North Devon Biosphere secures sawmill to support landowners with productive woodland management

Farmers and landowners across North Devon can now manage their woodlands more productively by using a sawmill secured by North Devon Biosphere.

The Norwood HD38 Lumbermax sawmill was subsidised through the Rural England Prosperity Fund via North Devon Plus and is now available to hire by woodland owners across the region to process their own timber.

Training at RHS Rosemoor was provided by our Technical Consultant, Andy Dudley. He demonstrated how the sawmill can handle logs up to 95cm diameter using the hydraulic lift and precisely mill wood to required thicknesses.

Andy said: “Sawmilling is a sustainable way for farmers and landowners to produce their own timber for fencing, outbuildings. It can also produce additional income if sold as building supplies or furniture making for example.

“Global Machinery Solutions sells a range of sawmills – however, the HD38 can handle the largest logs ideal for professionals and hobbyists to make the most out of their timber. It’s fantastic to see Devon woodland owners being encouraged to learn this new skill to benefit their land and local environment.”

Andy Bell, North Devon Biosphere’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We believe 50% of the forest area in the region is not being managed, which is putting its long-term health and resilience at risk. However, having the Norwood sawmill now means we can now support more effective woodland management which is a real gamechanger for us.

“We’re looking forward to working with famers and landowners throughout this exciting new scheme and grateful to Global Machinery Solutions for their invaluable and continued support.”

To find out more about hiring the sawmill, email NaturalCapital@devon.gov.uk