Timber sales and marketing plan 2027-2031

Introduction – how timber supports growth and value

Wales’ natural environment is one of our greatest assets. It shapes our communities, supports our well-being, and plays an important role in the economy.

At Natural Resources Wales, we are proud to look after these landscapes, waters, and woodlands on behalf of the nation - so they continue to thrive today and long into the future.

A key part of this role is managing the Welsh Government Woodland Estate (WGWE). The estate covers more than 120,000 hectares, around 7% of Wales’ land.

These woodlands store carbon, support wildlife, provide places for recreation, and supply timber that supports jobs and rural livelihoods across Wales.

Timber production helps tackle climate change by providing a renewable, low carbon material. When used in long life products such as buildings, timber stores carbon instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. At the same time, careful woodland management supports healthy forests, habitats, and nature recovery.

Our purpose is simple: nature and people thriving together. This is at the heart of our our Corporate Plan to 2030 and well-being objectives. Through our work, we aim to see:

• nature recovering
• communities becoming more resilient to climate change
• pollution minimised.

This timber sales and marketing plan is one of four delivery plans for the sustainable growth & value strategy 2027–2031.

The strategy and this plan have been shaped by the people who use our land and services. We tested our ideas with customers and stakeholders in early 2026, and their insight helped sharpen our ambition and focus. 
Additionally, our timber marketing activities will support the Welsh Government's Timber Industrial Strategy 2025 - Making wood work for Wales.

Our timber sales and marketing plan 2027-2031

This timber sales and marketing plan explains how timber sales help deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits in Wales. Our work ensures:

• a reliable and sustainable supply of Welsh timber
• support for jobs, skills, and rural economies
• help to tackle climate change by promoting low carbon materials
• woodland management that supports nature recovery and biodiversity.

As part of our duty to sustainably manage natural resources (as set out in the principles of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016), the woodlands we manage are independently certified to internationally recognised standards.

This includes certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council FSC, and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification PEFC.

Both schemes give confidence that our timber is responsibly managed and sustainably sourced for the benefit of people, nature, and future generations.

Our timber work also supports delivery of our Corporate Plan to 2030 and our well-being objectives. It does this in the following ways:

Nature is recovering - how we manage and sell timber supports healthy, resilient forests. Through our timber harvesting programmes, we manage woodlands to grow strong and healthy trees. We use forest management approaches that keep woodland cover in place and support a mix of habitats. These actions help forests recover, improve biodiversity, and maintain long term timber supply. Our Forest Resource Plans guide where and when timber is harvested. This ensures timber production supports nature recovery alongside other environmental goals.

Communities are resilient to climate change - timber is a renewable, low carbon material that plays an important role in tackling climate change. The timber we supply can be used in long life products such as buildings, where it stores carbon. Timber is also a renewable source of energy. By providing a steady supply of sustainably produced Welsh timber, we help reduce reliance on more carbon intensive materials. Our timber sales also support jobs, skills, and investment across the Welsh timber supply chain, helping rural communities and the wider economy prepare for a low carbon future.

Pollution is minimised - using timber helps reduce pollution by replacing materials and products that have higher carbon and environmental impacts. By prioritising the best use of timber through our sales and marketing approach, we support cleaner production methods and contribute to a net zero, low carbon Wales.

Across our timber activities, we aim to use wood efficiently. We promote long life and higher value uses wherever possible. This supports the circular economy, reduces waste, and helps us make the best use of this renewable resource.

Policy, strategy, and legal context

This plan is one of four delivery plans for the sustainable growth & value strategy 2027–2031. This sets the overall direction for business development, commercial recreation, renewable energy, and timber sales at Natural Resources Wales.

It also supports the purpose and role of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, particularly the principle that productive use of the estate should remain sustainable and contribute to prosperity.

The Forestry Act recognises Natural Resources Wales as both land manager and regulator. It requires us to balance timber production and supply with the conservation and enhancement of landscapes, habitats, and wildlife.

The Welsh Government's Timber Industrial Strategy - Making wood work for Wales highlights the importance of a strong timber economy and the need to increase the supply of Welsh grown timber. This plan responds to that ambition while ensuring harvesting is carried out safely, sustainably, and in a way that supports climate, nature, and wider environmental goals.

