Dedicated to Irish Timber and Excellence in Small-Scale Sawmilling
Ireland’s forests are entering a new phase of opportunity. As increasing areas of private woodland mature, attention is turning not only to timber production, but to how Irish-grown wood can be processed, marketed and used more effectively within local economies. Across the country, a growing number of forest owners, sawmillers and craftspeople are recognising the untapped potential of small-scale sawmilling and value-added timber production. It is within this context that the Irish Sawmillers Guild (ISG) was established.
Formed in March 2026, the Guild brings together forest owners, sawmillers and timber workers who share a common interest in making better use of Ireland’s timber resources. The organisation champions small-scale sawmilling as a practical, sustainable and rewarding pathway for private forest owners and rural communities. Through training, collaboration and shared experience, the Guild aims to help transform Irish-grown timber into higher-value products while promoting responsible woodland management.
The project has been established thanks to the support of Teagasc, the North East Forestry Group and the Forestry Promotion Programme of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
Building on Previous Forestry Initiatives
The Irish Sawmillers Guild did not emerge in isolation. Its formation follows a series of DAFM-supported forestry promotion projects carried out over recent years, including Hardwood Focus, Woodland to Workshop, and Adding Value to our Hardwoods. These initiatives explored the opportunities that exist for private forest owners to process timber locally and develop new markets for Irish-grown hardwoods.
A consistent theme emerged throughout these projects: many woodland owners were interested in developing practical sawmilling and timber processing skills but lacked opportunities for technical training, networking and peer support. Small-scale sawmill operators also highlighted the need for greater collaboration, improved market access and stronger quality standards within the sector.
The Guild was therefore created to help address these gaps and provide a long-term structure through which knowledge, skills and experience could be shared.
Unlocking the Value of Irish Timber
Ireland possesses significant potential to increase the domestic processing and value-added use of its timber resources. While much attention has traditionally focused on large-scale commercial forestry and export markets, there is growing recognition that smaller-scale timber processing can also play an important role in rural enterprise development.
Across Europe, small sawmills and local timber networks contribute to resilient local economies by creating employment, supporting craft industries and encouraging the use of locally sourced materials. Similar opportunities exist in Ireland, particularly as more private broadleaf forests mature and owners seek alternatives to conventional timber markets.
Small-scale sawmilling allows timber to be processed close to where it is grown. This can open opportunities for locally produced cladding, flooring, furniture timber, structural timber and specialist hardwood products. By retaining more stages of processing within rural communities, greater economic value can remain locally.
The Guild believes that improved collaboration between forest owners and processors can help strengthen supply chains and create better outcomes for woodland owners. In particular, the organisation aims to encourage a greater appreciation of the quality and versatility of Irish-grown hardwoods, many of which remain underutilised.
A Focus on Skills and Standards
A central objective of the Irish Sawmillers Guild is the development of technical knowledge and practical skills within the sector.
The Guild aims to:
- Encourage peer-to-peer learning among small-scale sawmillers
- Improve timber grading, processing and product standards
- Develop coordinated markets for Irish-grown hardwood
- Help forest owners achieve better financial returns from their woodlands
Training and knowledge-sharing are seen as essential to improving confidence and raising standards across the sector. Many small-scale operators work independently and have limited opportunities to engage with others facing similar technical challenges. The Guild hopes to create a supportive network where practical experience can be exchanged openly.
Topics of interest include log selection, sawing techniques, timber grading, drying and storage, equipment maintenance, timber frame construction, hardwood utilisation and business development. By encouraging greater technical consistency, the Guild also hopes to strengthen confidence among architects, builders and consumers using Irish-grown timber products.
Official Launch in Navan
The official launch of the Irish Sawmillers Guild took place in March 2026 at Sherlock Craft Timber, Gainstown, Navan, Co. Meath. The event brought together forest owners, sawmillers, woodworkers and forestry professionals from across the country and provided an opportunity to showcase many of the practical skills and technical standards that underpin the Guild’s objectives.
The launch reflected the hands-on and collaborative ethos of the organisation. Rather than focusing solely on presentations, the event included live demonstrations, site tours and practical examples of timber processing and timber frame construction.
