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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.
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