Timber Trade Federation president Geoff Rhodes has urged all timber traders to get involved with the Forest Education Initiative (FEI).

Speaking at the Bristol Channel & Western Timber Association dinner last week, Mr Rhodes said timber traders should become involved with the FEI “in whatever way you can” in order to help shape the future of the public’s attitudes towards forestry and timber products.

“The importance of educating future generations in the link between everyday timber products and the forest is vital if we are to secure wider public understanding of the timber industry and of the material in which we trade,” he said.

The FEI’s recently-launched Campaign for Growth aimed to raised £2m to finance the organisation’s work.

&#8220Educating future generations is vital if we are to secure wider public understanding of the timber industry”

Geoff Rhodes, TTF president

Mr Rhodes also encouraged members to educate themselves on CE marking of construction products, which comes into force in April.

“It is vital that we all make sure that our products are marked appropriately in advance of the April 1 deadline,” he said. “I would strongly advise all of you to be fully up to speed on the subject as soon as possible.”