Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2008 | Page 65

COUNTRYSIDE, WILDLIFE & FARMING from the woodland. This involves big kit, tractors or forwarding machines. They are not only expensive to buy and run, you need to be experienced, and in many cases qualified. There is one other beneficiary that need to be highlighted, and that is wildlife. Woodland work, coppicing and felling have been practiced in our country for over five thousand years, and we have the landscape of hedgerows and woodlands and their associated wildlife because of this industry. The island is among a handful of strongholds for the endangered red squirrel and dormouse and this is down to the woodlands that we have. So, what to look for when buying logs? There are no real rights and wrongs about what you should burn, but there are some ‘goods and… not so goods!’ Fire wood can come from many sources tree surgeons waste, surplus timber/pallets and managed woodlands being the most common. You are the client so don’t be frightened to ask questions - where does the wood come from? If you want to burn it this winter ask for seasoned wood. And always insist on selected hardwoods*, they give off more heat and burn longer. State what size log you would like and let them know, if you have an open fire or log burner. Buying by weight is difficult to compare, as different species have different densities, seasoned logs will always be lighter! For the benefit of the islands wildlife and countryside I would recommend logs sourced from locally managed and sustainable sources – island woodlands. Many of these woods are being managed under the guidance of the Forestry Commission and Natural England. life Top Tips: Ash – best burning wood providing both flame and heat. Field Maple/Birch/Hazel – good coppice all-rounders. Oak – make sure it is well seasoned. Elm – One large log at night, can keep the fire in for the morning. Hawthorn/Blackthorn – get it if you can! Apple/Cherry/Pear –good heat & pleasant scent Yew – Burns slowly with a fierce heat Hornbeam/Beech – Good and hot Island suppliers *Landscape Th