DIY Charcoal Masterclass!

Many woodland owners agree that deriving an income from broadleaf woodland can be a challenge. One way of 'adding value' is through on site-production of charcoal from branchwood and other small offcuts. This useful product of course has it's uses for our summer BBQ's, but of course was once powering the forges of post-medieval England as a method of smelting iron.

Making charcoal really couldn't be simpler - all you need is an old oil drum or an old metal dustbin. This week our illustrious students had a go, and we will see the fruits of their labours in about 24 hours time!

The process is as follows:

1. Cut the lid off your oil drum using a cold chisel.
2. Turn the drum over and make five 2" holes in the bottom to direct air to the burn.
3. Light kindling and brown ends and once burning well, add up to 3" diameter branchwood until full. For artists charcoal, find an old biscuit tin and fill it 3/4 full with willow stems as wide as your little finger - strip the bark off these wands. Add the tin to the drum.
4. When hot, restrict air to the drum by piling soil against it but leave one 4" gap. Place the lid on top and then take a break!
5. After a while the dense white smoke pouring out of the drum will slow to a thinner, blueish fume. Now is the time to stop the burn by closing off air access to the base and making the lid airtight. Wait 3 or 4 hours and your charcoal will be produced!

6. Tip the drum out after 24 hours and examine the contents of the tin - two products for literally no cost at all!

Sustainable managed woods can support a small industry - for example as Hugh and Carolyn Ross have done with Hazel Woodland Products Hazel Woodland Products at Rawhaw Wood near Corby.

All you need to do now is light your BBQ and in the true English tradition, burn your chosen food to a crisp!

PS: (l-r) - Jamie and Maddie, resident artists at work!