The UK timber industry may experience supply problems in 20 years time due to the low level of planting since 1992, a forest market report says.

Compiled by Tilhill Economic Forestry and FPD Savills plc, the report shows 9,230ha were sold last year, a third higher than the previous year. The market was again limited by low numbers of properties offered for sale.

Timber prices continue to restrict the number of sales of older plantations, while the continued strength of the pound against the euro has resulted in strong import competition for UK mills, especially from the Baltic states.

Mature forests experienced a 5% decrease in price (from £2,477 to £2,354 per ha) while semi-mature prices jumped 40% (from £1,700 to £2,300 per ha).

To view the full report visit www.tilhill.co.uk.