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Y
Cylch Coed
The
Tree Cycle
PROCESSING
Resource
The resources range from small diameter trees (fencing material etc.) to mature stands of a range of useful species (eg. Douglas fir, Larch, Cedar). Forest residue (which in places may become a problem due to changing harvesting methods) is an unutilised source of sustainable energy. Processing is a crucial operation in the Tree Cycle and significantly increases the value of the wood, making material available to subsequent branches that add yet further value (workshops, construction).
Present situation
Almost 100% of felled and extracted timber is exported from the area for processing. Processed timber required in the locality has to be imported thus incurring transportation costs. A piece of timber which has been grown locally will have to travel hundreds of miles on a round trip to be seasoned and processed and ready for use. This is not sensible practice either economically or environmentally. Despite the fact that local stress graders are now available, there is only one saw mill in the area and that is in need of upgrading.
Intention
The Tree Cycle encourages the initiation of cooperatively owned and worked processing facilities in the locality. This includes the purchase and upgrade of the one local saw mill. The Tree Cycle will seek to encourage innovation in processing practices and ecofriendly preservation treatments and techniques. Due to the work of other branches of the Tree Cycle (planting, harvesting) a wider variety of raw materials will become available over time (coppice wood, for example) offering wider processing opportunities.
Summary points
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