Sources of supply
Fuel from wood can encompass a whole range of raw materials, which can then be turned into a variety of products. Some of these will be additional products to existing markets, such as from traditional silviculture, or can be purpose-grown energy crops. The type of raw material will also influence the type and quality of product that can be produced. The table below summarises the potential flow of material and the other sections discuss in more detail the opportunities from a range of sources of supply. For a list of local suppliers, follow this link.
CONTACTS
Around half the timber produced in Scotland is produced by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and around half by the private sector, totalling around 6 million m3 of timber per year. Production could increase to around 10 million m3 of timber per year over the next 10 to 15 years, with most of the addition potential volume in the private sector.
The national forest estate is managed by Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES), which is part of FCS. Over one third of FES annual production is sold on the open market. Since mid 2004 the majority of these sales have been conducted electronically through the FC website (www.forestry.gov.uk/business). Contact details for your local Forest District can also be found on the FCS website.
ConFor is the main industry body for private sector forestry. ConFor's remit covers all parts of the industry supply chain, from timber growers, through to harvesters, sawmills and other processors.