Some of the reasons for using firewood are listed below for further information we would recommend

contacting the forestry commission or browsing their website www.forestry.gov.uk/

Why use firewood?

Firewood is environmentally friendly because using it results in virtually no 'fossil' carbon dioxide being added to our present environment and thus helps minimise the effects of climate change as compared to using gas, oil or coal. Firewood supply can create local, rural jobs and revenue and can play a major role in reversing rural economic decline. Firewood is also a renewable resource and using it today will not prevent our children and grandchildren from using firewood in the future.

Cutting firewood through thinning and coppicing can re-establish traditional woodland management. It is a decline in this type of practice that has led to the loss or decline of some of our most attractive woodland wildlife.

We have a forestry commission publication available regarding wood fuel just click HERE to read it.

Seasoning and storing logs

Because trees contain a lot of water, freshly cut logs will contain around 50% water and are difficult to burn without some drying or seasoning taking place. Wood felled during one winter should be seasoned over the following summer and burnt the next winter when they should have around 33% moisture. If possible, two years seasoning is best to bring it to 25% moisture content.

Some trees contain naturally less water than others. Freshly felled ash for example contains only a 33% moisture content while fresh poplar has a moisture content of sixty six percent.

A reputable firewood merchant should only sell you seasoned logs, unless you specifically ask for fresh or green wood to season yourself. Logs are best stored outside but under cover where air but little rain can get to them. If possible bring your next weeks supply into the house and store somewhere warm like near but not next to the fire, stove or boiler.

An old poem on firewood. you might disagree with some of the burning properties mentioned but then everyone has their own preferences.

Beechwood fires are bright and clear
If the logs are kept a year,
Chestnut's only good they say,
If for logs 'tis laid away.
Make a fire of Elder tree,
Death within your house will be;
But ash new or ash old,
Is fit for a queen with crown of gold.

Birch and fir logs burn too fast
Blaze up bright and do not last,
it is by the Irish said
Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.
Elm wood burns like churchyard mould,
E'en the very flames are cold
But Ash green or Ash brown
Is fit for a queen with golden crown.

Poplar gives a bitter smoke,
Fills your eyes and makes you choke,
Apple wood will scent your room
Pear wood smells like flowers in bloom
Oaken logs, if dry and old
keep away the winter's cold
But Ash wet or Ash dry
a king shall warm his slippers by.