Where Does Kiln Dried Firewood Come From? A Sustainable Sourcing Guide

Cornwall was once covered in trees, but centuries of deforestation for farming, mining, and shipbuilding have left the county with limited woodland. Today, most firewood used in Cornwall has to be sourced from other parts of the UK or Europe.

At our core, we’re a Cornish business committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable kiln dried firewood to homes in Cornwall and Plymouth. By sourcing responsibly from managed forests, we ensure our products meet the highest standards for sustainability and efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll explain where kiln dried firewood comes from, how it’s sourced sustainably, and why buying Woodsure-approved, Ready to Burn logs is essential for both your stove and the environment.

Where did all the trees in Cornwall go?

You don’t have to look very far in Cornwall before you realise there just aren’t very many trees here. Cornwall’s wooded areas now cover only around 9-10% of the land area, significantly below the UK average of 13%.

Most of this is protected or used for biodiversity and Cornwall Council aims to increase tree cover by 8,000 hectares by 2030, covering an additional 2% of Cornwall.

This will increase the amount of ash, oak, beech and other tree species to support nature habitats, wildlife, bird life and carbon sequestration to help with climate change. Woodland can also help protect our soils.

All of this work is designed to undo the deforestation that has taken place in Cornwall over the last 6000 years. Much of the woodland was cleared in the Neolithic period to make way for agriculture and this feature of the Cornish landscape is as prevalent now as it ever was.

More trees were removed in the Medieval period and into the Industrial Revolution as the rise of tin and copper mining took hold. Trees were cut down to provide timber for mine construction, fuel for smelting, and other industrial purposes. Woodlands were particularly depleted around mining hubs such as Redruth and Camborne.

Landowners also saw opportunities to sell timber for shipbuilding all along the coastline. As a result we see a lot more grassland and heathland in Cornwall now than there has been in the past.

Small Pockets of Forest Remain

While Cornwall is no longer the densely forested region it once was, it still boasts several remarkable woodlands and small pockets of forest that offer a glimpse into the county’s natural heritage. Among these are temperate rainforests, ancient woodlands, and sustainably managed forests.

One of the most significant examples of Cornwall’s remaining woodland is the temperate rainforest on the Helford River.

Temperate Rainforest is a rare type of woodland found in areas with high rainfall and mild climates. They are characterised by lush mosses, lichens, and ferns. Cornwall’s climate makes it one of the few regions in the UK capable of supporting this unique ecosystem.

These woodlands are home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species of moss and fungi. The National Trust and other organisations actively manage and protect these rainforests, preserving their ecological value and preventing invasive species from taking hold.

If there are no trees in Cornwall, how is buying kiln dried firewood sustainable?

Good question. With the limited acres of woodland here in Cornwall and the protections afforded to it by the likes of Cornwall council, the National trust and other landowners, it is very unlikely that the kiln dried firewood you buy or burn in Cornwall is Cornish.

And that’s a good thing. We don’t have large scale management of sustainable timber production in Cornwall so our woodlands should be protected, allowed to thrive and enhanced with new native trees in tree planting schemes.

When you buy logs in Cornwall, they will have been transported here from other parts of the UK and Europe and this is very common for many counties in England.

Firewood that is sourced from this country is sourced from sustainably managed woodlands, where trees are carefully harvested and replanted to maintain forest ecosystems. Organisations like the Forestry Commission ensure these practices are followed, making the wood itself a renewable resource.

For every tree that is harvested at least one tree is planted, usually more. If more trees are grown than are used, this can contribute to a reduction in Co2 in the atmosphere.

The good news is that you can sequester carbon anywhere on earth and it has a positive impact for everyone. So it doesn’t actually matter if the sustainable forest regeneration is happening thousands of miles away or at home, tree planting has a benefit for everyone on earth.

Efficient Transportation

Wood that is driven to Cornwall from across the UK or Europe does have a carbon cost to it. We work to minimise this impact.

Modern logistics optimise transport routes, minimising the carbon footprint associated with delivering firewood. Bulk transportation is far more efficient than individuals sourcing less sustainable alternatives locally.

We order firewood in artic lorry load quantities in the winter to ensure that the carbon footprint of transporting firewood into Cornwall is as low as possible. These deliveries usually last us until Spring.

Tree Planting in the Future

The UK is actively working to increase its woodland cover as part of efforts to combat climate change, improve biodiversity, and promote sustainable land management.

This strategy includes plans for creating new woodlands, restoring existing ones, and encouraging landowners to integrate tree planting into farming and land management practices.

The UK government aims to plant 30,000 hectares of trees annually by 2025, as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 but anyone can help out by planting native trees in their garden.

If you do want to plant a tree, the Woodland trust have good advice on tree planting.

The Queen’s Green Canopy

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) was launched in 2022 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. This nationwide initiative inspired individuals, communities, and organisations to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee,” creating a lasting legacy in honour of Her Majesty.

As part of the project, over one million trees were planted across the UK, with a focus on enhancing biodiversity, tackling climate change, and strengthening the country’s natural heritage. The QGC also highlighted the importance of protecting ancient woodlands and ancient trees—some of the most ecologically valuable landscapes in the UK.

Cornwall embraced the Queen’s Green Canopy with enthusiasm, with local communities and organisations planting a variety of native tree species. Projects took place in schools, parks, and public spaces, ensuring the benefits of these plantings will be felt for generations to come.

One notable example is the Duchy of Cornwall’s involvement, which saw tree planting on its estates to support biodiversity and sustainable forestry. In addition, a commemorative Jubilee Oak Tree was planted in Trelissick Garden, a National Trust property near Truro, to mark the occasion. This oak will grow as a symbol of continuity and environmental stewardship in the region.

While the QGC’s focus was on new tree planting, it also emphasised the need to protect existing ancient woodlands and veteran trees. These trees, often hundreds of years old, are vital for biodiversity, providing habitats for countless species. In Cornwall, efforts to protect ancient woodland sites like those at Lanhydrock and Cotehele have been integral to sustaining the county’s natural heritage.

The Queen’s Green Canopy stands as a powerful reminder of the role trees play in tackling climate change, supporting wildlife, and improving our landscapes. In Cornwall, and across the UK, the trees planted as part of this initiative will continue to grow, creating a greener, healthier environment for future generations.

The Duchy of Cornwall’s Efforts

The Duchy of Cornwall, under the stewardship of Prince William, is actively engaged in reforestation and sustainable land management projects within Cornwall. These initiatives aim to enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, and support local ecosystems.

The Duchy participates in partnerships that provide funding and support to farmers and landowners for tree planting and woodland creation.

This is part of its net-zero goals. The Duchy aims to have a net-zero estate by the early 2030s. To do this, efforts include peatland restoration, hedgerow planting, and the creation of new woodlands to capture carbon effectively.

Through these projects, the Duchy of Cornwall demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, contributing to the restoration and preservation of Cornwall’s natural landscapes for future generations.