Grown in Britain WoodStock December WoodStock. Work Stream 1 Report Market Research. December Author:

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1 Grown in Britain WoodStock December 2015 WoodStock Work Stream 1 Report Market Research December 2015 Author: Charlie Law Sustainable Construction Solutions Ltd Additional Input: Tom Compton English Woodlands Timber Ed Suttie Building Research Establishment Mike Render Forestry Commission Graham Hilton Resource Efficiency Services A project part funded by 1

2 Grown in Britain WoodStock December 2015 Introduction This short report incorporates the findings from the market research carried out for Work Stream 1 of the Grown in Britain (GiB) WoodStock Innovate UK funded project. It includes details of the findings from the customer survey questionnaire, as well as the findings from the work stream 3.2 processor and merchant survey questionnaires which was carried our during the same period. It also includes information on the imported temperate and tropical species that could be replaced by home grown species, as well as information on the availability of these home grown species and the infrastructure available to process the resulting timber. Summary The market research reinforced many of the initial thoughts included in the initial proposal for a GiB WoodStock supply hub proposal. The customer and supplier surveys confirmed that Oak was the predominant species specified, followed by Ash, Beech, Maple, Tulipwood (Poplar), and Walnut. This was backed up by data from the Forestry commission on imports to the UK. Sapele was the prominent tropical species being specified. They also identified that the predominant uses for hardwood were internal and external joinery, such as doors frames, screens, windows, architraves and skirtings, along with other external uses, such as cladding and decking, and internal flooring. The surveys also confirmed that there was a lack of information available on UK hardwood, particularly around visual grading, and this was identified as one of the key barriers to the specification of home grown timber. Many customers and suppliers were not aware that, for many of the applications for which they specify imported hardwood, timber could be sourced from UK supply. Processors did not have a clear picture of the demand for hardwood. Forestry Commission data also confirmed that there were sufficient quantities of standing timber to meet a 20% increase in timber production for all home grown species in the short term, and for a 100% increase (except for Oak) in the long term, with some species such as Ash, Beech and Sweet Chestnut in sufficient quantities for a much larger increase. There is also significant opportunity to realise funding opportunities through the sale of the remaining 5½ million m 3 per annum of overbark standing timber, that is not suitable for saw logs, as wood chip biomass. As for processing capacity there appears to be sufficient log sawing and kilning capacity to increase timber throughput by 20% over the next 5 years with no additional band mill, kilning or dry storage requirements. Based on the 100% increase over 50 years, there appears to be sufficient band mill capacity, however depending on the end use, it was likely that additional kilning and dry storage capacity would be required. 2

3 Grown in Britain WoodStock December Work Stream 1.1 Market Research Questionnaires 1.1 Customer Survey The customer survey was sent out via the Grown in Britain Construction Group, the UKCG materials working group, and the BRE customer database. A total of 86 responses were received, predominantly from Contractors (Fig 1.1). The full summary of responses can be found in Appendix A. Fig 1.1 The predominant uses for hardwood were identified as internal and external joinery, such as doors frames, screens, windows, architraves and skirtings. However other external uses, such as cladding and decking, and internal flooring were also identified. (Fig 1.2) Fig 1.2 3

4 Grown in Britain WoodStock December 2015 By far the most predominant species specified was Oak for both internal and external; joinery. Other major species included Ash, Beech, Cherry, Maple, Tulipwood, and Walnut for internal joinery, and Iroko, Sapele and Utile for external joinery. The reasons why the particular species were specified was normally down to client preference or architect s specification, with suitability for use (particularly durability) being a key concern. (Fig 1.3) Fig % of respondents said they either rarely, sometimes or never specified home grown timber. When these respondents were asked why, the main reason was that they did not have information on who could supply home grown timber, or they believed the timber they required was not available from UK sources. Other popular answers were that they had no preference or it was believed to be more expensive. (Fig 1.4) Fig % of the customers who responded specify some form of chain of custody standard, with FSC being the most popular, followed closely by PEFC. Grown in Britain was specified by only 20% of those customers who answered this question. This correlated with the answers given by the supply chain. 4

