The timber industry is moving fast — from automated tree planting to landmark all-timber office buildings rising in London. Here's our roundup of the biggest stories and trends shaping the UK timber trade right now.
Automated Tree Planting Takes Root
Tilhill Forestry, part of BSW Group, has successfully trialled a machine called PlantMax — an automated tree planting system designed to speed up the delivery of new UK woodlands. It's an exciting development for the long-term health of domestic timber supply, and a sign that the industry is embracing technology to meet the challenge of woodland creation at scale.
The UK's Largest All-Timber Office Building is Under Construction
Work has begun on Xylo, a nine-storey office development in Clerkenwell, London, set to become the UK's largest consented all-timber frame office building. It's a landmark moment for engineered timber in commercial construction, and yet another example of how timber is increasingly being chosen over steel and concrete for major builds.
Timber Frame Leading the Way on Affordable Housing
TDUK member Donaldson Timber Systems has launched a new range of house types specifically designed to meet demand for cost-effective, sustainable, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)-compliant housing. With the UK facing a well-documented housing shortage, offsite timber frame is proving to be one of the most practical solutions on the table.
Industry Challenges — and Reasons for Optimism
The Spring 2026 edition of Supplying Timber magazine is now available, taking a broad look at the factors shaping UK timber trading conditions — from housing output and interest rates to global supply dynamics. While the industry continues to navigate real economic pressures, many businesses are looking ahead with confidence.
On that note, Jewson has launched a petition calling on the government to take action on what it's describing as a crisis in the building and construction sector. If you're in the trade, it may be worth lending your voice.
Keeping Timber Dry: A Timely Reminder
After an exceptionally wet start to 2026, TDUK has published practical guidance for merchants on protecting timber stocks from moisture. Prolonged rainfall and high humidity have made this more pressing than ever — even short periods of exposure can cause real damage. It's a good reminder that proper storage and stock protection is always worth the investment.
Health & Safety in the Yard — A Timely Reminder
Wood Campus is reminding businesses across the timber trade not to let health and safety slip. The risks associated with handling, storing and transporting timber products are a daily reality — and ongoing operational pressures can make it easy to lose sight of the basics. It's a timely nudge that safe practices in the yard and on site are always worth prioritising.
Have Your Say: CPA State of Trade Survey
The Construction Products Association is asking construction companies and TDUK members to complete their latest State of Trade survey, covering the January to March 2026 period. The results will help build a clear picture of the industry's near-term performance — if you're in the trade, your input matters.
Wood Awards 2026 — Entries Now Open
Entries for the Wood Awards 2026 are now open. For more than 50 years, the Wood Awards have celebrated the very best in timber architecture and design across the UK. If you or a customer has completed a project in the last two years where timber plays a leading role, this is a great opportunity to get it recognised across the entire industry.
Embodied Carbon — The Conversation is Growing
TDUK, in partnership with One Click LCA, recently brought together leading voices from across the built environment to discuss embodied carbon and the growing importance of robust environmental data when designing and building new projects. It's a topic that is only going to become more central to procurement decisions — one to watch closely.
Homes England Launches National Housing Bank
Homes England's National Housing Bank officially launched on 1 April 2026. Its aim is to accelerate the delivery of new homes and communities and support the regeneration of towns and cities across England. For the timber industry, increased housebuilding ambition is a significant opportunity — particularly for timber frame and offsite construction methods.
New Appointment at TDUK
TDUK has announced the appointment of Darren Mayes as its new Sustainability and Supply Chain Compliance Manager, following the departure of Xiao Ma. Darren brings a long history in responsible sourcing to the role — strong leadership in this area is increasingly important as sustainability and supply chain transparency continue to move up the agenda.
Europe's Forests — Growth and Growing Pressures
According to the latest State of Europe's Forests 2025 report, Europe's forests continue to expand and play a central role in climate mitigation, biodiversity and the bioeconomy. That's positive news for long-term timber supply — but the report also highlights increasing environmental pressures that are creating new challenges. A useful read for anyone thinking about the long-term picture for sustainable sourcing.
New Resource: Timber Frame — Where to Start
TDUK, the Structural Timber Association (STA) and Swedish Wood have jointly launched a new digital platform — the Timber Frame: Where to Start Guide — designed to make timber frame construction easier to understand and adopt. It's a practical resource for anyone new to timber frame or looking to understand their options.
Case Study: Timber at the Heart of Piccadilly Circus
In the heart of London's West End, a new case study highlights the use of timber in construction at one of the world's most scrutinised locations — Piccadilly Circus. It's a compelling example of timber being used in high-profile, demanding environments, and a reminder of what the material is capable of when specified and used well.
Challenges Ahead for Wood Pallets and Packaging
The recent TIMCON general meeting painted a challenging picture for the wood pallet and packaging sector. Regulatory changes, supply constraints, fuel price impacts on material costs, and ongoing economic uncertainty are all creating headwinds. It's a sector that touches much of the wider supply chain, so worth keeping an eye on.
The Case for Homegrown UK Timber
Despite the availability of quality, sustainable homegrown alternatives, around 80% of timber used in the UK is still imported. Robin Nicholson from Buckland Timber — a Grown in Britain certificate holder — makes a compelling case for homegrown C16 and argues there's far more scope for UK-grown timber in construction than many realise. It's a conversation worth having.
Upcoming Events
- NETTA Treatment Training Session — 14 May, Newcastle
- NETTA Annual Dinner — 14 May, Crowne Plaza, Newcastle
- Carrefour International du Bois — 2–4 June, Nantes, France
- UK Timber Design Conference — 2 July, One Birdcage Walk, London
At Nicks Timber, we keep a close eye on everything happening in the industry so we can keep delivering the quality and service our customers rely on. If you have any questions about our products or want to talk timber, get in touch with our team.
