Dartmoor's Future Forests - Woodland Trust timber trials

Our woodlands are beautiful, our woodlands are precious, our ancient woodlands and temperate rainforests provide some of the most biodiverse habitats in the UK. But most of the UK’s woodlands are in poor ecological condition and we need to improve the way we manage and support these ecosystems. The majority of Dartmoor's hardwood is sold for low value firewood. Most local manufacturers choose to import softwood - Things need to change.
We want to showcase the beauty and value of our local timber. Make woodland restoration and management more commercially viable. Improve the ecological condition of our woodlands. Plan for a more sustainable future that doesn't rely on imported timber. Creating a woodland economy that works for people and wildlife.
By working with local companies to showcase the art of the possible for hardwood products. Creating a strong economic and ecological case for support for bringing woodlands into management. Improving joint working and planning across the timber industry including landowners, conservationists, supply chain, manufacturers, architects, policy makers.
We want to create a commercially viable woodland economy where our wildlife can survive and thrive both now and for generations to come.
Dartmoor Sourced - Dartmoor Made - Dartmoor's Future Forests.
But if we get the balance right and work with nature, we can support the development of beautiful healthy biodiverse ecosystems that sustain a vast array of wildlife and our well-being.
(Funded by the Forestry Commission - working in partnership with Evolving Forests)

[@pauldurkee4764]

I don't know why they're are using Western Hemlock, its not a native and casts heavy shade.
Commercial opportunities.

[@woodlandtrust]

Hi Paul, thank you for your comment. Western hemlock is a non-native conifer tree that was introduced to Britain in the 1800’s. Its presence in our woods, like other conifer trees, is a result of forestry practices over many decades.
We want to see more of this species taken out to restore ancient woodland and allow native woodland species and associated wildlife to establish and thrive, but it isn’t always economical to do so. Providing an end product for species such as western hemlock makes it a more economically viable option that will support ancient woodland restoration and allow native tree species to establish in their place.