5 Grown in Britain WoodStock December Work Stream 3.2 Supply Chain Survey As mentioned in the introduction, the results of the supply chain questionnaires have been incorporated into this report to show a complete picture of the views. The supply chain survey was split into separate Supplier (those who take the processed wood and supply an end customer) and Processor (those who supply and process round wood) questionnaires. A Grown in Britain supply chain list was developed especially for this project by English Woodlands Timber from Grown in Britain s initial contact sheet, and the addition of data from the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) supplier database, partner members information, and others. The survey was as distributed by TRADA, the British Woodwork Federation (BWF), the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and the UKCG Materials Group. A total of 39 responses were received for the supplier questionnaire (predominantly from timber importers and specialist merchants as well as manufacturers, see Fig 2.1) and 27 responses were received for the processor questionnaire (predominantly from saw millers, see Fig 2.2). The full summary of responses can be found in Appendix A. Fig Fig 2.2

6 Grown in Britain WoodStock December 2015 For suppliers, the predominant species supplied was Oak, followed by Ash, Beech, Maple, Tulipwood (Poplar), and Walnut, along with Sapele, Iroko, Utile and some other tropical species (Fig 2.3). The uses for the timber identified by the suppliers were almost identical to those identified by customers, with the only increase being for the other furniture category. Fig 2.3 For processors, the predominant species supplied was Oak, followed by Ash, Beech Sweet Chestnut and Sapele (Fig 2.4). 6 Fig 2.4

7 Grown in Britain WoodStock December % of suppliers said they either rarely, sometimes or never specified home grown timber. When these respondents were asked why, similar to the customers, the main reason was that they believed the timber they required was not grown in the UK followed by lack of information on who could supply home grown timber. Other popular answers were they believed it to be more expensive, visual grading was inconsistent, and there was uncertainty over supply (Fig 2.5). Fig 2.5 When the suppliers were asked what services and infrastructure they believed were missing from the hardwood supply chain, a consistent visual quality grading system was seen as the biggest issue, followed by clear stock availability and product range (Fig 2.6) Fig 2.6 When suppliers were asked what they thought of their UK hardwood suppliers (e.g. saw mills) the message was generally positive, with quality of timber and service, and suitability of the timber all being good or fair. The only area that attracted significant poor ratings was the availability and lead time for large quantities of timber (Fig 2.7). Fig 2.7 7

8 Grown in Britain WoodStock December % of processors wanted to increase the throughput of timber through their businesses. When asked what limited the quantity of hardwood they could supply, uncertainty over customer demand was the key factor identified, with production capacity second (Fig 2.8). Fig 2.8 When they were asked what services and infrastructure they believed were missing, similar results to the suppliers were obtained, with consistent grading being by far the biggest issue (Fig 2.9). Fig 2.9 8

9 Grown in Britain WoodStock December Work Stream 1.2 Species Match Based on information provided in the supplier survey on the species being supplied, the BRE have been able to use existing data on timber characteristics to propose alternative UK grown species for the imported temperate and tropical species being supplied. A full report is available in Appendix B which is summarised in Table 2.1 below: Table 2.1 Imported Species Source Alternative UK Species Ash, American Eastern USA and European Ash Canada Iroko West Africa European Oak, Sweet Chestnut (although slightly larger movement) Maple, Rock Eastern USA and Sycamore, Sweet Chestnut Canada Maple, Soft Eastern USA and Sweet Chestnut Canada Meranti, dark red Malaysia European Ash, Sycamore Birch, Beech (although care will be required with these as they are large movement species) Meranti, light red Malaysia European Ash, Sycamore Oak, American White Eastern USA and European Oak Canada Sapele West Africa Oak, sweet Chestnut Tulipwood / American Yellow Eastern USA and European Ash (although slightly Poplar Canada heavier) Utile West Africa Sweet Chestnut The species of hardwood timber imported into the UK are diverse and represent the overwhelming majority of the total UK hardwood market. Under Work Stream 1.2 we considered the possibility for British grown hardwoods to be used instead of the imported temperate and tropical hardwoods. We have assumed that for an imported European hardwood (e.g. oak) there is a direct opportunity to use a British grown species subject to the desired qualities being meet. However for the non-european species above, the alternatives of Ash, Oak, Sweet Chestnut and Sycamore dominate the list. 9

