Although the Lancashire Rural Futures programme has ceased

specialist rural business support can still be accessed through

Rural Futures on 01995 600724 www.ruralfutures.co.uk

There is much debate about renewable energy in the media. One of the most accessible renewable energy sources is to use wood as a fuel. A tree takes up as much carbon dioxide as it grows as is released when it is burnt. Wood fuel is therefore “carbon neutral”, given the relatively short time taken to grow a tree, compared to oil, gas or coal which when burnt release carbon locked up millions of years ago.

The management of local woodland, which encourage flora, fauna and the biodiversity of the area, is dependent upon the need to find economic use for the wood from small woodland if sustainable management is to be achieved.

Downham Charcoal supply wood for use as a fuel and has been helped to buy a “kindling machine”, which enables them to convert waste wood to a saleable product. Downham Charcoal, also use a traditional method of creating easy burn, British charcoal from wood taken from the Downham Estate, near Pendle Hill. Now able to offer charcoal, logs and kindling the business is helping the management of the woodland at Downham.

Contact details: Downham Charcoal 01200 445095

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