Wood is the strong, hard material made by trees to help hold them up. It is a natural mix or composite material made of cellulose fibres held in a matrix of lignin.

Wood has been used for thousands (possibly millions!) of years by humans as fuel in fires to keep warm and cook food, and to build shelters with. It is good for making tools, weapons, furniture and paper.

As a renewable, carbon-neutral and abundant resource it is incredibly important as an alternative resource to oil-based compounds like plastic and diesel, however care must be taken to replenish woodland with fresh planting as it is harvested. It is also vital that native fast-growing species are used in plantations, to help local wildlife populations.