An exciting project to introduce primary school children across the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to the incredible world of timber has been launched by the North East Timber Trade Association (NETTA).
Timber is one of the most sustainable resources on the planet. Grown in managed forests, it restores habitats, supports biodiversity, and naturally locks away carbon from the atmosphere. As the UK moves towards a low-carbon future, renewable materials such as timber are becoming increasingly central to how we build, design and live. As an organisation deeply rooted in the value and importance of wood, NETTA is committed to helping the next generation understand why timber plays such a vital role in our future built environment.
For NETTA, an influential trade body affiliated with Timber Development UK (TDUK), education is key. With members spanning the full timber supply chain, the association is dedicated not only to upholding high industry standards, but also to inspiring future generations to understand, value and even pursue careers in this diverse and rewarding sector.
To support this mission, NETTA has partnered with Tales from Mother Earth to distribute 1,000 copies of Sitka Spruce: The Amazing Timber Tree, a beautifully illustrated audio-picture book written by Jenny Bailey and originally commissioned by Morgan Sindall in 2024. Aimed at children aged 3-10, the story introduces young readers to Sitka spruce – one of the UK’s most important timber species, and encourages them to explore how wood shapes our world.
Each book includes fun facts, puzzles, colouring sheets, insights from industry professionals and a ‘Benefits of Timber’ section. An audio version with page-turning prompts can be accessed via a QR code, making it suitable for early readers and for use in classroom activities.
Through this initiative, NETTA hopes to spark both awareness and curiosity in young people. By introducing children to renewable materials at an early age, the project aims to build their understanding of timber’s environmental value and highlight the many meaningful careers available within the timber industry.
NETTA’s Vice Chair James Southern, Managing Director of Southern & Co, said: “Schools are being encouraged to share how they use the books in their classrooms with us, and we are looking forward to featuring their feedback, photos and stories in the coming months. Together, we’re planting the seeds of knowledge for a more sustainable future – one storybook at a time.”
