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Post Fire Update
Since the devastating fire, our focus has been on how best to ensure we can secure sufficient kiln dried logs to meet the needs of our customers. We have of course had to look at a number of different options, but we are now confident that we have found excellent alternatives and will be able to bridge the gap bearing in mind that a rebuild will take a period of time to complete.
These are inevitably challenging times for the business and we are eager to be able to continue to buy 100% British firewood, but because of our scale of operation this has proved difficult, particularly as we have set ourselves very high standards for our kiln dried firewood.
Just to remind you, our Flamers, KindleFlamers and kindling are completely unaffected by the fire.
Customer Loyalty
One thing that really struck us after the fire was the huge number of messages of support we had from friends, customers, suppliers and competitors and it was very humbling to know that we seem to have built a huge amount of customer loyalty and we now need to work hard to meet our customer needs.
From these many messages and communications, we had generous offers of support from other firewood producers and local businesses with drying capacity. As we are still able to process our own wood, we have secured several local drying facilities to dry logs, albeit at a much slower rate. We also have supplies from other producers of kiln dried logs.
All in all, and with the stock we still had after the fire, we are confident that this volume will enable us to provide almost all of our bulk bags with continued British supply, but of course this will depend on potentially how the weather affects demand. If we get cold weather, demand will spike and it will leave us with limited options in terms of British.
Alternative supplies
However, in many ways, we perhaps have more options for supply than previously, but this will mean relying on some volume from abroad. We are fortunate to have found a very large and professional supplier in France who have offered to provide support after the fire.
They have the capacity to support our supplies over the interim period. Initially, once our existing stocks have depleted, we will start by taking stock of our small bags of logs. However, there is the option to take in loose volume and pack into our own bulk bags.
High quality kiln dried firewood
We have visited the factory and we are delighted with the quality being produced.
Whilst there are several factories across France, they are all based close to the source of supply so the distance travelled to the processing plant is very small.
All the wood is from mixed hardwood plantations and like here in the UK, firewood is taken as part of the natural thinning process. The woodlands are responsibly managed and carry the PEFC certification and are dominated by beech, hornbeam and oak.
Interestingly, whilst the UK has 13% of its land covered in forestry, France has 31.6% which makes France the 4th most forested country in the European Union, after Sweden (68.4%), Finland (73%), and Spain (36%).
Imported firewood from Eastern Europe
Presently, it is thought that the UK imports about 300,000 tonnes of kiln dried firewood which represents approx. 20% of UK consumption.
You will find that most of the larger multiple retailers and DIY stores mainly stock imported firewood and this predominantly comes from Latvia which has forestry cover of 54%, but this is dominated by the softwoods of Scots Pine and Norway Spruce.
In terms of hardwoods, it is dominated by Silver Birch which makes up 28% of their forestry. Birch is a good firewood and burns beautifully with a nice orange flame, but it will burn approximately 25% faster than the likes of oak, beech or ash. Important fact to know because when you buy this product, you may think its cheaper per bag, but remember you need 25% more wood for the same heat.
Certification schemes for firewood
All UK firewood is tightly controlled by the forestry commission which ensures that all UK woodland is responsibly grown and managed and no woodland can be cut down with a felling licence so tight controls are in place. This also includes such things as woodland management plans to maximise the flora and fauna and minimise any environmental impact.
Certainly Wood is part of the Grown in Britain scheme which ensures full compliance.
Timber from abroad will normally fall under one of two different certification schemes, both of which operate under the same principles.
To protect our forests by promoting sustainable forest management through certification. This means we can all benefit from the many products that forests provide, but ensuring these forests will be around for generations to come. The main driving force therefore is to ultimately eliminate illegal forestry where swathes of forestry are destroyed.
a) Forest Stewardship Council – FSC
This is an international non-profit, multistakeholder organisation established in 1993 to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests via timber certification. You will probably recognise this logo, but perhaps not know what it means.
b) Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification – PEFC
A leading global alliance of national forest certification schemes dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification.
Our core values
Fundamentally as a business we are still focused on our core values and it’s vital that we don’t falter from this and it is times like these, when you get thrown a massive curve ball that you have to change direction in the short term, but stick to key principles.
We must say that it certainly does tug a little at the heart strings when to think we are having to import some of our firewood as we have built our business on 100% sustainable British hardwood firewood, but we are honestly left with no other options.
However, the important thing is that it remains truly sustainable and 100% hardwood, its only a small proportion of our production and I very much hope we can make it a short-lived change.
Here is a quick reminder of our core values:
1. Always encouraging innovation
We encourage all staff to be creative and innovative in their ideas and thinking and we guarantee to listen.
2. Environment and sustainability
We will do everything we possibly can to keep a focus on the needs of the environment and we will strive to achieve carbon neutrality.
3. Absolutely brilliant customer service
We will be smiling on the phones to provide the ultimate customer service combined with excellent product knowledge
4. Totally transparent
With staff, customers and suppliers we will always be honest, open and fair at all times. We will never pull the wool over anyone’s eyes!
5. Fun
Our work place is one of fun and enjoyment, where people like to be having a laugh, but working hard!
So, we feel we are definitely sticking to our core values and we want to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their continued support and loyalty.
