Douglas fir is an important species for South West England with many examples of good growing conditions and good natural regeneration. It is predicted to grow well as climate changes and imported Douglas for is known as a stiff structural timber.
Whilst working with the Silvanus Trust Jez Ralph project managed an industry sponsored Phd with the University of Bath department of engineering to investigate the structural properties of the timber and assess how silviculture could be adapted to to maximise the timber’s potential.
The results showed locally grown Douglas fir is generally under-graded. This means we aren’t making as good or efficient use of the timber to the detriment of both grower and specifier. What’s more, it may be possible to use silvicultural techniques to grow stiffer better timber.
For a copy of the final report please get in touch.