The Pembrokeshire Timber Initiative (PTI) has been rebranded to strengthen its image as a commercial operation, selling Welsh hardwoods to manufacturers, the crafts sector and consumers.
Now known as the Pem-brokeshire Timber Store, the operation has warehouses and kilns in Withybush. Its main species are oak, ash, sycamore, beech, alder, cherry and chestnut, but it also has some stocks of ‘specials’ including elm.
The PTI was launched two years ago with backing from, among others, Coed Cymru, the EU, and Pembrokeshire County Council. ‘The aim was to add value to the thinnings taken out of local woodlands as they were brought back into good heart,’ said Mark Ford, who runs the Store with co-worker Bill Faichney. ‘Now we’re getting larger dimension material suitable for different uses, including flooring.’
The Store, he added, buys timber from the roadside, takes it to a local sawyer, then air dries it and kilns the best grades.
‘It’s increasingly popular and we’re now looking to expand our facilities,’ said Mr Ford.
