Baza danych projektów PROW

The project will enable Coed Cymru Ltd to increase the value and usage of Welsh hard and softwood species timber in Wales. It is built around developing new products and processes that utilise these under-used types of wood.

Coed Cymru Ltd began as a campaigning body to heighten awareness of Welsh native woodlands. It has undertaken research and promoted innovative development in the uses of Welsh timber since 1985 and agreed over 26,000ha of woodland management plans. It is now an all Wales initiative aiming to promote the management of broadleaf woodlands and the use of locally grown timber in Wales. Low value soft and hardwood species make up half of the forestry cover in Wales but do not currently enter the secondary processing sector in significant volume. This project aims to utilise them more effectively.

The main objectives of the project is to: i) develop the supply chain for low value Welsh timber; ii) increase the value and utility of low value Welsh hardwood and softwood species; iii) drive innovation to bring new products and processes to market that utilise timber from 'low value' minor species; iv) ensure that more Welsh timber is used in Wales; v) create a sustainable supply chain to bring local low value soft and hardwoods to new markets.

Coed Cymru is managing this three-year project. Two Supply Chain Managers cover, respectively, South and Mid/North Wales. These managers role is to build and expand links between growers, processors, timber stockholders, timber using businesses, the market, and the public. The project will also segment the sector into high and low value material in order to focus on each separately. Heat treatment processes and the Ty Unnos building system will also be developed.

Key results will include: the creation of high value end products aimed at specific markets through an integrated supply chain; an improved supply chain to exploit the characteristics of all the available raw materials; the production of components for secondary manufacture; reducing the amount of imported timber. Wider benefits will include job creation in the primary and secondary processing industries, new market access opportunities, increased skills and innovation in the timber industry.

The project has already exemplified the advantages of private-public cooperation. The direct involvement of the private sector in the supply and specification of timber facilitates the application of technical innovation. It has also become clear that the direct involvement of local authorities is essential in the expansion of the hardwood supply chain.

Tregynon, Newtown, Powys

Wales

Wales

1 067 154

533 577

Ana Laing

ana.laing@wales.gsi.gov.uk

+44 300 062 2223

English