What this plan covers

This is a five year, evidence-led plan for 2027 to 2031. It uses the latest production forecasts to guide how much timber can be sustainably supplied from the WGWE. The plan is designed to give businesses, customers, contractors, and processors the confidence to plan, invest, and grow.

The plan supports delivery across our place-focused areas in the different regions of Wales. Timber harvesting and sales can help support investment at a local level.

This investment supports priorities set out in Area Statements and Forest Resource Plans.

This work also helps regions meet their well-being goals. It supports nature’s recovery, helps communities be resilient to climate change, and minimises pollution.

This plan does not replace woodland management policy. Instead, it ensures that timber production is considered alongside other land management decisions. Detailed policies on land use and forestry practices sit outside the scope of this document.

Our approach to timber sales

The timber sales and marketing plan is guided by three core principles:

• Strong governance - ensuring timber sales are safe, open, fair, competitive, and transparent
• Supporting growth - providing timber for value added use and investment in the Welsh wood industry
• Delivering wellbeing - helping meet our well-being objectives, Area Statement priorities, and place based delivery through sustainable management of the woodland estate.

To deliver this, the plan sets out actions across eight themes:

• Governance and standards
• Market volume, production, and forecasting
• Sales and marketing approach
• Sales mechanisms
• Resilience
• Safety
• Partnership working
• Reporting our timber performance
  
  

Governance and standards

Strong governance is essential to make sure timber sales deliver value for Wales, protect nature, and maintain confidence in the timber market.

We manage and sell timber from the Welsh Government Woodland Estate as a public asset, on behalf of the people of Wales. Our approach to governance ensures that timber sales are fair, transparent, and responsibly managed, while supporting nature recovery, climate goals, and economic resilience.

Managing forests responsibly

All woodland management on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate follows the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS). This is the agreed standard for sustainable forest management across the UK.

Our forests are also independently checked through the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS). This provides the basis for international certification under:

• the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
• the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)

Our FSC certificate code is SA-FM/COC-007116, and PEFC certificate code is SA-PEFC-FM-007116.

These certifications give confidence that our timber is sustainably sourced, legally harvested, and responsibly managed. They also help customers and processors trust the environmental and social standards behind Welsh timber.

Clear and fair timber sales

We sell timber using a clear governance framework called the Timber Sales Governance Standard (TSGS).

This standard ensures timber sales are:

• safe and accessible
• open and transparent
• fair and competitive
• well governed and properly controlled.

We will continue to review and improve the TSGS, so it remains fit for purpose, protects public value, and supports a stable and trusted timber market in Wales.

Delivering wider value, not just price

We recognise that timber delivers value beyond its market price.

During this plan period, we will explore a consistent approach to understanding the economic and social impacts of timber sales and forest management. This will help us better recognise how timber activity supports jobs, skills, local economies, and community wellbeing.

This work will help ensure decisions about timber sales deliver the greatest overall benefit for Wales, while remaining consistent with our duty to sustainably manage natural resources.

Actions 2027-2031

We will:

• Action 1: maintain FSC certification, and PEFC certification through independent audit/verification
• Action 2: apply and evolve the Timber Sales Governance Standard to ensure fair, transparent timber sales
• Action 3: explore a standard approach to assessing social and economic impacts of timber sales and forest management on the WGWE.
  
  

Our market volume, production, and forecasting commitment

Our timber volumes, production, and forecasts

The Great Britain (GB) 50 year production forecast shows how much timber could be available from the Welsh Government Woodland Estate (WGWE) during the next 50 years.

This forecast shows the maximum amount of timber that could be produced if all planned felling and thinning in our Forest Resource Plans is carried out on time and returns the estimated amount of timber. Because Forest Resource Plans are updated regularly, the forecast can change over time.

Covering both public and private woodlands, the forecast helps give confidence to investors by showing how much timber may be available from woodlands in Wales.

The most recent forecast (GB Forecast of Softwood Timber Availability 2026, Forest Research, 2026) shows that the average amount of timber available each year from the WGWE is expected to reduce in each future five year period. There is a need to carefully consider the amount harvested today to secure timber for tomorrow. 

How much timber we plan to sell each year

The amount of timber we sell each year depends on several things, including:

• our ability, and that of our customers, to work safely
• our ability to meet high environmental standards
• the need to manage our forests in line with Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR).

