Scotland must seize the opportunity to rapidly increase planting of productive forestry to offset the full impact of future timber supply shocks. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) says that the UK as a whole, which currently imports 80% of its annual timber requirement, is far too vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market. Source: Timberbiz
But it also says that Scotland is well placed to mitigate that risk by stepping up its commercial forestry sector.
Home-grown grown timber makes up only around 33% of the UK market and while the market is largely self-sufficient in fencing, there is significant, unmet domestic demand for more structural timber and also pallet wood.
“Scottish-based timber manufacturers could potentially triple production to meet current and anticipated future demand and produce a greater share of the remaining 67% of the market, which is currently imported, predominantly from Scandinavia, Latvia and Germany,” Mick Bottomley, FLS Head of Marketing and Sales said.
“There is also significant potential to expand Scotland’s one fifth of forested land area so that we can be more self-reliant in our requirements for timber.”
Sawmills in Scotland and UK produce high quantities of pallet and fencing products but mainly produce construction timber – kiln dried carcassing that is used for roof battens, floor joists and studwork for partitioned walls.
Already this year prices have risen 30%, as house builders and related industries struggle to secure supplies due to a huge increase in building activity, post lockdown. This is even noticeable in the DIY stores when trying to get timber for home projects.
Pointing out that the timber market is set to become increasingly competitive in years to come and with long lead time of 25-40 years in productive forestry, Mr Bottomley suggested that the opportunity needs to be seized now.
“Transport and energy costs will increase; emerging economies around the world will demand more timber and timber producing countries may be required to use more of their own timber at home as they seek to meet stricter climate protocols and net zero targets,” he said.
“Sweden is recording the lowest stock levels in 20 years and this trend is likely to be further exacerbated as current issues like wildfires, tree diseases and pests, exert additional worldwide pressures on the supply of timber.
“The UK can attempt to compete for diminishing supplies on the world market against growing economies such as China and India or do something to mitigate its exposure to these forces, by planting more commercial forestry now so that we are more self-sufficient in the future.”
FLS’ sustainable management of existing productive forests aims to bring 3 million tonnes of timber to market every year.
This year, FLS is planting 25 million trees and is further contributing to meeting the Scottish Government targets by acquiring land for new productive and native woodland creation.