10 Grown in Britain WoodStock December Work Stream 1.3 Forestry Commission Inventory Survey In April 2014 the Forestry Commission issued a 50 year forecast of hardwood timber availability in the UK. This estimates that as of March 2012, there was 245 million m 3 of overbark standing of broadleaf trees in the UK (excluding Northern Ireland, for which figures are not available), of which three quarters was located in England. From this data the Forestry Commission were asked to estimate the possible annual production over the 50 year period for different regions in the UK, and this is contained in Appendix C. Even through removing the available production year on year, the overbark standing timber could still increase to 450 million m 3 by This study concluded that: The of available overbark standing timber would be around 10million m 3 between 2013 and 2016 rising to 11.5million m 3 between 2017 and 2021, before stabilising at around 6million m 3 from 2022 to 2061 Even through removing the above production year on year, the overbark standing timber could still increase to 450 million m 3 by 2061 Significant s of Ash would be available over the next 10 years due to the effects of Chalara. Based on a conservative estimate of converting only 10% of the above into saw quality logs, would give an average of 600,000m 3 of quality saw log availability Based on a conversion rate of two thirds to sawn timber, would give 400,000m 3 of sawn timber Based on the above estimates, average annual s of sawn timber for key species could be as follows: o Ash - 70,000m 3 o Beech - 41,000m 3 o Oak - 50,000m 3 o Sweet Chestnut - 45,000m 3 o Sycamore - 39,000m 3 Based on the above extraction rate, this would leave a balance of logs that would not be suitable for saw logs (90% of the overbark standing ), along with waste from the saw log processing, that on average would amount to around 5½ million m 3 per annum. There is therefore a significant opportunity to realise funding opportunities for the processing of saw logs (which ties up capital for a significant period of time during the air drying process) through the sale of this timber as wood chip biomass. 10

11 Grown in Britain WoodStock December Work Stream 1.4 Infrastructure Requirements Table 3.2 of the 2015 Forestry Statistics report (extract below) states that the UK produced 47,000m 3 of the 526,000m 3 of hardwood sawn timber consumed in Figures from the Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire 2014 show that 243,000 m 3 was imported from outside the EU (151,000m 3 of temperate species 92,000m 3 of tropical species) with 253,000m 3 imported from the EU. The EU figures are broken down by species as per Table 4.1 below: Table 4.1 Based on the responses to the GiB WoodStock supplier survey, and subsequent follow-up calls and visits carried out w/c 7 th December 2015 by English Woodlands Timber, the vast majority of the hardwood timber being processed in the UK is Oak (up to 90%), with the remainder being made up of Ash, Beech, Elm, Sweet Chestnut, Sycamore and other temperate species, along with a quantity of tropical hardwood species imported as logs. If we apply the split of European imports to the figure for imports from outside the EU we can estimate the total quantity of sawn timber for each species being imported (although this cannot be considered an accurate split). Also based on interviews with processors, we can estimate what is being produced in the UK. See Table 4.2 below: Table 4.2 Species Estimated UK Production Estimated Imports Oak 42,000m 3 268,000m 3 Ash 2,000m 3 25,000m 3 Beech 1,000m 3 40,000m 3 Cherry 100m 3 1,500m 3 Elm 200m 3 500m 3 Maple 0m 3 4,500m 3 Poplar 0m 3 37,000m 3 Sweet Chestnut 1,000m 3 500m 3 Sycamore 500m 3 500m 3 Other Temperate 200m 3 26,500m 3 Other Tropical 0m 3 92,000m 3 Totals 47,000m 3 496,000m 3 11

12 Grown in Britain WoodStock December 2015 The working group for work stream 1 have tabled a possible scenario of increasing UK hardwood production by 20% within the next 5 years, and by 100% over the next 50 years. Table 4.3 below estimates the possible s of each species that could be produced based on current imported quantities and UK availability of saw logs: Table 4.3 Species Current 2015 Proposed 2020 Proposed 2065 Oak 42,000m 3 46,000m 3 50,000m 3 Ash 2,000m 3 5,000m 3 15,000m 3 Beech 1,000m 3 2,400m 3 20,000m 3 Cherry 100m 3 120m 3 200m 3 Elm 200m 3 240m 3 400m 3 Sweet Chestnut 1,000m 3 1,400m 3 5,000m 3 Sycamore 500m 3 1,000m 3 3,000m 3 Other Temperate 200m 3 240m 3 400m 3 Totals 47,000m 3 56,400m 3 94,000m 3 The data from the Forestry Commission appears to show that there is little scope to increase the UK production of Oak, but there does seem to be a significant opportunity to increase the UK production of Ash, Beech, Sweet Chestnut and Sycamore. Further investigation into quality of the standing Oak available is required, and it may turn out that more Oak will be available due to the fact that this species has been managed for timber over many years. As for sawing and kilning capacity, as mentioned above, a number of interviews were carried out with the known hardwood saw mills around the UK, either in person or over the phone, and the details of these interviews can be found in Appendix D. A map of the locations of these mills is included in Appendix E. The headline figures for the above interviews is as follows: 35 saw mills identified 23 of these saw mills were interviewed 14 said they were currently sawing logs (both home grown and imported) A number of the mills not sawing logs were sending there logs to other mills on the list for processing Total of sawn timber currently processed by these mills through there band mills was 26,000m 3 per annum Spare capacity varied between the mills, but overall capacity for milling was estimated at 54,000m 3 per annum. 14 mills said they had kilning capacity Total of sawn timber currently being kilned was 15,000m 3 Spare capacity varied between the mills, but overall capacity for kilning was estimated at 24,000m 3 per annum Many did not have sufficient dry storage capacity for a significant increase in throughput Based on these data, there appears to be sufficient capacity to increase timber throughput by 20% over the next 5 years with no additional band mill, kilning or dry storage requirements. Based on the 100% increase over 50 years, there appears to be sufficient band mill capacity, however depending on the end use, it was likely that additional kilning and dry storage capacity would be required. 12

