For a tree size of 0.50m3 average sales prices increased by 0.6% during the period April 1 to September 30, 2019. Prices grew by 57.2% for the 12 months ended September 30.
Bidwells said returns from the sale of some 776,970m3 of private sector coniferous timber grown in Scotland, Northern England and a small amount in Wales, showed a total standing value to the grower of £29.8m.
The latest figures follow a meteoric rise in timber prices experienced in the half year between October 2017 and March 2018.
Data submitted from 121 transactions suggests that prices have risen slightly between April and September 2018, though it is probably more accurate to say that values have been maintained at their previously high levels.
Bidwells said continued weakness of sterling remains a major factor in UK grown timber prices but high global demand and tightness of supply suggests no reason why the big picture will change in the foreseeable future.
“We do of course live in strange times where informed projections are ?apt to be overtaken by events and? the ongoing uncertainties created ?by the unfolding drama of the UK’s (disorderly) withdrawal from the EU? – or possibly not as the case may be – make crystal ball gazing murkier and less certain than ever,” said Bidwells.
“That said, the fundamentals of timber sales should not alter too drastically regardless of our membership of the European club.”
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