英國試驗當地木材 促進可持續建築發展

保育慈善機構林地信託基金會（Woodland Trust）成功試驗了一項創新計畫，利用來自達特穆爾（Dartmoor）經過負責任和生態管理的古老森林木材，供應當地建築行業。這項計畫展示了當地各類樹種的潛力，並鼓勵企業減少對進口木材的依賴。

Woodland Trust Successfully Trials Local Timber Supply for Sustainable Construction

The Woodland Trust, a conservation charity, has successfully trialed an innovative project utilizing responsibly and ecologically managed ancient woodland timber from Dartmoor to supply the local construction industry. This initiative showcases the potential of native tree species and encourages businesses to reduce their reliance on imported timber.

這項試驗標誌著本地木材產業發展的一個重要里程碑，顯示達特穆爾的森林資源不僅可用於保育，還可支持當地經濟，為木材產業和可持續發展提供雙贏機會。

試驗計畫證明當地木材可行性

在該計畫中，來自德文郡（Devon）的本地樹種，包括山毛櫸（beech）、榿木（alder）和西方鐵杉（western hemlock），被製作成地板和外牆覆層樣品，並進一步加工為窗框和門，以測試其在建築市場中的可行性。這些材料隨後被送往製造商，證明它們可以作為進口木材的替代品，滿足當地建築和設計行業的需求。

The trial marks a significant milestone in the development of the local timber industry, demonstrating that Dartmoor’s forestry resources can support not only conservation but also the regional economy, offering a win-win opportunity for both the timber sector and sustainable development.

該計畫由「森林管理創新基金」（Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Fund）提供資助，該基金專門支持推動林地積極管理的創新專案，旨在讓更多英國森林實現可持續開發與利用。

Trial Demonstrates Viability of Local Timber

As part of the project, native tree species from Devon, including beech, alder, and western hemlock, were processed into flooring and exterior cladding samples and further crafted into window frames and doors to test their feasibility in the construction market. These materials were then supplied to manufacturers, proving their potential as viable alternatives to imported timber that can meet the needs of local construction and design industries.

The project was funded by the Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Fund, a dedicated initiative supporting innovative projects that promote active woodland management, aiming to enable more UK forests to be sustainably developed and utilized.

促進當地林業經濟與生態保護

林地信託基金會德文郡地區經理大衛·里克伍德（David Rickwood）表示，這項試驗計畫不僅能夠促進可持續林業的發展，還能改善當地森林生態環境，為生物多樣性提供更好的棲息地。

目前，許多達特穆爾的森林資源因缺乏市場需求，導致林地所有者無法負擔管理成本，大量木材被低價出售作為柴火，並未充分發揮其價值。

拓展當地木材市場 創造更多機會

林地信託基金會希望，這項試驗能促使更多建築公司、室內設計師和木製品生產商探索當地木材的潛力，減少對進口木材的依賴。該機構計畫與當地企業和木材供應鏈合作，拓展可利用的木材種類及製成品範圍，進一步推動可持續木材市場的發展。

Boosting the Local Forestry Economy While Protecting Biodiversity

David Rickwood, Devon Site Manager for the Woodland Trust, emphasized that the trial not only promotes sustainable forestry but also enhances the local forest ecosystem, providing better habitats for biodiversity.

Currently, many of Dartmoor’s woodland resources lack market demand, making it difficult for landowners to cover management costs. As a result, a significant amount of timber is sold cheaply as firewood, failing to reach its full economic and ecological potential.

Expanding the Local Timber Market and Creating Opportunities

The Woodland Trust hopes this trial will inspire more construction firms, interior designers, and wood product manufacturers to explore the potential of local timber, reducing dependence on imported materials. The organization plans to collaborate with local businesses and the timber supply chain to expand the range of available timber species and processed products, further driving the development of a sustainable timber market.

此外，林地信託基金會將與政府機構、企業和學術界合作，研究如何優化當地木材加工技術，提高其市場競爭力。這樣的發展不僅能讓林地所有者獲得更多收入，還能確保森林管理方式符合生態保護標準，推動達特穆爾森林的可持續發展。

呼籲行業參與 推動可持續建築

林地信託基金會呼籲建築業界、政府和消費者共同支持這一計畫，採用本地木材作為建築材料的一部分，以促進環境保護和減少碳足跡。

Additionally, the Trust will work with government agencies, businesses, and academia to optimize timber processing technologies, enhancing the market competitiveness of local wood. This development will not only increase revenue for landowners but also ensure forest management practices align with ecological conservation standards, promoting the sustainable future of Dartmoor’s forests.

Industry-Wide Participation Needed to Drive Sustainable Construction

The Woodland Trust is calling on the construction industry, government, and consumers to support this initiative by incorporating local timber into building materials to promote environmental protection and reduce carbon footprints.

該機構強調，使用當地可持續來源的木材，不僅有助於減少長途運輸帶來的環境影響，還能支持當地經濟，創造就業機會，並確保森林管理更加可持續。

The organization highlights that using sustainably sourced local timber helps cut emissions from long-distance transport, supports the local economy, creates job opportunities, and ensures more sustainable forest management.

「我們希望這個試驗計畫能夠啟發更多人，讓當地木材市場蓬勃發展，並鼓勵林地所有者積極參與森林管理，確保我們的自然資源能夠造福未來世代。」 里克伍德總結道。

"We hope this trial will inspire more people to embrace the local timber market and encourage landowners to engage in active woodland management, ensuring our natural resources benefit future generations," Rickwood concluded.

林地信託基金會將繼續與合作夥伴緊密合作，進一步推動這一創新計畫，並探索更多可行的森林管理和木材供應方案，以確保英國森林的可持續發展。

The Woodland Trust will continue working closely with its partners to further advance this innovative project, exploring additional forestry management and timber supply solutions to secure a sustainable future for the UK’s forests.