To explain how firewood can be neutral or even carbon negative, let’s look at a willow tree. Naturally, willow has a lifespan of 60 years. For 60 years it will grow, sequester carbon from the air and store it in its body, roots, and soil.

With no human intervention, the willow will die after 60 years and release the carbon stored in it as it rots.

But if you manage the willow with targeted coppicing you will boost the regeneration of the same tree and keep it alive for 600 years. The new growth will be accelerated while the roots will continue to grow deeper and sequester and store carbon underground. 

Combine this with animal rotation to build soil and increase water retention and your tree will grow even faster.

No doubt when the wood burns carbon is released, but in the same quantity that would eventually if it rotted in the forest. 

We thin the forest in a way that accelerates its growth and health. Our management increases the integrity of the soil sponge. This reduces the risk of flood, fire, drought, and erosion. The roots of our trees are able to grow even deeper while the soil builds the top layer of the forest. 

About Our Forest

The forest was planted more than 30 years ago in a bit of anger over the property. (Come to the next farm walk for full tale.) It was a (mono)crop of sycamore planted way too close together. For 30 years it was not cared for.

When I purchased it, the trees were losing their ability to grow. The soil eroded around the roots. The saplings were struggling. People thought I was a lunatic.

I’ve carefully harvested to promote the growth of the trees left. I’ve opened the canopy to bring sunshine to the grasses and understory. Our forest is home to a herd of cattle, pigs & chickens managed in a way to build soil and forest health.

The trees and soil are now thriving. We have created a soil sponge that is fire, drought, wind, and flood resistant.

Our Regenerative Forestry Practices

• Less than 15% of the forest is harvested each year 

• We mimic the herd animals that live in an untouched forest and encourage the return of wild animals.

• Animal rotation through the forest increases the soil sponge to protect the trees against flood, fire, and drought

• Due to the health of our soil, every year is a banner growth year for our trees

• Increase the biodiversity of the forest floor and understory for additional resilience and increased carbon cycling.

• We annually plant new trees for harvest in 10-20 years

• Coppicing for rapid growth and carbon sequestration

• Careful harvesting to allow just the right amount of light and space for new growth - we never clear cut

• Our farm is completely off-grid

We recommend you use our wood in combination with a modern highly efficient wood stove.

In order to maintain our system for the benefit of the next generation we limit the amount of firewood we have available each year. 

To reserve your share of firewood, click here.