The North East Timber Trade Association (NETTA) has launched a new educational initiative designed to introduce primary school children to the importance of timber and its role in creating a more sustainable future. The project aims to engage young learners across the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire while increasing awareness of renewable materials and the opportunities available within the timber sector.
The initiative reflects growing efforts within the timber industry to encourage greater understanding of sustainable resources from an early age. As environmental considerations continue to influence construction, manufacturing and design practices, industry organisations are increasingly recognising the value of education in building future awareness and skills.
Timber remains one of the world’s most sustainable natural resources. It is grown in managed forests. It supports biodiversity. It also contributes to carbon storage.
As the United Kingdom continues its transition towards lower-carbon development, renewable building materials are becoming increasingly important. Timber is widely recognised for its ability to support environmentally responsible construction while offering versatility across multiple applications.
NETTA has long promoted the value of wood products. The association also supports industry standards. Education has now become a major focus.
The organisation is an influential trade body affiliated with Timber Development UK (TDUK). Its membership spans the entire timber supply chain, including manufacturers, merchants, processors and industry specialists. Alongside representing member interests, the association seeks to raise awareness of timber’s environmental and economic contributions.
A key objective of the new programme is to encourage children to understand how timber impacts everyday life. The initiative has been designed to highlight both the environmental benefits of wood and the diverse career opportunities available throughout the sector.
To support the project, NETTA has partnered with Tales from Mother Earth, an educational organisation known for creating engaging environmental learning resources. Through this collaboration, 1,000 copies of the children’s book Sitka Spruce: The Amazing Timber Tree will be distributed to schools across the region.
The book was written by Jenny Bailey. It was originally commissioned by Morgan Sindall in 2024. It targets children aged three to ten.
The publication introduces young readers to Sitka spruce, one of the United Kingdom’s most significant commercial timber species. Through storytelling and interactive content, children are encouraged to explore how timber is grown, processed and used within society.
The educational resource includes a variety of learning tools. Fun facts are provided. Puzzles are included. Colouring activities encourage participation.
In addition, the book contains contributions from industry professionals who share insights into the timber sector. A dedicated section outlining the benefits of timber has also been incorporated to help explain the environmental advantages associated with renewable materials.
An audio version of the story has been developed. It can be accessed through a QR code. Page-turning prompts have been included.
This digital feature enables the resource to be used by early readers and supports classroom learning activities. Accessibility has been enhanced through the combination of visual and audio content, allowing teachers to integrate the material into a range of educational settings.
The project has been developed to generate curiosity among children while strengthening understanding of sustainability concepts. Industry leaders increasingly recognise that awareness of environmental issues begins at a young age. Educational initiatives are therefore viewed as valuable tools for long-term engagement.
Knowledge about renewable resources can be strengthened. Awareness of sustainable materials can be improved. Future career pathways can be introduced.
The timber industry continues to offer a wide range of professional opportunities. Careers exist across forestry, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, product development and environmental management. However, awareness of these opportunities remains limited among many young people.
By introducing timber-related topics within primary education, NETTA hopes to encourage greater interest in the sector over the long term. The initiative seeks to demonstrate that timber plays an important role not only in construction but also in supporting broader environmental objectives.
Industry engagement is expected to increase. School participation is being encouraged. Community involvement is also being promoted.
NETTA Vice Chair James Southern, who also serves as Managing Director of Southern & Co, highlighted the importance of collaboration between schools and the timber sector. Educational institutions are being invited to share feedback on how the books are used in classrooms, including photographs, learning activities and student experiences.
The association plans to showcase these responses in future communications. This approach is intended to strengthen engagement while demonstrating the impact of the programme across participating schools.
The initiative arrives at a time when sustainability education is receiving increased attention throughout the United Kingdom. Governments, businesses and industry groups are seeking new ways to encourage environmental awareness among younger generations. Renewable materials such as timber are often central to these conversations due to their contribution to carbon reduction and responsible resource management.
For NETTA, the project represents more than a literacy programme. It reflects a long-term investment in education, sustainability and industry awareness. By introducing children to the story of timber through engaging learning materials, the association hopes to inspire future generations to appreciate the value of renewable resources and explore the many opportunities available within the timber sector.
Through one storybook at a time, the foundations for greater environmental understanding and industry engagement are being built for the future.
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