The demand for domestically produced timber will increase significantly over the next decade, and the government and the construction industry looks to meet net zero emissions targets and decarbonise the built environment. As other countries seek to achieve the same aims, the cost of exported timber is likely to rise substantially.
Therefore timber frame manufacturers will be increasingly looking to source their materials from domestic suppliers. The UK currently imports about 81 per cent of its timber, making it one of the largest net importers of timber in the world.
Demand for timber worldwide may quadruple by 2050, and the UK is urgently exploring ways to increase the provision of home-grown wood supplies. Wood is not only a renewable resource, but forests and woodlands act as natural carbon sinks, support biodiversity, slow soil erosion, and provide jobs, recreation opportunities and boost local economies.
Experts have recommended that the UK’s woodlands are significantly expanded in order to meet growing demand, and also to support the restoration of nature and the decarbonisation of the construction sector. Currently, the UK has the lowest amount of tree cover of any of the European countries.
Here’s a look at some of the latest measures being taken to address the UK’s domestic timber shortfall.
New Tree Planting Taskforce
Against this backdrop, the government launched a new Tree Planting Taskforce last November to oversee the planting of millions of new trees.
Richard Stanford, Chair of the Forestry Commission said: “There has never been a more crucial time to take action to increase and improve the number of trees, woods and forests growing across the UK for future years. It is vital that our four nations unite and work in partnership on this mission.”
He added: “This new Tree Planting Taskforce, is committed to delivering the shared aims of forestry across the four nations so we can continue to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges with thriving trees, woods and forests.”
The government has also launched a review of the Environmental Improvement Plan, which includes a legally binding target of 16.5 per cent tree cover by 2050. This is backed up by an extra £400 million investment in England over the next two years for tree planting and peatland conservation.
New Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme
The Forestry Commission launched a new apprenticeship scheme in February 2025, which aims to train the next generation of foresters and ensure that there is enough skilled labour to nurture future woodlands. The three-year paid apprenticeship is open to graduates, school leavers, and career changers, and has already launched 78 careers in the sector.
Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said: “The Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme offers people the chance to earn while they learn. Students have a mix of academic study and technical experience in the great outdoors and at the end of the programme can achieve a bachelor’s degree and chartered forester qualifications.”
“The continued success of this unique programme is heartening to see – people from all kinds of backgrounds and ages have been able to kickstart a new career. I urge anyone who is interested in finding a vocation looking after our trees, woods and forests, and who wants to work in a sector with lots of opportunities, to apply today.”
The new programme was launched to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week in mid-February. Current apprentice Zoltan Varju said: “Nature has been a lifelong passion of mine and getting the opportunity to work to make sure we have healthy woodlands has been fantastic.”
“I’ve also been glad to be trained while working, so that I can earn a salary while I’m learning instead of tuition fees. I’d recommend an apprenticeship for anyone looking for a career in forestry, it offers a great variety of experiences and it’s great to learn from people with years of experience in the job.”
The programme combines hands-on experience with academic study, and is an investment in the environmental, economic, and social future of the country.