UK production of sawnwood decreased 11% last year, according to statistics released by the Forestry Commission.
Wood-based panel output experienced a 25% decrease, while roundwood harvesting (softwood) totalled 8.4 million tonnes – a 7% reduction from 2007 but similar to 2006 levels.
Hardwood roundwood harvesting totalled 400,000m³, down 2% from 2007.
The Forestry Commission’s softwood sawlog price index was 27.9% lower in real terms in the six months to March 2009, compared with the corresponding period the previous year.
The average price for coniferous standing sales was £9.15/m³ overbark standing in the year to March 2009, while the coniferous standing sales price index for Britain was 30.1% lower.
