LAMPETER-based eco construction co-operative Tŷ Pren recently met with Ceredigion MP Ben Lake at their work-shop to discuss sustainable housing, and timber security.

Mr Lake is Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Forestry and Tree Planting at Westminster.

Jamie Miller, founder of Tŷ Pren. said: “A large portion of the larch that has been felled by NRW and the Forestry Commission - due to Phytopthora Ramorum - is being chipped for biomass, although Ramorum disease does not affect timber quality if the trees are felled quickly enough after infection is detected.

“This is a great loss of a valuable resource which could be used to build sustainable, homes that are actually affordable for the local community.

“Ben was very interested in the potential that timber-framed buildings have to help Wales meet its target of net zero carbon by 2050.

“A single 3-bedroom sized roundwood timber frame can capture up to 30 tonnes of carbon.

“Building with roundwood is a sustainable future-orientated enterprise with lots of scope for local job creation.”