Hi Mo,
The Doug Fir in our woodland is by no means an inferior timber infact its just the opposite its a very good timber framing timber but it is an imported species and as such it does not really belong in our woodland mix. These trees were planted as an experiment after WW2 and gradually they are being weeded out of the surrounding woodlots which together form part of an AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty). The only 3 indigenous coniferous species to be found in the UK are Scots Pine, Yew & Juniper. I watched my neighbour cut her DF and send this for pulp to Wales. There is no ready established market into which small lots of UK grown DF can be sold. The big hope is that as ownership of Woodmizer type mobile saws grows that conversion of these timbers within the woodland will become a more practical proposition.
I wish that you were here Mo - I would gladly give you the run of the woodland to take your pick. You should ask woodland owners locally - you might be surprised by their reaction.
Regards
Ken Hume
