A brief History
Charcoal has been made in Europe for at least 5000 years. It can reach temperatures hot enough to melt sand and iron. It is also the basic ingredient of gunpowder.Today, much of our charcoal is imported from tropical rainforests and only about 5% is 'home-made'. British charcoal is of high quality and should have the following properties;
- Light easily and burn without a flame or smoke
- Hold its shape and only slightly mark the fingers
- Heat up quickly
- Have a carbon content of over 95% and an ash content below 3%.
Coal largely replaced charcoal in Britain as the main source of heat for industry, but since the last war rising labour costs have meant that woodland has been uneconomic to manage. This has led to coppiced woodlands being neglected.
Ancient History
A large heap of wood was carefully stacked, covered in earth and then set alight. Charcoal-makers lived in the woods with their families, watched the smoke and talked to their pet adders!
1600's On
A valuable bi-product of charcoal was 'wood spirit'. This was distilled to give acetic acid. By 1709 coal was being used more and more to produce coke and other bi-products and charcoal production became less important.
Recent History
Rising labour costs since the last war have meant that woodland has been un-economic to manage. Left unmanaged, woodlands become shaded and poor in wildlife value.
Today
Making charcoal out of neglected woodland is one answer that will benefit both the local econamy and the wildlife at the same timeIf you care for your woodlands then you can help by buying locally-made charcoal.
