The Building from England’s Woodlands (BFEW) project has demonstrated the significant potential of homegrown timber to support the future of sustainable construction in the United Kingdom. After three years of collaborative research, the initiative has concluded that English-grown hardwoods can play a much greater role in structural building applications when they are carefully selected and correctly specified.
Funded through the Forestry Commission’s Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Fund, the project brought together specialists from forestry, timber manufacturing, architecture, wood science and the wider construction industry. The research was led by the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), Ecosystems Technologies and dRMM Architects.
The project was established to examine how timber sourced from England’s woodlands could be utilised more effectively in modern construction systems. Its findings challenge long-held assumptions surrounding the structural capabilities of homegrown timber and present new opportunities for the UK forestry and construction sectors.
One of the project’s most significant outcomes is the development of hybrid engineered timber products that combine hardwood and softwood within a single structural component. This approach allows each timber species to be used where its individual properties provide the greatest benefit, improving both structural efficiency and material performance.
Researchers found that hybrid cross-laminated timber and glued-laminated timber products satisfied the required strength and durability standards using existing manufacturing techniques. Extensive testing was carried out. Performance requirements were successfully achieved. Existing production methods were also utilised throughout the development process.
The study further demonstrated that placing hardwood in key structural areas reduced the quantity of material required. Material savings of approximately 10 to 15 per cent were achieved. This creates opportunities for lighter structural systems while maintaining the required engineering performance.
The findings are regarded as an important milestone for the engineered timber sector. They also provide practical evidence that innovative timber solutions can be produced without requiring entirely new manufacturing technologies. This could help accelerate commercial adoption while making efficient use of current production capabilities.
The project extended beyond laboratory research. Real-world demonstrations formed an important part of the programme. One public showcase was presented through the “Building from Forests” exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The exhibition highlighted how responsibly sourced timber can contribute to future construction while increasing public awareness of sustainable building materials.
A further demonstration was completed at NMITE’s new Skills Hub in Hereford. A hybrid hardwood-softwood glued-laminated timber beam was installed within the building, providing a practical example of how the research can be applied in live construction projects.
Beyond engineering performance, the project identified broader environmental advantages associated with greater use of English timber. Increased utilisation of locally sourced wood could reduce embodied carbon within buildings while supporting long-term carbon storage throughout the life of constructed assets. These outcomes align with growing industry efforts to lower emissions across the built environment.
The research also highlights important ecological benefits. Greater demand for homegrown timber could encourage improved woodland management and promote more resilient forests. Biodiversity may also benefit through active forest stewardship. Rural economies could be strengthened. Local manufacturing opportunities may expand as demand for value-added timber processing continues to increase.
Economic development remains another key consideration. Expanding domestic timber production has the potential to support employment across forestry, manufacturing and construction. Greater investment within local supply chains could improve resilience while reducing dependence on imported building materials.
The project supports the objectives outlined in the UK Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap. It also aligns with wider national ambitions to achieve Net Zero emissions. The research provides practical evidence that homegrown timber can contribute to decarbonising construction while encouraging productive and sustainable forestry across England.
Industry specialists believe the findings offer valuable guidance for architects, engineers, developers and manufacturers seeking lower-carbon building solutions. Hybrid engineered timber products demonstrate how material innovation can improve structural efficiency while making better use of domestic timber resources.
The collaboration between research institutions, designers and manufacturing specialists also illustrates the importance of cross-sector partnerships in advancing construction innovation. Continued cooperation is expected to play a vital role in bringing new timber technologies into mainstream building practice.
Although further commercial development and skills investment will be required, the Building from England’s Woodlands project establishes a strong foundation for future growth. Ongoing research can help refine manufacturing processes and expand market confidence in homegrown structural timber products.
As demand for sustainable construction continues to increase, England’s woodlands could become an increasingly valuable source of renewable building materials. By connecting responsible forestry with advanced timber engineering and modern construction, the project demonstrates a practical pathway towards lower-carbon buildings, healthier forests and stronger regional economies. The findings reinforce the growing role of homegrown timber in supporting a more resilient and sustainable built environment across the United Kingdom.
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