The use of woodfuel to produce energy is growing rapidly across the country, as people realise the financial and environmental benefits of this natural fuel source.

Coppicing is an ancient form of woodland management, which involves repetitive felling on the same stump, near to ground level, and allowing the shoots to regrow from that main stump. This method is often used to produce fast growing firewood.

Helpful publications

• Forestry Commission: Wood as Fuel. A Guide to Choosing and Drying Logs.
• Small Woods: Wood as Fuel

Relevant websites/organisations

• The Willow Bank: Grow your own Firewood
• Native Forestry: Fire Wood
• Coppice.co.uk
• Coppice products
• Devon Charcoal: How to make charcoal

Case studies

• Woodland Trust: Bringing neglected woodland into sustainable management