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A Big Surprise for Outwoods Visitors
Posted on 06/03/2008
P. Klein
If you go down to the Outwoods this weekend you’ll be sure of a big surprise – as visitors can discover how charcoal is made!
Bags of the locally-produced charcoal will be available for sale during a Charnwood Conservation Volunteers event being staged on Sunday, March 9th at the Charnwood Borough Council-owned beauty spot.
Volunteers will be carrying out a number of maintenance jobs at the Loughborough venue, including repairing fencing and dry-stone walls.
And they will also be emptying a giant kiln which has been preparing the charcoal that is made as a by-product from the woodland’s management of non-native species.
Visitors to the 110-acre site of Special Scientific Interest will be able to purchase bags of freshly-made charcoal between 10am and 3pm and see a demonstration on how it’s been made.
Anyone willing to lend a hand is also welcome to attend – although they must wear sensible footwear and be prepared to get dirty!
Mark Graham, Charnwood Borough Council’s Wildlife Officer, said: “This is the second time we have produced charcoal from trees that have either died, fallen down or have been taken out as they are non-native, invasive species like sycamore.
“If trees are removed, they are being replaced with more wildlife friendly species like oak and rowan – trees are not being felled simply to produce charcoal.
“Anyone who buys the locally-produced charcoal will also help the Outwoods as a percentage of the price goes towards funding the Outwoods management.
“We’re always on the lookout for more help and anyone interested in becoming a conservation volunteer will learn new skills, make new friends and enjoy access to some wonderful wildlife sites.”
Cllr David Snartt, the chair of the Outwoods Committee, added: “I am delighted to see this activity taking place, combining old traditional methods of making charcoal with the excellent work the Charnwood Wildlife Conservation volunteers complete within the Outwoods.
“The Management Committee value the work carried out by the volunteers throughout the year. Indeed I believe this was one of the main factors that was taken into account when achieving the Green Flag award.
“I hope everyone involved in this event enjoys the experience and visitors purchase the excellent charcoal ready for all their barbecue needs during the summer months.”
Woodland management company DM Chainsaws have helped make the charcoal in large, circular steel kilns eight feet in diameter and four feet in height.
It takes around 24 hours to produce about a tonne of charcoal from five tonnes of timber.
The Outwoods, which was donated to the people of Loughborough by Allan Moss and George Harry Bowler shortly after World War Two, was granted Green Flag status last year.
Charnwood Wildlife Conservation volunteers meet once a fortnight, usually on a Sunday, to carry out tasks in the Outwoods and other local beauty spots in the Borough.
To find out more about how to become a volunteer, call (01509) 634 976 or log on to www.charnwood.gov.uk/leisure/charnwoodconservationvolunteers.html