Wood from the Chilterns is used for a variety of purposes including
firewood, charcoal, fencing, building timber, woodcrafts and
furniture. High Wycombe has been the centre of the UK furniture
industry for 200 years.
In recent times the market for Chilterns wood has declined dramatically
because of the prevalence of cheaper imported timber from Europe
and America. The furniture industry has also substituted metal
and plastic for wood in many of its products.
In addition, there is a lack of good quality timber in the Chilterns
because many of the best trees have been harvested. The trees
left in the woods are shading out the young saplings which might
potentially provide more good timber in the future. The competition
from overseas means there is little incentive for woodland managers
to nurture good quality trees for the future.
It is clear that many factors are affecting the management of
Chiltern woods. In the meantime, we can all do our bit to stimulate
the local woodland economy by buying local wood products wherever
possible.
