Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 40
40
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 187
Growing quality UK hardwood for composite products faces disease and management challenges.
Conclusion
Growing the market for hardwood in composite products—as an alternative to use for firewood—could utilise broadleaf resources in the UK, with the added benefit of incentivising more broadleaf woodlands to be brought into management. However, growing quality hardwoods remains difficult due to disease and pests, and undermanagement.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee that there is an opportunity to increase domestic hardwood use and is considering its potential as part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, mentioning existing funds and future work with industry.
Paragraph Reference:
187
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We agree with the Committee that there is opportunity to increase the use of domestic hardwoods in construction. Through the Timber in Construction Innovation Fund new and innovative uses of homegrown wood and wood fibre in the built environment are identified. Last financial year £1.5 million was awarded to projects through this fund. As part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap we are considering the potential for homegrown hardwoods in the future UK construction market. For example, we need to continue to promote greater rates of long-term woodland management amongst landowners and improve control of grey squirrel and deer if available supply is to increase. We are also considering how to best work with industry to support tree breeding and improvement programmes to increase the suitability of a wider range of hardwoods in construction supply chains.