the fuel copse
We planted the fuel copse in 2003 to provide ash and hazel for the wood stove, which heats the house in winter and provides hot water. Traditionally, the planting trees for fuel was a way of creating
efficiency. Every 10 to 20 years the trees are cut back to within 6 inches of
the ground and then they produce masses of tall straight trunks very quickly.
There is no need to replant. It also provides a wonderful wildlife habitat with
cycles of shady and sunny periods. In the past, it provided wood not just for burning but also
hazel rods for thatching, and for making hurdles for stock fences and for
gardening.
Ash is the best wood for burning and you can even burn it green (not dried) and it will produce a good heat. Here is a poem, written during a coal strike in 1926 by Honor Goodhart about the value of different kinds of wood for keeping you warm.
Ash is the best wood for burning and you can even burn it green (not dried) and it will produce a good heat. Here is a poem, written during a coal strike in 1926 by Honor Goodhart about the value of different kinds of wood for keeping you warm.
Logs to Burn
Logs to burn; logs to burn;
Logs to save the coal a turn.
Here's a word to make you wise
when you hear the woodman's cries;
Never heed his usual tale
That he has splendid logs for sale
But read these lines & really learn
The proper kind of logs to burn.
Oak logs will warm you well,
If they're old and dry.
Larch logs of pinewoods smell
But the sparks will fly.
Beech logs for Christmas time;
Yew logs heat well;
Hazel logs are a crime
For anyone to sell.
Birch logs will burn too fast;
Chestnut scarce at all;
Hawthorn logs are good to last
If cut in the fall.
Holly logs will burn like wax,
You should burn them green;
Elm logs like smouldering flax,
No flame to be seen.
Pear logs and apple logs,
They will scent your room;
Cherry logs across the dogs
Smell like flowers in bloom,
But ash logs all smooth and grey
Burn them green or old,
Buy up all that come your way
They're worth their weight in gold.
Logs to burn; logs to burn;
Logs to save the coal a turn.
Here's a word to make you wise
when you hear the woodman's cries;
Never heed his usual tale
That he has splendid logs for sale
But read these lines & really learn
The proper kind of logs to burn.
Oak logs will warm you well,
If they're old and dry.
Larch logs of pinewoods smell
But the sparks will fly.
Beech logs for Christmas time;
Yew logs heat well;
Hazel logs are a crime
For anyone to sell.
Birch logs will burn too fast;
Chestnut scarce at all;
Hawthorn logs are good to last
If cut in the fall.
Holly logs will burn like wax,
You should burn them green;
Elm logs like smouldering flax,
No flame to be seen.
Pear logs and apple logs,
They will scent your room;
Cherry logs across the dogs
Smell like flowers in bloom,
But ash logs all smooth and grey
Burn them green or old,
Buy up all that come your way
They're worth their weight in gold.
Honor Goodhart, 1926
Written during the coal strike of 1926 and first published in Punch Magazine
Written during the coal strike of 1926 and first published in Punch Magazine
Ash leaf
Oak leaf
Spindle flower
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Hazel leaf
Spindle blossom
Hazel leaf
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