This report, published in 2002, was prepared by Intermark for the Forestry Commission to provide market data regrding the trends in demand for wood products (particularly firewood, fencing and garden furniture) in the East of England.
It provides a measure of the change, since 1994, in the market size for wood products sold through farm shops, garage forecourts, garden centres and DIY stores. It focussed on the range and volume of products sold, sources of supply and influences on purchasing decisions (British, local or 'green' products).
The market for the range of products investigated has risen from £9.7 million in 1994 to £17.9 million (for the counties of Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk) and is now estimated to be £23.7 million for the whole region.
Individual products that have shown real growth throughout the period have been softwood fencing and trellis, hardwood furniture, softwood furniture and tubs and planters. Whilst UK softwood is the main source of raw material for fencing and trellis, Scandinavian pine is generally used for softwood furniture and planters (reflecting the changed fashion away from the 'rustic style'). Tropical hardwood is the principal raw material for hardwood furniture. The most important outlet for UK sourced hardwood is split-log fuel wood sold through garage forecourts.
There is no distinct positive attitude to buying or promoting British products. The market is confused as to the value of 'green' credentials, despite knowing that they should be promoting environmentally friendly items.
A copy of the full report is available:
 Firewood, fencing & furniture
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