For the years 2027 to 2031, we plan to offer between 835,000 and 875,000 cubic metres of timber per year. This level gives the best balance between managing forests safely and sustainably, protecting future timber supplies and supporting the wood processing industry.

This range is narrower when compared to the previous plan to provide a stronger and clearer commitment to the market.

By following this approach, we can continue to supply timber in the long term and deliver other benefits from the WGWE, such as biodiversity and climate benefits.

Protecting the market

The actual amount of timber sold each year may change depending on demand and how contracts perform.
If the amount of timber sold in advance goes above 150% of the annual sale volume target, we may change harvesting plans and reduce the offer. This helps:

• keep our plans realistic
• protect the wider timber market
• avoid distorting the market with WGWE timber.

Long-term management and investment

Timber production will continue to be an important part of how we manage the WGWE. This will always be balanced with other environmental and social goals.

We will look for investment opportunities that help us access more timber from the WGWE. This will include creating an action plan and identifying funding needs.

The Timber Sales team will provide short, and medium term forecasts of our timber income. These forecasts will be based on expected timber prices and volumes, while recognising that timber markets can change quickly. Timber markets are affected by global supply and demand, and largely out of our control.

Actions 2027-2031

We will:

• Action 4 - market 835,000 to 875,000 cubic metres per year timber available for harvesting from the WGWE (measured as an annual mean average)
• Action 5 - make sure timber production remains an important aim in all Forest Resource Plans
• Action 6 - keep producing accurate timber forecasts to support future planning and investment in the timber industry
• Action 7 - create an action plan and identify funding to help access more timber from the WGWE.
  
  

Our sales and marketing approach

Timber contracts are an agreement between us and our customers. Both commit to harvesting timber in good faith and within agreed timescales.

Timber from the WGWE will continue to be sold using two main contract types that are common across the forestry sector – standing sale and roadside sale.

• In a standing sale, the trees are sold while still growing in the forest. The timber is sold based on an estimated weight. The customer is responsible for felling the trees, extracting the timber, and hauling the timber out of the forest. This approach gives customers more flexibility to decide how the timber is processed and sold, depending on market needs.
• In a roadside sale, we arrange for the timber to be felled and extracted using a harvesting contractor and the timber is stacked on the roadside for sale. The timber is sold as an estimated weight. The customer is responsible for safely collecting the timber.

How we will sell timber

Most timber will continue to be sold using sales by despatched weight. This approach offers a good balance between efficient harvesting and protecting the value of the public woodland asset.

We plan for a minimum of 90% of the total annual timber volume to be sold as standing sales. This allows customers to respond more easily to changing market needs, add more value and support growth in the contracting sector.

In some situations, we will continue to carry out direct harvesting where closer control is needed to manage risk or protect delivery programmes. This also helps us maintain skills and understand timber market values. All timber produced through direct harvesting will be sold through roadside sales.

Supporting value and supply chains

We recognise that some customers who mainly buy roadside timber can add significant value. We will review how roadside sales perform and consider the wider benefits they may offer. We will also continue to support conversations between buyers and processors to help build strong, sustainable supply chains.

Contract size and planning

This plan will continue to use coupe-based contracts. This means that the size of each timber parcel for sale is based on specific harvesting areas (called coupes) set out in approved Forest Resource Plans.

In some cases, we may combine more than one coupe into a single contract if this is better for managing the forest or provides better value for money.

Valuation and product mix

All timber sales will go through a full pre sale valuation to make sure we achieve best value.

Valuations will be based on a timber hierarchy to get the best use from the timber. This means higher value products with longer uses are prioritised over lower value uses. Because of this approach, offering timber for sale does not guarantee that all timber will be sold.

Actions 2027-2031

We will:

• Action 8 - continue to use standing sales as the main contract type, with some direct harvesting where tighter control is needed
• Action 9 - make sure the timber product hierarchy is used when valuing, packaging, and marketing timber for sale.
  
  

Sales mechanisms

In previous years, we have mainly held four main eSale events each year. Sometimes we have also run smaller, interim eSales to respond to environmental events or unexpected changes to harvesting plans.
For the period 2027 to 2031, we plan to increase this to five planned eSale events each year. This will:

• give customers more certainty
• improve opportunities for competitive bidding
• allow more flexibility in harvesting programmes.

