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Softwood

Data for softwood fencing are obtained from the Survey of Round Fencing Manufacturers.  Figures for other uses are reported by manufacturers or are estimated by representatives of the wood processing industries.

1.9 million green tonnes of UK softwood were estimated to have been used directly for woodfuel (including biomass energy) in 2018, an increase of 19% from the previous year (Table 2.24).  A further 273 thousand green tonnes of UK softwood were consumed by round fencing manufacturers and 174 thousand green tonnes for other uses in 2018.

Table 2.24 Miscellaneous uses of UK softwood roundwood, 2009-2018

Year Fencing Woodfuel1 Other2 Total
thousand green tonnes    
2009 367 650 160 1178
2010 349 900 135 1384
2011 363 900 145 1408
2012 338 1000 154 1492
2013 332 1250 191 1773
2014 317 1500 176 1992
2015 288 1600 164 2052
2016 277 1550 178 2006
2017 295 1600 170 2064
2018 273 1900 174 2347

Source: Survey of Round Fencing Manufacturers, industry associations.

Notes:

1. Woodfuel derived from stemwood. Includes estimates of roundwood use for biomass energy. The figures are estimated by the Expert Group on Timber and Trade Statistics, and make use of woodfuel data reported in the Private Sector Softwood Removals Survey.

2. Includes shavings and poles. Quantities for some uses are estimates by the Expert Group on Timber and Trade Statistics.

Hardwood

An estimated 700 thousand green tonnes of UK hardwood were used for woodfuel (including biomass energy) in 2018.  A further 30 thousand green tonnes were estimated to have been consumed by round fencing manufacturers and 36 thousand green tonnes for other uses, including exports.

Additional resources

Sources chapter: Timber

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