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Timber is a hugely capable civil engineering material, with the additional advantage of being sustainable. Trees, in particular conifers, make natural piles.Timber foundations may be particularly suitable for countryside structures such as bridges, forest chalets and activity centres, as well as post-and-beam timber buildings in waterfront or flood prone locations. Home grown treated softwood and hardwood timber can offer alternatives to imported tropical hardwoods. This Digest gives information on the design and installation of timber piling, its history and background, suitable timber species and preservative treatment.