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Left - Collecting winter fuel |
By burning logs am I damaging the woodland?
Do all logs burn....
In all probability - Yes. Simply because logs come from woodland does not make them sustainable. Logs are one of the keys to woodland health. Our woods are generally in such poor health that the owner must do some work to improve this before taking anything, especially logs. There must be lots of decaying wood of all shapes and sizes, standing and on the ground. In natural forests, nature requires huge quantities to support woodland ecosystem. The hard truth is that it’s best for us not to take any logs for we would be contributing to further degrading the woodland.
* In my own woodland, I take only for my own use and as part of an on-going programme to significantly increase the amount of decaying wood. I burn logs for cooking, heating and hot water. I need this reward without which I would not be there to improve the woodland. In restoring the health of the woodland as a whole community, of fauna and flora in harmony with its geography (soil, aspect, etc). What I take is governed by there being plenty- an abundance (as with honey fungus in the autumn).
* If you are buying logs, ask the merchant where they came from and is there a decaying wood policy? The diversity of decay is very important- on the ground, standing trunks and branches. Old trees with cavities and hollows must be retained. It is very rare to find an owner with such outlook (see- What does a healthy woodland look like?).
* Ring the owner and ask if you may visit the woodland. They should be only too pleased for your interest. Refer them to this website. If there’s little or no decaying wood, don’t buy the logs as you will contribute to damaging the woodland. If you own a woodland, this website (as it grows) will assist you and perhaps persuade you to convert to the concept of Natural Forest Practice.
* Note- logs are sold ‘green’, that is full of sap and should be air dried under cover for three years before burning. At three years the fire consumes significantly less wood for the same temperature, gives greater control over the fire, reduces need to clean the flues, and more or less eliminates fire risk in the chimney (unless a few damp logs creep in).
* Burn species that are plentiful in your woodland. Conserve species that are scarce.
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