July 21, 2026 - 203 views
A new strategy launched at the Royal Welsh Show aims to create more opportunities for North Wales’ timber industry, rural communities and the wider green economy.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has unveiled its Sustainable Growth and Value Strategy 2027–2031, setting out plans to increase investment and generate greater benefits from Wales’ natural resources while continuing to protect the environment.
A key part of the announcement is a new Timber Sales and Marketing Plan, which aims to provide greater confidence for businesses by setting out future supplies of sustainably produced Welsh timber.
NRW says it plans to bring between 835,000 and 875,000 cubic metres of timber to market each year, helping support jobs and businesses across Wales.
The timber sector is particularly important in North Wales, where large areas of commercial woodland support forestry businesses, haulage companies, sawmills and rural employment. The region’s forests, including those in Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire, provide a major source of locally produced timber used in construction, manufacturing and renewable products.
Forestry also plays a wider role in supporting the rural economy, providing recreation opportunities and helping Wales respond to climate change through sustainable woodland management.
The new NRW strategy outlines how income generated through commercial activities, including timber sales, will be reinvested to support nature recovery, climate resilience and efforts to reduce pollution.
The plan was launched at the Royal Welsh Show by Sarah Jennings, NRW’s Executive Director of Communications, Customer and Commercial, alongside Ben Burggraaf, Chief Executive Officer of Net Zero Industry Wales.
Ms Jennings said Wales’ natural environment was one of its greatest assets.
She said: “This strategy sets out how we can create more value from the land and natural resources in our care, helping us invest more in nature recovery, climate resilience and community well-being.”
NRW says it will continue working with timber businesses, renewable energy developers, recreation providers and local communities to develop sustainable projects and support skilled employment.
Ben Burggraaf said collaboration would be vital in creating a greener economy.
He said: “The transition to a net zero economy creates significant opportunities for Wales. Working together across sectors will be essential if we are to attract investment, accelerate renewable energy development and create sustainable jobs.”
The strategy will guide NRW’s commercial activity over the next five years, with a focus on balancing economic opportunities with protecting Wales’ natural environment.