13 Grown in Britain WoodStock December 2015 Glossary Overbark Standing (OBS) - Volume of stemwood to 7cm top diameter, including stump (above ground) and usable branchwood (of minimum 3m in length and 7cm top diameter). Sawn Timber Volumes - Width is measured across the narrow face including half the width of the wane. Width is measured 300mm in from each end of the piece, and at the centre point. These measurements are added together and then divided by three to get the average width. Thickness is measured at the thinnest point. Length is measured as the length of the longest rectangle having square ends, and uniform width, and thickness. The length measure is rounded down to the nearest 100mm below actual dimension. See Fig 5.1 Fig

14 Which of the following best describes your organisation with regard to the use of timber? # Answer Bar Response % Processor (those who supply and % process round wood) Supplier (those who take the processed % wood and supply to the end customer) Customer (those specifying and % purchasing the wood from the suppliers) Total %

15 Processor Answers

16 Which of the following best describes your business? - Processor # Answer Bar Response % 1 Round timber harvester % 2 Round timber merchant % 3 Sawmiller % 4 Firewood processor % 5 Other (Please specify) % Total % Other (Please specify) hardwood flooring manufacturer General forestry including roundtimber harvesting/merchant and firewood processing of. Traditional Timber Framer woodland manager Joinery

17 How many people does your business employ? - Processor # Answer Bar Response % % % % % % 6 Don't know % Total %

18 Which species of hardwood timber have you supplied over the last 12 months? Select all that apply - Processor Ash (European, American) Answer Bar Response 19 Beech Birch Cherry Elm Maple Oak (European, American White) Sweet Chestnut Sycamore Tulipwood Walnut Iroko Meranti Sapele Utile Other Tropical Other (Please specify) Total Garapa Yew, Lime, Poplar idgbo, opepe, ekki HAZEL Saplele Home grown Western red Cedar & Larch Other (Please specify)

19

20 How much of each hardwood timber did you process in the last 12 months? Please select quantities from the dropdown lists below Question >0 m3-1 m3 > 1 m3-10 m3 > 10 m3-50 m3 > 50 m3-250 m3 250 m3 + Response Ash (European, American) Beech Birch Cherry Elm Maple Oak (European, American White) Sweet Chestnut Sycamore Tulipwood Walnut Iroko Meranti Sapele Utile Other Tropical Other (Please specify) None of the above Hazel Poplar idgbo, opepe, ekki Other (Please specify)

21 How do you tend to buy your hardwood timber? Select all that apply - Processor # Answer Bar Response % 1 Own sourcing % 2 Timber auctions % 3 Merchant relationship % 4 Other (Please specify) % Total % own timber from estate Agents Tender Other (Please specify)

22 What, if anything, limits the quantity of hardwood timber you are able to process for supply? Select all that apply Own production capacity Answer Bar Response % % Working capital Own infrastructure e.g. kiln capacity, storage... Workforce skills Uncertainty of customer demand Availability of fit for purpose round timber Uncertainty of round timber supply Other (Please specify) N/A % % % % % % % % competing volatile euro stock Limitations of exports due to high pound. End user demand Competition from abroad Other (Please specify)

23 Would you like to increase your throughput of timber? - Processor # Answer Bar Response % 1 Yes % 2 No % Total %

24 Do you offer both hardwood and softwood to your customers? # Answer Bar Response % 1 Yes % 2 No % Total %

25 Generally, what is your opinion of the hardwood supply chain in the UK? Please rate each of the following # Question Very good Good Fair Poor Very Poor Response Average Value 1 Quality of timber Quality of service Availability (small quantities) Availability (large quantities) Lead time (small quantities) Lead time (large quantities) Suitability Price Very good = 1 Good = 2 Fair = 3 Poor = 4 Very poor =5

