About Our Wood
All of the logs that we sell are from sustainable sources harvested during our works in forestry and tree management. Burning wood as fuel to warm our homes, heat our water and to cook with is a wonderfully natural way of recycling what could otherwise become just another waste product from industry.
|
|
|
|
How Do We Season Our Wood?
As soon as possible after the wood has been harvested from the tree it is transported to the wood yard. Here it is stacked, stored and left to season in our weather proof barn for a minimum of eight months.This process of seasoning the wood ensures that when burned it will be to it's full potential. This differs according to the type of wood being burned. However it is worth remembering that any wood when well seasoned will burn with the minimum of smoke and the maximum of flame according to it's type. For the more scientific among us, technology now allows us to measure the moisture content of our logs. However it is well worth remembering that any such measurements will be reading air moisture content not sap content! It is of course the sap content that we are more interested in to determine how well logs will burn as air moisture content will of course vary depending upon the moisture in the air! Logs are like sponges and will draw in moisture but providing that sufficient time has been allowed for the sap to dry, these variations in air moisture content play little part in the successful burning of wood. Having said all of this we are still regularly asked the question, "what is the moisture content of your logs?" and, taking all of the above into account, we will say on average 12 - 15% We are more than happy to discuss any aspect of the log seasoning process with our customers and answer any questions you may have!
Why Do We Supply Mixed Loads?
To get the best possible result from burning logs in an open fire, a good mixture of logs that will provide both heat and flame are recommended. Ash, Larch, Lime and Sycamore are suggestions for good flame giving logs whilst hardwoods such as Ash, Beech and Oak are good for heat. Eucalyptus, Apple and Pear logs will add a delicate scent to enjoy. All of our log bags or loose loads of firewood will include a good mixture of wood to help you get the best from your fire.
Why Use Wood As Fuel?
Wood is mankind's oldest form of fuel but over the last 300 years it has largely been replaced by fossil fuels such as coal, gas, oil and electricity. However wood is a major source of renewable energy and has many environmental benefits:
|
When burnt efficiently wood produces virtually no smoke and is 'carbon neutral' Thus the minimal smoke produced through burning wood does not add to 'greenhouse gases' which are associated with global warming and are produced through the use of fossil fuels.
|
|
If Harvested from sustainable sources, wood is a completely renewable source of energy.
|
|
Using a sustainable source of firewood promotes the active management of woodland with extensive benefits for the environment, countryside and wildlife.
|
|
Similarly, but a social advantage, increasing the active management of woodland could increase the number of jobs and employment opportunities in some rural areas.
|
However, many people's experiences of burning wood are colored by efforts to burn unseasoned wood in open fires. This invariably produces dismal results and leads to a negative impression of the value of wood as fuel. If this is your experience please read our page on helpful hints for further information!
