The marketing of British hardwoods

Abstract

This paper considers the paper of the same name written by J. H. Newnham 70 years ago, and then outlines the current situation and trends. The management of woodlands is a long-term process, but it is nevertheless disturbing to note that much of the broadleaved woodland in Britain today is still suffering the same haphazard management Newnham complained of, with high levels of under-management and a poor growing stock. Newnham also regarded the forest industry which utilizes timber from British woodlands as not keeping up to date with new ideas and methods, and not giving consumers the goods they actually require. There have been many significant advances in softwood processing during the last 70 years, but this level of innovation is not evident in the hardwood sector. The importance that we now place on the amenity and environmental value of broadleaved woodland should not prevent managers from growing at least some high-quality trees with a view to their providing a contribution towards the costs of management. This will not happen unless there is a robust and concerted effort to manage deer and squirrels in broadleaved woodlands. New markets for some traditional products, developments in technology and the willingness of people to network information may offer a wider range of outlets to woodland owners in the future. The future is viewed with some optimism; but so it was by Newnham.