The published eSale timetable will set out the main annual timber offer. This may be supported by smaller, interim eSales if needed.

eSale timetable and bidding process

The eSale timetable will be published each October, providing at least six months’ notice for the following financial year. The timetable will show the closing dates for each sale.

Each eSale will include a seven-week viewing period. This gives potential buyers time to visit the forest sites and check that the timber within the coupes (defined harvesting areas) meets their needs.

During the life of this plan, we will trial a live online auction format as an interim sale. This will offer additional opportunities to buy timber outside of the five main eSale events.

Award of timber sales

Timber sold through open market tender will normally be awarded to the highest bidder, as long as the bid meets the reserve price, and the customer meets performance, competence, and financial requirements.

The sale panel may recommend awarding a sale to a lower bidder if the highest bidder presents risks linked to capacity, competence, or financial stability.

In rare cases, we may use a negotiated direct sale. This usually happens when trees need to be felled urgently, or a parcel of timber has failed to sell through the open market.

Contract models and innovation

Timber contracts currently use a sale by weight model, which provides a good balance of simplicity, convenience, and security.

We recognise that sale by volume contracts could bring benefits for the workforce, such as faster timber collection or quicker invoicing and payment. We will explore improvements to invoicing and payment systems using data from harvesting and haulage machinery.

We will also test use of integrated harvesting contract models. These allow customers to provide their own harvesting facilities, which may improve safety, and potentially allow us to invest in engineering resources elsewhere.

Supporting the use of Welsh timber

We want as much WGWE timber as possible to be used within Wales and made into products that bring the greatest benefit to Wales.

This includes promoting the use of Welsh timber in the sustainable construction of public buildings and homes. We will support use of our timber for this use by:

• promoting the use of domestic timber in construction of Welsh public buildings and homes
• sharing knowledge of supply programmes.
• bringing together buyers, processors, and developers
• supporting feasibility studies where needed.

Where appropriate, we will continue to explore alternative sales and contract models to support innovation and change.

Actions 2027-2031

We will:

• Action 10 - deliver five open tender eSale events each year, and trial a live online auction format.
• Action 11 - promote the use of WGWE timber in construction and continue to explore new approaches to timber sales.
  
  

Our resilience

Climate change is increasing the number and severity of risks to our forests. These include stronger and more frequent storms, longer periods of drought, increased risk of wildfires and the spread of pests and diseases.

These events can disrupt annual harvesting plans and affect the stability of timber markets.

How we will respond to major events

When events like these occur, we will make sure our response is careful and proportionate. Our aim will be to:

• keep timber production close to planned levels
• maintain a steady supply of timber to the market
• avoid releasing too much timber at once.

Any precautionary or reactive felling will mainly be sold through open market tenders within the planned eSale events.

In emergency situations, or where trees must be felled urgently to protect the WGWE, we may:

• vary existing contracts, or
• use direct sales where this helps reduce risk to the estate.

These approaches will only be used where necessary and appropriate.

Managing larger than planned timber volumes

If an event means that the amount of timber needing to be removed is greater than the planned annual sale volume, we will bring together a group of industry representatives.

This group will:

• collaborate and agree a coordinated approach to harvesting and sales
• aim to recover the highest value timber products, and minimise degradation of timber
• help avoid any negative effects on timber markets.

Actions 2027-2031

We will:

• Action 12 - develop flexible risk plans for major events, working with timber buyers, contractors, and processors.
• Action 13 - publish a Restocking for Resilience Statement for the market, and work with Forest Research on trials of wider productive conifer species.
  
  

Safety

Working closely with the forestry sector gives us the best opportunity to spot patterns and trends in incidents, improve safety standards in timber harvesting and haulage and share learn across the industry. 

We will support the wider forestry industry through a range of initiatives, including:

• the “upskill to uplift” training and development programme
• local timber transport groups
• safety, health, and development days (SHADs).

These activities help improve skills, awareness, and safe ways of working.

Supporting industry safety standards

We will continue to support the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) by working with partners and in working groups and contributing to guidance and promotion of safety campaigns. 

This partnership approach helps raise safety standards across the whole sector.

Well-being and fair working practices

We recognise that forestry work can have a significant impact on people’s physical and mental well-being.

Through our own actions, we will promote positive wellbeing and behaviours and set realistic timescales and expectations.

