Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 41
41
Accepted
Paragraph: 188
Increase proportion of domestically grown hardwoods serving the UK market through engineered timber products.
Recommendation
We recommend that, as part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, the Government consider how the future UK market can be served by a greater proportion of domestically grown hardwoods (for example, through engineered timber products).
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation and is considering the potential for homegrown hardwoods within the Timber in Construction Roadmap, including promoting woodland management, pest control, and working with industry on tree breeding.
Paragraph Reference:
188
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
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.