Ross woodland owners told fallen trees could 'survive' for millenia if properly preserved
Ross-shire woodland owners are being told that hardwood trees toppled in the recent storms could 'survive' for another millenia in the form of furniture if properly preserved now.
New guidance from the Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers (ASHS) suggests that much of the hardwood from fallen trees, many of which will have been growing for hundreds of years, will provide small scale businesses with a valuable and beautiful resource.
Owners of woodland across Scotland are being encouraged to make the best use of fallen trees by recovering and storing it in a way that preserves the hardwood for future use.
If stored correctly, good quality hardwoods such as Oak, Elm, Beech, Ash and Sycamore will remain useable in the future.
Jim Birley, who runs hardwood sawmilling company Scottish Wood, is a member of the Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers (ASHS).
He said: "Thousands of our broad leaved trees have been lost across Scotland as a result of recent exceptional storm damage. Many of these were massive 'heritage' trees that have been growing across the landscape for hundreds of years.
"Whilst it is devastating to see them down, these trees can yield beautiful hardwood timber and be preserved for another millennia in the form of fine furniture and other quality wooden products.
"ASHS has produced a very useful guide for woodland owners who may not be familiar with the quality hardwood sector. It gives guidance on how best to save these trees so that they can be put to good use by small local businesses."
The new guide covers issues such as identifying which hardwoods are most marketable, picking the best quality wood, storing the hardwoods and where to get help and advice on marketing them.
ASHS also produce further technical guidance on their website including grading, sawing, seasoning and selling of hardwood timber.
Welcoming the new guide, Scottish Forestry’s forest industries advisor, Ros Wardman said: "The storms, especially Storm Arwen, have been ferocious events. Their effects have reached many parts of Scotland. The aftermath has left many woodlands devastated and this is very upsetting to see.
"The hardwood industry can use quality timber for their work so if owners follow the guidance it may still be possible to sell storm damaged trees for a good price. I’m pleased to see ASHS taking a proactive role in providing guidance and practical advice to help support this important part of the forest industries.”