Wales launches its first Timber Industrial Strategy today, to
capitalise on growing global demand for timber, which is expected
to quadruple by 2050.
Deputy First Minister will be launching 'Making Wood Work for Wales'
at the Royal Welsh Show [Tuesday 22 July 2025].
The new strategy represents
years of collaboration with Wales's timber sector and follows
extensive public consultation.
It aims to increase both the scale and value of timber grown and
timber products produced across Wales. Greater use of timber in
construction will secure the forest industry's future, supporting
new investment, jobs and improved carbon outcomes.
Recruiting skilled workers is becoming increasingly important as
the industry expands. The strategy will improve communication
with young people about forestry careers in Wales, working with
Careers Wales and organisations such as the Royal Forestry
Society.
, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for
Climate Change and Rural Affairs said:
“I am so proud to be launching Wales's first ever Timber
Industrial Strategy today. I want our forests to be in active,
sustainable and diverse use, providing economic, environmental,
social and cultural benefits to the people of Wales for many
centuries to come and this strategy will play a key role in that.
"As the world works towards net zero, timber and wood fibre can
make an immediate and important contribution to the materials
transition needed for decarbonisation."
Woodknowledge Wales is currently delivering the
Welsh-government-funded Home-Grown Homes 2 project using timber
in social housing, helping to decarbonise construction, support
local supply chains and create more sustainable places to live.
Gary Newman, Chief Executive, said:
“Timber is central to building a low-carbon, circular economy –
supporting decarbonisation, rural livelihoods, and sustainable
development. Housing is one of the clearest use-cases for scaling
up the use of Welsh-grown timber.”
Notes to editors
The launch of the strategy is taking place at 11:30am on Tuesday
22 July upstairs in the Welsh Government Pavilion at the Royal
Welsh show.
Following the launch, the Deputy First Minister , will be at the Confor tent, giving a
speech to industry representatives.
Representatives from the Confederation of Forest Industries, the
Bangor Biocomposite Centre and a recent graduate who is now
working at Woodknowledge Wales will be available for interview
(including a Welsh speaker).
To confirm your attendance please contact climatechange-pressoffice@gov.wales
The strategy itself will be live here: at 10:00am on Tuesday
22 July