26 What services and infrastructure do you believe are inadequate in the UK hardwood supply chain? Select all that apply Milling capacity Kiln capacity Answer Bar Response % % % Stock holding capacity Veneer cutting capabilities Clear stock availability Defined products Defined and easily understood prices Consistent quality grading Other (Please specify) Don't know % % % % % % % % fixed length/width availability Lack of understanding of coppiced products Origins of timber not always transparent. Other (Please specify)

27 Which of the following standards do your customers specify? Select all that apply - Processor Answer Bar Response % Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) % Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) % Grown in Britain (GiB) % None of the above %

28 If there was an independent, central, online, supply hub that held information on the stocks of timber available from UK suppliers, would you consider supplying through it? # Answer Bar Response % 1 Yes % 2 No % Total %

29 Supplier Answers

30 Which of the following best describes your business? Answer Bar Response % Timber Importer / Wholesale Retailer % General Builders Merchant % Specialist Timber Merchant % DIY Retailer % Specialist Joinery Manufacturer % Furniture Manufacturer % Other (Please specify) % Major contractor and shop-fitter carpenter builders sawmill, end user, research facility Other (Please specify)

31 How many people does your business employ? # Answer Bar Response % % % % % % 6 Don't know % Total %

32 Which species of hardwood timber have you supplied over the last 12 months? Select all that apply Ash (European, American) Answer Bar Response % % Beech Birch Cherry Elm Maple Oak (European, American White) Sweet Chestnut Sycamore Tulipwood Walnut Iroko Meranti Sapele Utile Other Tropical Other (Please specify) None of the above Total % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % Other (Please specify) Accoya, Ipipi Garapa, Ayous Jelutong cumaru Accacia Wenge Zebano Bubinga Idigbo Khaya Lime Jelutong Cedrella Bibolo white cedar idigbo

33 How much of each species of hardwood timber have you supplied over the last 12 months? Please select quantities from the dropdown lists below Question >0 m3-1 m3 > 1 m3-10 m3 > 10 m3-50 m3 > 50 m3-250 m3 250 m3 + Response Ash (European, American) Beech Birch Cherry Elm Maple Oak (European, American White) Sweet Chestnut Sycamore Tulipwood Walnut Iroko Meranti Sapele Utile Other Tropical Other (Please specify) None of the above Accoya Jelutong cumaru Other (Please specify)

34 For what applications do you think this timber is used? Select all that apply Structural Timber Frame Answer Bar Response % % Doors and Frames (internal or external including frames and architraves) Windows and Screen (internal or external including frames and architraves) Internal Joinery (skirting boards, dado rails, panelling) Flooring (engineered or solid) Reception Desks Other Furniture (tables, desks, chairs, storage units, shelving) External cladding Timber Decking Landscaping (fencing, bollards, benches) Marine Construction (beach groynes, wharves, jetties, piers) Freshwater Construction (bridges, jetties, wharves, flood defences) Other (Please specify) % % % % % % % % % % % % Window Framing and Laths Soffits, brise soleil, Vehicle frames boatbuilding, patternmaking too many to list Other (Please specify)

35 How often are you able to source UK grown timber? # Answer Bar Response % 1 Always % 2 Often % 3 Sometimes % 4 Rarely % 5 Never % Total %

36 You have answered that you can source this timber only sometimes, rarely or never, what prevents you from sourcing more UK grown timber? Select all that apply Answer Bar Response % The type of wood I need is not grown in the UK % Lack of information on who can supply Lack of information on suitability for application Lead times for getting UK timber are too long There is uncertainty over consistent supply I have no preference over country of origin UK timber is more expensive than imported alternatives Other (Please specify) Inconsistency in quality grading Total % % % % % % % % %

37 Generally, what is your opinion of hardwood suppliers in the UK? (i.e. saw mills) Please rate each of the following # Question Very Good Good Fair Poor Very Poor Response Average Value 1 Quality of timber Quality of service Availability (small quantities) Availability (large quantities) Lead time (small quantities) Lead time (large quantities) Suitability Price Very good = 1 Good = 2 Fair = 3 Poor = 4 Very poor =5

38 What services and infrastructure do you believe are missing from the UK hardwood supply chain? Select all that apply Milling capacity Kiln capacity Answer Bar Response % % % Veneer cutting capabilities Clear stock availability Defined products Defined and easily understood prices Consistent quality grading Other (Please specify) Don't know Total % % % % % % % % Other (Please specify) Marketing engineering facilities (i.e. tmt, glulam) & knowledge base of timber properties not specified

