| | |
 | Estate Woodlands
Over half of our estate is populated by trees (mostly hardwoods). These woodlands carry a tree preservation order so considerate management is absolutely essential.
We appreciate that the beauty of these woodlands came about as a result of unselfish planting throughout the last 200 years and feel it is our duty to continue this practice in order to preserve this natural asset for future generations.
|
|
|
Replacement
Many of our hardwoods were planted by Sir Thomas White over 200 years ago and are coming to the end of their natural life.
In the last 18 years we have seen a substantial number fall by occasional high winds and simply old age. To counteract this loss we planted over 1000 young hardwoods in 1999 and they are now well established.
We have also launched a continuous programme of re-generation and are planning further hardwood plantings in the future.
|  |
|
|
 | Collecting the Timber
Although a substantial amount of timber comes from our own resources the rapid expansion of our log business has meant that we have had to secure supplies from other sources such as registered tree surgeons, expired woodlands and woodland thinnings, all within the Central Region of Scotland.
All this timber is stored in a south facing field for at least a year before being cut into logs and stored in airing crates for a further year.
|
|
|
Cutting the Timber
Larger diameter trees are split using a 6 ton Kubota mechanical excavator fitted with an attachment called a Wood Cracker. This machine is capable of splitting trees over a metre in diameter by applying 26 tons of hydraulic pressure.
The splitting process is continued until the timber is the right size for entering the firewood processor.
|  |
|
|
 | Processing
Processing the timber into firewood logs is carried out using a Hakke Pilke 1X-42 Greenspeed mounted onto a Zetor 8441 Tractor.
At best this machine is capable of turning up to 16 tons of trees into logs in a single 8 hour day day.
|
|
|
Splitting the Timber into Logs
The Hakke Pilke processor is set to saw the timber into 8-inch sections or rounds and is fitted with an 8-way splitting axe which produces 8 logs at a single strike of it's 12 ton hydraulic ram.
|  |
|
|
 | Storing the Logs
The logs are taken straight from the log processor by conveyor and dropped into 2-cubic metre potato storage boxes.
These boxes have ventilated floors and are stacked 4 metres high with a lid made from recycled pallets and roofing felt place on the top to keep the rain out.
|
|
|
Storing the Log Boxes
They are then left in these boxes and stored in large yards for approximately 12 months or until the cellular moisture is reduced to at least 20% by means of natural convection.
That way our logs are down to between 15% and 20% moisture when we deliver them to you so they burn much better, much cleaner, (especially noticeable with glass-fronted stoves) and give out much more heat than recently cut logs.
|  |
|
|
 | The Importance of Drying
The popularity of our logs has resulted in a doubling of production year on year.
Never buy logs by weight alone. Always consider the moisture content and volume as well otherwise you are paying good money just for water and logs that will not burn well.
Our giant bag of logs would weigh over 600 kilos if filled with unseasoned logs. Our drying process reduces this weight to as low as 190 kilos at best but the volume remains the same.
|
|
|
Finishing
Just before delivery, the finished cut logs, which are approx 8 to 10" in length, are then hand selected and placed into the builder's bags and other pack sizes before being delivered to you the customer.
|  |
|
|
 | Waste Cuttings
All the waste cuttings and under-sized logs go to heating the 'big house', which has 11 wood burning stoves!
We try to ensure our logs are an ideal size for most wood burning stoves and log burning central heating system as well as open fires.
|
|
|
Local Deliveries
Within 25 miles of the estate we deliver the logs using an Isuzu Grafter truck fitted with a 1-ton Palfinger Crane. The benefit of this vehicle is that it is not much wider than a private car and can be reversed into most driveways enabling us to drop your order close to your house or straight into your garage or storehouse.
|  |
|
|
 | National Deliveries
Outwith the 25 mile radius from the estate and throughout the UK mainland we deliver by Palletline. They are contracted to deliver to the kerbside, however, most drivers will do their best to get the pallet as close as possible to your property as long as the ground is even and not on a slope.
Even if you don't burn logs regularly there is nothing to beat the smell and glow of a log fire at Christmas or other special occasions. Also ideal for use in Fire Pits and Chimeneas in the summertime to extend the warm (or not so warm) summer nights.
With the cost of Gas and Electricity soaring, heating your main living area with wood fuel is one way of reducing your energy bill and at the same time contributing to the reduction in CO2 emissions (wood carbon is neutral).
You can place your order on line by clicking on the next section in this menu or by phoning us on 01506 847999.
|
|
