the extent to which any increase in demand for wood products could act as a driver for increased woodland management and/or creation rates.

Funders and partners

Forest Research and Resource Efficiency Services (RES) are partners in this project, which is funded by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

Forestry Commission policy

This project will support Forestry Commission England’s goal, set out in its 2012/13 Corporate Plan, of protecting, improving and expanding England’s woodlands to maximise their potential to support biodiversity, to provide other ecosystem services and to contribute to jobs and the economy. By identifying potential markets for English wood and wood products, and exploring mechanisms for improving the supply chain to facilitate access to these markets, this project will contribute to policy development in England.

Contact

Forest Research

Elspeth Macdonald

Resource Efficiency Services

Professor David Robson
5 Tallow Whins
Lazonby, CA10 1AR

Tel: 01768 875139
Mobile: 075 2728 1943
E-mail: d.robson.541@gmail.com