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NATURAL WOODS
Wood is probably the oldest material to be used by humans as both a decorative material and as a structural material. this is due to its versatile properties. Today, wood is used for a wide range of activities, but in recent years we have begun to recognise that there is not an endless supply of timber. the challenge is to preserve resources, especially the slower growing tress. due to improved forestry management, timber production is considered sustainable, which means that an tree that is cut down will be replaced by planting another tree.
The slowest growing trees (approx 100 years) tend to be from tropical rain-forests while the quickest growing trees (30 Years) are increasingly grown in managed forest. Tress not only provide a valuable supply of timber, they also importantly convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, provide habitats for wildlife and contribute to the natural beauty of the countryside.
Types of Wood
There are two basic types of wood; Hardwood and softwood.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods grown in the UK tend to be from broad-leafed, Deciduous trees that lose their leaves each Autum. Beech, Oak and Ash are examples of hardwood trees grown in the UK. Hardwoods grown in the rain-forests include Teak and Mahogany
Softwoods
Softwoods come from conofers, which are evergreen trees. Most Conifers keeps their needle throughout the year. Large amounts of softwood such as pine and cedar are imported into the UK from Scandinavian countiers, While the UK produces about 10% of its own softwood in plantations and forests.
Softwood Trees
Hardwood trees
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