39 Which of the following standards do your customers specify? Select all that apply # Answer Bar Response % 1 Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) % Programme for Endorsement of Forest % Certification (PEFC) 3 Grown in Britain (GiB) % 4 None of the above % Total %

40 If there was an independent, central, online, supply hub that held information on the stocks of timber available from UK suppliers, would you consider supplying through it? # Answer Bar Response % 1 Yes % 2 No % Total %

41 Consumer Answers

42 Which of the following best describes your business? Answer Bar Response % Client % Architectural Practice % Landscape Architecture Practice % Structural Engineering Practice % Civil Engineering Practice % Principal Contractor % Specialist Contractor % Other (Please specify) % Hardwood product manufacturer % Total % Other (Please specify) JOINERY MANUFACTURER Occasional user of hardwood Bespoke furniture manufactoring Interior Design practice timber frame design & engineering Manufacture of joinery items Woodland management and timber use facilitator Broker/Agent Woodcarver woodland owner View More View more: Wood turner

43 How many people does your business employ? # Answer Bar Response % % % % % % 6 Don't know % Total %

44 Which market sectors do you work in? Select all that apply # Answer Bar Response % 1 Commercial Offices % 2 Commercial Retail % 3 Commercial Other % 4 Education % 5 Health care % 6 Industrial Buildings % 7 Mixed Use % 8 Public Buildings % 9 Residential - Private % 10 Residential - Social % 11 Residential - Student % 12 Residential - Care Homes % 13 Airports % 14 Bridges & Structures % 15 Coastal Protection % 16 Development Site Infrastructure % 17 Flood Defence % 18 Highways % 19 Ports & Harbours % 20 Railways % 21 Tunnels % 22 Utilities - Infrastructure % 23 Utilities - Street works % 24 None of the above % Total %

45 What types of market do you work in? Select all that apply # Answer Bar Response % 1 New build % 2 Refurbishment % 3 Fit-out % 4 Repair and Maintenance % 5 None of the above % Total %

46 In which of the following applications have you specified or procured hardwood timber? Select all that apply Please note: hover over option for further detail Structural Timber Frame Answer Bar Response % % Doors and Frames Internal Joinery Flooring Reception Desks Other Furniture External Cladding Timber Decking Landscaping Marine Construction Freshwater Construction Other (Please specify) Windows and Screens None of the above Total % % % % % % % % % % % % % % Other (Please specify) Temporary plywood turned domestic objects unknown domestic furniture Fencing Woodcarving

47 For each of the hardwood applications, what species of timber was procured/specified? Please select from the matrix below Question Structural Timber Frame Doors and Frames Windows and Screens Internal Joinery Ash (European, American) Beech Birch Cherry Elm Maple Oak (European, American White) Sweet Chestnut Sycamore Tulipwood Walnut Iroko Meranti Sapele Utile Other Tropical Other (please specify) Don't know Response Flooring Reception Desks Other Furniture External Cladding Timber Decking Landscaping Marine Construction Freshwater Construction Other (Please specify) None of the above

48 What are your main reasons for specifying or procuring the above timber? Select all that apply Answer Bar Response % Specified in contract Customer/client preference Architectural preference Robustness Durability Suitability for use Natural appeal of the timber Other (Please specify) Total % % % % % % % % % Other (Please specify) to show off the grain UK grown Sustainability Qualities our design requirements Accoya; durability, stability and other unique credentials Good for carving

49 How often do you specifically specify or procure UK grown timber? # Answer Bar Response % 1 Always % 2 Often % 3 Sometimes % 4 Rarely % 5 Never % Total %

50 You have said that UK timber is only specified sometimes, rarely or never, why is this? Select all that apply # Answer Bar Response % 1 Lack of information on who can supply % 2 Lack of information on suitability for application % 3 Lead in times too long % 4 Uncertainty of consistent supply % 5 Inconsistent quality grading % 6 No preference of country of origin % 7 More expensive than imported alternatives % 8 Other (Please specify) % 9 I know the timber I require is not grown in the UK % Total % Other (Please specify) apparent lack of infrastructure in teh UK; saw milling, drying and kilning client or architectural preference usually determines source Clients and designers un aware of timber that can be supplied from the UK and default to known types and sources Little opportunity at the moment will hopefully source more in the future Concerns over durability of timber for our project. I use whatever is available as per client requirement

