Demand for certified timber will not grow until the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Pan European Forest Certification Council (PEFCC) get their acts together, according to Frank Boddy of John Boddy Timber.
A staunch supporter of certified timber, Mr Boddy’s Riverside Sawmill at Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire was one of the first to achieve FSC chain of custody in 1998.
He said: “We have put a great deal of work and effort into certified timber but have been very disappointed in the demand for it. People tell me demand is growing but we have not seen that. I am a firm believer that certified timber is the way forward and the sooner the better.
“I would be over the moon if FSC and PEFC got together. It needs sorting and when there is a clear direction forward demand for certified timber will grow better.”
John Boddy Timber has recently taken delivery of one of the first shipments to the UK of FSC-certified Central American mahogany – Swietenia macrophylla, the same species as Brazilian mahogany.
Mr Boddy said: “It is another source of this type of mahogany and it is of a good grade and specification. We needed a supply of this timber and this one is FSC certified.”
Meanwhile, C Blumsom Ltd has taken delivery of FSC-certified ramin, thought to be the first imported into the UK.
Director Nick Armon-Jones said: “This is an extemely important and significant addition to our range of FSC certified hardwood.”
