Local logs to keep you warm

With winter evenings fully upon us there’s nothing better than a cosy log fire to curl up in front of. Thanks to Dorset Countryside you can now get your hands on local, ethically-sourced and inexpensive logs to keep you warm all season.

The county council’s ranger service has launched a new woodland management system that helps the environment and improves biodiversity within the county’s woodlands. And as a by-product of this project you can buy wood fuel to heat your homes this winter.

The woodland management enterprise aims to work in harmony with the woodlands, maintaining the trees and wildlife. The project sees the rangers managing Dorset County Council woodlands – but will also offer a full management service to other woodland owners. This includes consultation, advice, grant applications and practical management.

Effective management of woodlands benefits woodland biodiversity, increasing light levels at ground level, helping wild flowers and other species to flourish. Dorset Countryside is actively managing Thorncombe Woods, near Dorchester, and Blackdown, surrounding Hardy’s Monument, amongst others. This work increases biodiversity and produces the woodfuel with the support of the Forestry Commission and Natural England.

The development of log sales alongside consultation and management supports the financial, as well as economic, sustainability of woodland management.

Initial success of sales has been followed by membership of the Direct from Dorset accreditation scheme, demonstrating local provenance and best environmental practice.

Lawrence Weston, area ranger, said:

“The Woodland Management Enterprise is intended to show that our woodlands can be managed for biodiversity, while at the same time producing eco efficient woodfuel.This helps to secure financial sustainability for long term nature conservation management. There has been a lot of interest in our consultancy services and our log sales have already been a huge success. We sell a high quality product, all our logs are hardwood and seasoned and produced sustainability. This has been recognised through our gaining accreditation from Direct from Dorset. All the monies raised go straight back into funding our nature conservation work, which includes planting new areas of woodland.”

Where to buy your local, ethically-sourced logs

Logs can be purchased directly from Thorncombe Woods Ranger Base Monday-Friday 8.30-9am or 4-4.30pm. Larger loads can be delivered by arrangement.

For more information contact Dorset Countryside on 01305 251228, l.weston@dorsetcc.gov.uk or see www.dorsetforyou.com/thorncombewoods