Many thanks to Martin Keelor for the report and pictures of the recent charcoal burns at Combwell Woods in Kent. In case anyone is still unaware of the issues, West Sussex County Council have put together a nice leaflet explaining why we should all be using locally coppiced charcoal on our BBQ’s this summer, (or did we already have our summer back in April, still at least the trees are thankful for their long awaited drink).
http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/environment/CharcoalLeaflet.pdf
We’ve had a couple of friendly Charcoal Burns at Combwell Woods recently. I took along the charcoal ring from my wood, the hazel was cut by Ian in his wood, Tony and Andy arranged the barbecue and the event was held in Mark’s field. We notified all the owners from this side of the woods, and most of them came, from ten woods in all.
On a glorious day, we began to fill the charcoal ring about noon. I gave them a run-down on how it works, with wood piled round the sides first, and brush in the bottom for the lighting, then filling up on top. When it was full the kids had a great time drawing all over the ring with some stray bits of charcoal. The lighting is always dodgy. We had a rag well soaked in paraffin, and a pointed stick I had prepared, and we pushed the lighted rag underneath the burner, which was of course raised slightly off the ground for ventilation. Fingers crossed, we waited, and when smoke began to curl up at the top, and we knew we were winning.
I use a six foot kiln for the burns as it is easily portable by hand if necessary and each burn lasted for around 9 hours once the kiln was alight. We were starting the burns mid afternoon so that meant sitting up until gone midnight to shut them down and this worked very well as it provided a chance, for those who could, to stay overnight and enjoy a glass or two of wine.
The first burn was a pure Hazel burn and produced some remarkable charcoal, burns very hot and will make good blacksmiths fuel. I have an arrangement to supply a local blacksmith with charcoal. The second burn was of mixed Birch and Willow and was very different in character from the first, being very smokey due to the higher moisture content in the woods.
On both days it was good to make new friends, and get reacquainted with some old ones too. It was immensely enjoyable, spending time with people of similar interests and passion for woodlands. While the tracks are dry, we plan to have a working party to spread some stone on them, . Then we hope to organise more days like this for Combwell owners, small groups or families.