The Forestry Commission are funding research into the suitability and viability of English native species such as oak, beech, sweet chestnut, birch, sycamore, ash, alder, and willow for structural timber systems. Scalable solutions will be developed, and tested for their suitability for MMC use (eg cross-laminated timber and glue-laminated timber, wood fibre insulation). Strength grading of each species will make it easier to mass produce timber products for modern methods of construction.  

By manufacturing viable and scalable homegrown timber alternatives to carbon-intensive materials, we are aiming to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported products. Widening the range of species that provide a domestic wood supply could also provide a boost for localised manufacturing facilities and supply chains