Ensuring safe and responsible operators

We will continue to use a health and safety qualification process for anyone working or trading on the WGWE and will review these regularly. 

This will ensure they are competent and properly trained for a safe working environment and that they meet environmental standards. It will also ensure customers and contractors comply with the terms of their contracts. 

This helps protect workers, our guests, and the public woodland estate.

Actions 2027-2031

We will:

• Action 14 - work in partnership with the forestry sector to maintain and improve standards of safety, health, and well-being.
  
  

Partnership working

We will continue to work closely with the forest and wood processing sector to make sure our plans are clearly understood. 

We will do this through open and meaningful work with:

• Welsh Government and other partners
• customers
• industry groups
• local communities.

This helps everyone plan and work together more effectively.

Customer engagement and information sharing

Our programme of Forest Resource Plan reviews gives timber buyers and other stakeholders the chance to share views and knowledge, help shape how the WGWE is managed and support sustainable forest management.

Each year, our customer engagement programme will begin with a Customer Day in February.

At this event, we will:

• share an annual statement showing how much timber will be available from the WGWE
• publish a timetable of planned timber sales for the next 12 months
• provide time for discussion about future plans and developments.

Supporting the use of Welsh timber

We are ready to supply the processing industry with certified Welsh timber and respond to growing demand for Welsh wood.

We will work with the Tai ar y Cyd landlords to help make sure Welsh timber is available for building sustainable homes. We will also work with timber processors, construction companies, and developers.

Supporting partners in the industry

We will support the timber haulage industry through national and local transport initiatives. This will secure safe and sustainable haulage and reduce impacts on local communities.

We will improve our understanding of the timber needs of small, micro, and niche sawmills and processors in Wales.

We aim to better support these businesses by providing timber directly or through existing supply chains. We will offer these parcels as roadside sales within the annual programme. We will support processors within the small/micro/niche sawmilling community to become customers and bid for timber.

Actions 2027-2031

We will:

• Action 15 - continue active engagement and working with customers and stakeholders through our programme of customer engagement.
  
  

Reporting our timber performance

We will continue to closely monitor how much timber has been sold in advance but not yet harvested (known as the forward sold position).

If the amount of forward sold timber becomes higher than the total annual supply expected from the WGWE, we may reduce the amount of timber offered in future sales. This helps make sure supply stays balanced and realistic.

Information on forward sold timber volumes will be monitored and published every three months.

As well as reporting total timber volumes at a national level, we will also measure performance locally.

The timber volume offered to market will be tracked as a national annual key performance indicator, and also for each of the six land-based regions. This will be based on the volume of timber successfully brought to sale.

What we will report on

We will continue to publish clear and regular reports on timber sales and harvesting on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate (WGWE). This will be done annually, every five years, and at interim points. 

It will include:

• Forest Research’s annual GB timber statistics
• end of year figures showing how much timber was offered to market (both standing and roadside sales, nationally and by region)
• performance against safety and environmental standards during harvesting
• achievement of replanting targets
• delivery of published timber sale events
• levels of forward sold timber commitments
• end of year figures for timber income and dispatched volumes
• future annual timber sale volume targets in time to help the sector plan
• a summary of customer risk statistics (anonymised)
• financial accounts for forestry managed on the WGWE via our annual report and accounts.

Actions 2027-2031

We will:

• Action 16 - commit to clear, accurate and timely reporting to maintain confidence in the timber market and future supply.
  
  

Conclusion

This timber sales and marketing plan explains how we will manage and sell timber from the Welsh Government Woodland Estate between 2027 and 2031.

It supports our Corporate Plan to 2030 and our purpose of nature and people thriving together. Through the plan, we have detailed how timber production, sales and marketing can help deliver our wellbeing objectives so that we see nature recovering, communities becoming more resilient to climate change, and pollution minimised. By taking a long term, evidence-based approach, we aim to provide confidence to customers, contractors, and communities, while protecting the woodland estate for future generations.

The plan also supports place focused delivery across Wales. It works alongside Forest Resource Plans and Area Statements to ensure timber harvesting reflects local priorities and benefits local communities. 

As managers of a public woodland estate, we will continue to work in partnership with others and use timber sales in support of wider benefits in Wales.

By looking after our woodlands and working with others, this plan helps the Welsh Government Woodland Estate deliver benefits for people and nature, now and in the future.