From Monday, 6 October to Sunday, 12 October 2025, Grown in Britain Week (#GiBWeek25) will take centre stage in the UK forestry calendar. Building on prior momentum, this year’s edition aims to deepen awareness of the importance of homegrown timber—and the central role it can play in Britain’s sustainable future.
“Prosperity through Resilience and Innovation”
The chosen theme, Prosperity through Resilience and Innovation, underscores how Britain’s forestry sector can thrive by embracing adaptability, forward-looking strategies, and stronger collaboration.
Each day of the week is dedicated to a focused topic:
- Monday (“Prosperity in Practice”) encourages sharing of real-world success stories from forestry and timber businesses.
- Tuesday turns to “Building Resilience,” exploring how firms are navigating shifting markets and supply challenges.
- Thursday is themed “Future-Proofing Woodlands,” centring on sustainable forest management practices.
- Friday is “Collaboration for Growth,” spotlighting partnerships across the industry to boost capacity and reach.
- At the heart of the week is the 8th National Forestry Conference, held on Wednesday, 8 October. Co-hosted by Grown in Britain, the CLA (Country Land & Business Association), and the Forestry Commission, the conference draws over 200 stakeholders—foresters, landowners, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders—to exchange insights and forge new links.
This year’s speaker roster is strong. The Forestry Minister, Mary Creagh, will headline, joined by Bella Murfin (new CLA Director General). Among the other voices: Paul King (Built by Nature), Dr Joanna Scales (Innovate UK), and representatives from Nature Metrics, Hooke Park, Agile Homes, Carbon Plantations, Euroforest, the Bathurst Estate, Forest Research, and the Forestry Commission.
The conference provides a rare moment for cross-sector dialogue—joining voices from land management, timber production, innovation, and policy to tackle challenges like sustainable supply, carbon targets, and the growing demand for locally sourced wood.
The case for homegrown timber
Britain remains heavily dependent on timber imports—about 80 % of its wood and paper demand comes from overseas markets. That gap represents both a vulnerability and an opportunity for domestic forestry.
The Grown in Britain certification scheme plays a key role here. It ensures that timber is legal, sustainable, and traceable back to UK forests, while supporting a stronger local supply chain. By raising awareness during GiB Week, organisers hope to shift procurement behaviors—especially in construction, manufacturing, and public sector projects—toward trusted British wood.
How can one get involved?
Grown in Britain encourages stakeholders across the sector to mark the week in their own way: host a local event, workshop, or field visit; publish case studies or stories about timber use; or launch new initiatives under the #GiBWeek25 banner. And be sure to tag @GrownInBritain in your posts.
As sustainability and carbon management increasingly influence construction and development decisions, GiB Week 2025 provides a timely platform to demonstrate how British timber leads not only in quality but also in environmental stewardship.
Why GiB Week Matters for the Forestry Industry
- Strengthening demand for domestic timber helps reduce reliance on imports and keeps value within national supply chains.
- Encouraging innovation in forest management, wood processing, and carbon accounting aligns with climate and net-zero goals.
- Fostering collaboration brings together land managers, industry, research institutions, and policymakers to solve shared challenges.
- Raising visibility for forestry as a dynamic, future-oriented sector, helping attract investment, talent, and public support.
In sum, GiB Week 2025 is more than a promotional week—it’s a push toward a more resilient, self-reliant, and innovative British forestry sector. The forests belong to us all. Their future is ours to shape.
Read more news on: wood processing, construction, sustainability
Get such updates through woodandpanel.us
