On this page, the Pound Wood Warden, David Harris, describes how we convert the local wood into charcoal.

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Why should you buy local charcoal?

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Converting local wood into charcoal (02)

First  Previous  CaptionThe charcoal is burned in a large metal kiln approximately two metres across and one and a half metres high (see above).
It is important to start with an empty kiln, to ensure that the air vents are not blocked.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (03)

First  Previous  CaptionThe kiln must be positioned carefully so that it is horizontal, and the air vents are not blocked on the outside. It should also be clear of any surrounding vegetation.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (04)

First  Previous  CaptionThe burn area is cordoned off to deter casual visitors from getting to close for safety.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (05)

First  Previous  CaptionThe logs are cut to about 50cm and stacked inside the charcoal kiln ensuring that there is adequate ventilation at the bottom, including a radial channel from each air vent. Then other cordwood is stacked on top of this, gradually building up layers, whilst leaving a central free space. This can be filled with the partly-burnt remains from the last burn.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (06)

First  Previous  CaptionThis kiln, when full, holds about one and a half tonnes of cordwood.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (07)

First  Previous  CaptionFor this kiln, the load needs to be about 20cm above the rim of the kiln before firing.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (08)

First  Previous  CaptionA fire is then started at the bottom in the centre of the kiln using lighted, paraffin-soaked rags.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (09)

First  Previous  CaptionLighted paraffin-soaked rags are pushed through the air ducts on which the kiln rests.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (10)

First  Previous  CaptionAs the fire takes hold in the centre of the kiln, considerable amounts of white, steamy gases are produced. The volume of this will depend on the age of the wood. Well-seasoned wood will produce much less smoke than newly coppiced wood.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (11)

First  Previous  CaptionWhen sufficient wood has been consumed to allow the lid to fit snugly onto the kiln, soil is piled around the base of the kiln to restrict the ventilation to just four air inlets.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (12)

First  Previous  CaptionLong flues are attached to the other four air ducts so that they become chimneys. The fire is then able to burn only at the bottom of the kiln. The resulting heat is sufficient to drive off the moisture and other volatile contents of the wood above to leave just the carbon behind. This is charcoal!  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (13)

First  Previous  CaptionThe kiln itself has now become hot, and warning signs are necessary to deter casual visitors.
The kiln is closed down by excluding all air and is allowed to cool for a day or two.
The kiln can now be left for as long as it necessary to complete the burn, and then to cool down. It is important that the kiln is not opened too soon. Whilst there is still residual heat, there is the possibility of spontaneous combustion from still-hot charcoal.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (14)

First  Previous  CaptionAfter the burn, the kiln is opened to reveal the charcoal. The contents of the kiln have settled down to about three quarters of the volume and about a sixth of the weight.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (15)

First  Previous  CaptionMuch of the original structure of the cordwood is still to be seen in the charcoal, especially near the top of the kiln. It is quite fragile and is removed by leaning into the kiln and picking each piece up by hand and transferring it carefully into a large temporary storage sack.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (16)

First  Previous  CaptionThe charcoal near the bottom will have collapsed under the weight of the contents above.
When arms are unable to reach any lower, the soil around the base of the kiln can be cleared, and the kiln itself tipped over.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (17)

First  Previous  CaptionThe kiln is then tipped over to release the contents.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (18)

First  Previous  CaptionNow comes the job of packaging the charcoal into bags ready for sale!  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (19)

First  Previous  CaptionHandling and sorting charcoal can be a very dusty process. Our customers do not want dust in their charcoal and so it is filtered as required using a simple sieve.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (20)

First  Previous  CaptionThe charcoal is then carefully transferred by hand from the large temporary storage into paper sacks which are then labelled appropriately.  Next  Last

Converting local wood into charcoal (21)

First  Previous  CaptionThe packaged charcloal is available for sale at the Trust’s Visitor Centres and at our open days. Here there is a display of woodland products at the 2008 Bluebell Day at Pound Wood, including bagged charcoal.  Next  Last

Other sites about Charcoal Burning

The Charcoal Burners is a site describing a local charcoal-burning group in Hampshire.

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