One of the highlights was the presentation by Scottish timber educator James Thomson, who outlined the results of an intensive two-week post-and-beam building course delivered as part of the project. The course provided participants with practical experience in timber framing techniques and demonstrated how locally grown timber can be converted into high-value structural products.
The training programme attracted participants from a range of backgrounds, including forestry, carpentry, sawmilling and woodworking. Importantly, it also demonstrated the appetite that exists for practical timber skills training in Ireland.
Demonstrating Modern Sawmilling Techniques
Another key feature of the launch event was a live sawmill demonstration delivered by Roland Flower of The Saw Doctor. The demonstration highlighted modern small-scale milling techniques and explored how relatively modest equipment can produce high-quality timber when operated with care and technical understanding.
Attendees were able to observe different sawing approaches, discuss blade selection and maintenance, and explore the relationship between log quality and final timber yield. For many forest owners, the demonstration provided valuable insight into how local processing can significantly increase the value obtained from individual trees.
A guided tour of Sherlock Craft Timber also demonstrated the full journey of Irish hardwood from log to finished product. Visitors were shown the processes involved in sawing, drying, machining and preparing timber for a variety of end uses.
The event illustrated how small-scale timber enterprises can combine traditional craft knowledge with modern equipment and technical standards to create viable rural businesses.
Supporting Rural Enterprise
One of the core motivations behind the Guild is the belief that forestry can play a stronger role in supporting rural livelihoods and local enterprise development.
In many areas of Ireland, forests are located close to rural communities that historically had strong connections to timber craft and woodland management. The Guild sees opportunities to reconnect forestry with local manufacturing, construction and craft sectors through increased use of Irish-grown timber.
Small-scale sawmills can provide flexibility that larger operations may not always offer. They can process unusual log sizes, accommodate smaller woodland owners and supply niche markets interested in local provenance and sustainability. They can also support emerging interest in timber frame construction, green building methods and bespoke wood products.
By encouraging local processing and direct relationships between growers and users, the Guild hopes to help create more resilient timber economies that are less dependent on imported products and volatile international markets.
Encouraging Sustainable Woodland Management
The Guild also believes that improved markets for quality timber can support better woodland management outcomes.
Private forest owners who can achieve stronger financial returns from carefully managed woodlands are more likely to invest in thinning, pruning and long-term management practices that improve timber quality over time. This can deliver benefits not only for timber production, but also for biodiversity, landscape quality and carbon storage.
The promotion of durable, locally sourced timber products also aligns with wider sustainability goals. Timber is a renewable material with the potential to displace more carbon-intensive construction materials when used appropriately.
As interest grows in sustainable building methods and low-carbon construction, the Guild believes Irish-grown timber can play a much larger role in domestic construction and manufacturing.
Building a Collaborative Network
At present, the Irish Sawmillers Guild operates as an unincorporated organisation guided by an Interim Board drawn from experienced forestry and sawmilling practitioners. Membership is open to those committed to improving standards and promoting Irish-grown timber.
The organisation places strong emphasis on collaboration and peer learning. Many of the challenges facing small-scale operators — including technical training, product standards and market development — are difficult to address individually. By working together, members can share knowledge, identify opportunities and advocate more effectively for the sector.
“The Irish Sawmillers Guild is about helping forest owners maximise their return on their woodlands. By working together, sharing expertise, and improving quality, we can create stronger markets for Irish-grown hardwood and keep more value within the rural economy.” — William Bunbury, Chair, Irish Sawmillers Guild
Looking Ahead
Although still in its early stages, the Irish Sawmillers Guild represents an important step in the development of a stronger small-scale timber sector in Ireland.
Interest in locally sourced timber, sustainable construction and rural enterprise continues to grow. At the same time, many private forests are reaching maturity and creating new opportunities for woodland owners to engage more directly in timber processing and value-added production.
The Guild hopes to build on this momentum by continuing to develop training opportunities, technical knowledge-sharing and stronger connections between growers, processors and end users.
Ultimately, its vision is simple: to help ensure that more Irish-grown timber is processed locally, used responsibly and valued more highly within the Irish economy.
The Irish Sawmillers Guild is now formally open to membership and welcomes forest owners, small-scale sawmill operators and woodworkers interested in collaborating and growing the sector.