51 Which of the following standards do you specify? Select all that apply # Answer Bar Response % 1 Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) % Programme for Endorsement of Forest % Certification (PEFC) 3 Grown in Britain (GiB) % 4 None of the above % Total %

52 Appendix B Work Stream 1.2 Species Match Based on information provided in the supplier survey on the species being supplied, the BRE have been able to use existing data on timber characteristics to propose alternative UK grown species for the imported temperate and tropical species being supplied, which is summarised in Table 2.1 below: Table 2.1 Imported Species Source Alternative UK Species Ash, American Eastern USA and European Ash Canada Iroko West Africa European Oak, Sweet Chestnut (although slightly larger movement) Maple, Rock Eastern USA and Sycamore, Sweet Chestnut Canada Maple, Soft Eastern USA and Sweet Chestnut Canada Meranti, dark red Malaysia European Ash, Sycamore Birch, Beech (although care will be required with these as they are large movement species) Meranti, light red Malaysia European Ash, Sycamore Oak, American White Eastern USA and European Oak Canada Sapele West Africa Oak, sweet Chestnut Tulipwood / American Yellow Eastern USA and European Ash (although slightly Poplar Canada heavier) Utile West Africa Sweet Chestnut The species of hardwood timber imported into the UK are diverse and represent the overwhelming majority of the total UK hardwood market. Under Work Stream 1.2 we considered the possibility for British grown hardwoods to be used instead of the imported temperate and tropical hardwoods. We have assumed that for an imported European hardwood (e.g. oak) there is a direct opportunity to use a British grown species subject to the desired qualities being meet. Timbers are selected for a wide range of properties and characteristics. In addition timber species are used because of the convenience of an established supply chain, the tradition of use, sustainability certification and ease of availability. In order to propose an alternative species then the end use application needs to be considered what is the wood product? For hardwoods there are broadly two groups of end use (i) interior e.g. kitchens, internal joinery (doors, linings, architrave, skirting, etc.), flooring, furniture and (ii) exterior e.g. door and window joinery, garden furniture, cladding, decking. The key properties are summarised in Table 2.2 for the two end use application groups.

53 Appendix B Table 2.2 Properties for interior use applications (e.g. kitchen worktop) Density Hardness Impact resistance Colour Appearance Coating adhesion Machinability Properties for exterior use applications (e.g. decking) Strength class Density Hardness Impact resistance Durability Appearance Weather resistance Machinability Coating adhesion Movement Considering strength class and durability for exterior uses Table 2.1 adapted from TRADA WIS 2/3-67 (2013) shows that ash, oak and sweet chestnut dominate as possible alternative hardwood species that are grown in Britain. The tropical timber species tend to have lower movement characteristics, i.e. they shrink and swell less on exposure to moisture than any of the British grown hardwoods so careful consideration needs to be given to movement as a property of the species and how important this is in each specific end use. The selection of suitable alternative species should consider the end use application as above, the essential key properties to be considered fit for purpose and the desired service life of the wood product. This will define the timber species best suited. Desired service life for interior timber is typically years and for exterior wood like quality decking and cladding 30 years (BS8417:2013). Inherent natural durability of the heartwood is a major component of a timber species ability to meet a desired service life in exterior applications. Table 2.3 shows the natural durability classifications (EN350) for the hardwoods being considered and some opportunity for alternatives can clearly be seen, although the appearance and colour of the British grown species may not be a close match. In addition, processes of wood modification being investigated for British hardwoods to further upgrade the timber species to provide an even closure match to the key properties of temperate and tropical hardwoods. An example is the thermal modification of hardwoods such as ash and sycamore that increases the durability of the wood, the appearance changes to a rich dark brown colour and the dimensional stability is improved. The thermal modification processes emerged in Finland in the early 1990s as a means of de-risking supply chains of tropical timber with uncertain sustainability credentials by thermally modifying local softwood to produce a dark and more stable material for interior use instead of tropical timber. It is important that a holistic view of the desired properties for a wood product are taken to ensure the appropriate selection of a suitable British hardwood where possible. The expertise of the hardwood processors is an important asset in this process. Focussing on single property issues such as durability or colour runs the risk of ignoring fundamental differences in other

