Sustainable Dartmoor timber used in manufacturing

A conservation charity has successfully trialled using timber from responsibly, ecologically managed and ancient Dartmoor woodland, to supply construction businesses.

The project by the Woodland Trust aimed to show how the various species of trees on Dartmoor could be used by local businesses who currently import wood.

Devon species including beech, alder and western hemlock were fabricated into flooring and cladding samples and sent for manufacture into casement windows and doors.

The Trust hopes the trial will encourage businesses to use local wood supply which could create an income for the landowners and encourage them to take better care of their woodland.

The project was funded through the Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Fund which supports projects that encourage more woods to be brought into active management.

David Rickwood, Woodland Trust's Devon site manager said Dartmoor's ancient woodlands needed to be taken better care of.

"In doing so we will create diverse habitats for our wildlife that over recent decades has been in significant decline," he said.

Mr Rickwood said the costs associated with management are currently prohibitive as most of the timber from Dartmoor is sold cheaply as firewood.

This is because local manufacturers and sawmills are not set up to use the species being found locally.

"We have demonstrated that timber from ancient woodland restoration could be part of a local supply chain," he said.

"We need planners and architects to look at these lesser-known viable wood products to create a demand for locally sourced and locally produced wood products."

The Woodland Trust said it intends to work with local businesses to expand what timber they can use and what products they can make.

It said this would inspire people to manage their woodlands sustainably, knowing there is a local market for their timber.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].