Owning a woodland might seem like a dream scenario, with restorative walks among the trees and the peaceful sounds of nature soothing the soul. However, as Sandi Toksvig discovered when she became the custodian of a 15-acre ancient woodland, managing it responsibly requires hard work, knowledge, and a sustainable approach to maintenance.

One of the most eye-opening lessons Sandi shares in her recent video, produced by Cumbria Woodlands, is that sometimes, the best thing for a woodland is actually cutting down some of the trees and selling that wood as fuel. This idea may seem counterintuitive to some, but if you read on we’ll explain how this process can play a key role in maintaining a healthy, thriving ecosystem!

Why sustainable woodland management matters

 

Sandi’s woodland, like many others across the UK, had been left unmanaged for generations. Over time, this led to overcrowding, blocking vital light from reaching the forest floor and actually stifling biodiversity. Without active intervention, woodlands can become dense, dark, and imbalanced, limiting the growth of wildflowers, saplings, and the rich variety of wildlife that depends on a healthy, diverse habitat.

Good woodland management involves selective felling, which removes weaker, overcrowded, or diseased trees to create some space for younger trees to flourish. The question then is what happens to the wood that’s cut? Rather than letting it go to waste, turning it into sustainable firewood offers a practical solution that closes the loop, helping both the woodland and the wider community.

How selling firewood supports woodland health

One of the key takeaways from Sandi’s journey is the financial challenge of woodland management. Cutting, clearing, and maintaining a woodland can be very costly, and without a sustainable way to fund the work, it’s difficult for private woodland owners to keep up with the demands of proper stewardship.

Selling wood as fuel, allows woodland owners to generate some income to reinvest into their land—whether that’s for fencing, habitat restoration, tree planting, or hiring forestry experts. This helps to ensure the long-term sustainability of the woodland, making it not just an ecological asset but a financially viable one too.

At the same time, seasoned firewood from well-managed woodlands provides a low-carbon, renewable heating source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. When sourced and burned correctly, wood fuel is a responsible, sustainable energy choice that works in harmony with nature rather than against it.

The community connection

Another insight Sandi shares is the importance of involving the local community in woodland management. After realising she needed help, she reached out to her village council and was met with an overwhelming response from locals eager to get involved.

Whether it’s through volunteer work, local firewood sales, or shared knowledge, connecting with forestry professionals, conservation groups, and community members helps to ensure that woodland management remains both effective and sustainable.

The benefit for woodland owners is they receive support in maintaining their land, while local residents gain access to responsibly sourced firewood, keeping homes warm with a renewable, local fuel source.

What we can learn from Sandi’s experience

 

Sandi Toksvig’s story offers a valuable lesson in woodland ownership. It’s not just about preserving a forest, it’s about actively managing it to ensure it thrives for generations to come. By embracing sustainable wood fuel as part of the management strategy, woodland owners can:

– Improve biodiversity by allowing light to reach the forest floor.
– Generate income to fund woodland conservation efforts.
– Reduce waste by turning felled timber into a valuable resource.
– Provide a renewable energy source that supports local communities.
– Encourage community engagement in responsible woodland stewardship.

A responsible approach to wood fuel

At Charnwood, we’ve long championed the benefits of responsibly sourced wood fuel. When used efficiently in a modern wood-burning stove, firewood from sustainable woodlands offers an eco-friendly, renewable alternative to fossil fuels.

By choosing locally sourced, well-seasoned hardwoods, you’re heating your home efficiently while supporting responsible woodland management and ensuring that our forests continue to flourish.

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You might also be interested in reading:

An interview with a modern stove expert and woodsman exploring the real-life potential of renewables that promote our humanity and local green environment.

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Acknowledgements

This blog draws inspiration from a video featuring Sandi Toksvig, produced by Cumbria Woodlands in collaboration with The Royal Forestry Society and Penfolds Forestry, with funding from the Forestry Commission Forestry Innovation Fund. You can watch the full video here.