54 Appendix B key properties (e.g. dimensional stability) that may compromise performance of the final product. Table 2.3 Imported Species Durability of heartwood EN350 Alternative UK Species Durability of heartwood EN350 Ash, American 4-5 European Ash 4 Iroko 1-2 European Oak, Sweet Chestnut (although slightly larger movement) 2-4, 2 Maple, Rock 5 Sycamore, Sweet Chestnut 5, 2 Maple, Soft 5 Sweet Chestnut 2 Meranti, dark red 2-4 European Ash, Sycamore Birch, Beech (although care will be required with these as they are large movement species) 4, 5, 5, 5 Meranti, light red 2-4 European Ash, Sycamore 4, 5 Oak, American White 2-3 European Oak 2-4 Sapele 3-4 Oak, sweet Chestnut 2-4, 2 Tulipwood / American 4 European Ash (although slightly 4 Yellow Poplar heavier) Utile 2-3 Sweet Chestnut 2

55 Possible annual production 50-year regional forecast of broadleaved by region and principal broadleaf tree species FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW FC/NRW FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector Principal species SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% UK All broadleaves , , , , , , , , , ,357 England All broadleaves 126 7, , , , , , , , , ,607 3 Oak , Beech Sycamore 4 1, , Ash 8 2, , Birch , Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves North West England All broadleaves Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves North East England All broadleaves Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves Yorkshire and the Humber All broadleaves Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves East Midlands All broadleaves Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves East England All broadleaves Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves South East England and London All broadleaves 39 2, , , , , , , , , ,196 5 Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves

56 FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW FC/NRW FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector Principal species SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% South West England All broadleaves 45 1, , Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves West Midlands All broadleaves , Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves Scotland All broadleaves 9 1, , , , , , , , , ,179 4 Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves North Scotland All broadleaves Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves North East Scotland All broadleaves Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves East Scotland All broadleaves Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves South Scotland All broadleaves Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves

57 FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW FC/NRW FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector FC/NRW Private sector Principal species SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% SE% West Scotland All broadleaves Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves Wales All broadleaves 12 1, , Oak Beech Sycamore Ash Birch Sweet Chestnut Hazel Hawthorn Alder Willow Other broadleaves

58 Sawmill Capacity Company Sawing m 3 Kilning m 3 Machining Band Mills? Current HW Potential Sawing? Current HW Potential N/Y no. Throughput Capacity Oak, Ash, Throughput Capacity Saw Mill , Saw Mill 2 1 2,500 3,750 O 7,000 7, ~ 2 Saw Mill Saw Mill Saw Mill 5 1 1,000 1, Saw Mill N/A ~ 1 1 ~ 1 3 Saw Mill 7 3 1,500 12,000 O 0 7,000 1 ~ 1 ~ ~ ~ 1 Saw Mill 8 1 2,500 5,000 Saw Mill Saw Mill Saw Mill Saw Mill Saw Mill Saw Mill ,000 O 0 0 Saw Mill Saw Mill ,500 4,500 O 600 1,200 1 ~ 2 3 ~ ~ 1 Saw Mill 17 Saw Mill ,000 O Saw Mill 22 1? O ~ 2 1 ~ ~ ~ Saw Mill ,400 5,000 O, Opepi 850 1, Saw Mill 24 1 Saw Mill ,000 10,000 O,A,S,E,SC 4,000 4,000 4 ~ Saw Mill 26 Saw Mill ,000 O 1,000 1,000 ~ ~ 1 2 ~ 4 3 Saw Mill ,200 1,500 O ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Saw Mill ,000 Straight Line Edger Circular Saw Bench Resaw Bandsaw Thickness er Surface Planer Spindle Moulder Totals 25 25,900 53,500 15,050 23, head Planer Moulder

59 GiB WoodStock UK Hardwood Sawmill Locations Saw Milling Capacity Appendix E Glasgow Edinburgh Border Hardwood, Wem Whitney, Nr Hereford Pontrilas, Nr Hereford Wentwood Timber, Caldicot Key: Sawmilling capacity per annum: - tbc, <1,000m 3 1,000m 3 5,000m 3 >5,000m 3 No Longer sawing Nidd Valley, Dacre Banks Vastern, Wootton Bassett AJ Charlton, Frome Hingley, Hazelwood Tyler Hardwood, Shalbourne East Bros, West Dean Manchester Bristol Birmingham Leeds Duffield Timber, Melmerby London Scawton, Thirsh John Boddy, Boroughbridge Bayram, North Ferriby Somerscales, Keelby Nelson Butler, Horncastle Balcombe Estate Northwood, Goose Green WL West, Selham EWT, Cocking Brooks Bros, Sewstern Richardson, Edingthorpe Sutton, Beccles Helmdon, Brackley B&K Earle, Reading Royal Parks, Richmond Honeysuckle Bottom Orlestone, Ashford Copford, Horam Willows, Uckfield