Importance of investing in all areas of furniture making

Here is Dylan Jones, wood worker, furniture maker and an all-round general master of timer and timber processing. Here are a few words from Dylan about the value, importance and history of processing local Welsh timber: 

“Like the people of Cymru, Welsh timber is full of character, born of the typography of the landscape, soil conditions and orientation to our changeable weather. Each element, from forestry, processing, manufacture, design and R&D therefore needs to work collaboratively, producing products for the future that serve the needs of consumers, in harmony with, and not to the detriment of our woodlands. It is at this creative interface between forestry, design and research that unexpected results and opportunities can arise, generating, new, high value products and businesses that not only achieve environmental targets but create local and excellent employment opportunities, shifting back towards a more circular and regional approach to making and design. This way of working is a well-trodden path by our forefathers for which there are many great examples that we can be inspired by.  Not only can making better use of local timber lead to a lifetime of learning and discovery of our environment and the people that it supports but local communities, who work in the timber industries become better placed to understand the regional supply chains and gain a deeper knowledge of maintaining and utilising this fantastic forest resource. To capitalise on this effectively in the future, we need to invest more in the processing and manufacturing sectors for equipment and skills training. This requires a national effort where all public and private partners in the forestry and timber sector work together. Therefore, With clear intent and agreement in our shared future, significant improvements can be achieved over the  nextfew years. Our woodlands have a story to tell, and we need to honour it through good management and making the very best and efficient use of the timber nature.”

Since 2010, Dylan has been involved with a number of research and development projects for Coed Cymru (@pren.cymru)