arboriculturist

Double standards it may be, but to gain the Certification, which by the way, is now planned to cover all firewood sales, basically you will have to follow their rules. The "Industry" said that 20% MC was an ill founded MC level and 25% MC achieved the same level of PM emissions as 20% MC when forced drying, additional infrastructure, additional transportation etc. are factored in. Unfortunately the 'Industry' is 10's of thousands of small scale producers who have not the time, money or energy to contest the legislation. There is know Industry body I know of who are interested in taking the Government to task. Remember the 'discussions' that informed the legislators were held between DEFFRA and the big players who all force dry their timber. I fully support the original HETAS 25% MC threshold, that is a sensible level that we all can attain, but I am powerless to influence the legislators decision of a maximum 20% MC.

After a lifetime of work it's great to hear you can still do what you want and protect those crops. ?

Deffra, with Woodsure came up with ever tighter regulations that they propose all Firewood merchants will adhere to before to long. It has been decided whereas although a felling licence demonstrated that timber is legally felled, it does not demonstrate that it has been harvested sustainably, which is why now to meet their criteria they insist on evidence on woodland management plans for the sites where timber sourced. This is one reason they are not keen on Arb. arinsings and Firewood merchants who accept them from various tree surgeons. Their proposals are to tighten up the whole shooting match - period. 'Got you over a barrel' comes to mind.

The regs for Woodsure go far further than just a felling licence. Needs to be management plans, and true sustainability, they even look at soil management and flora and fauna.

I'm not a fan of steel, leads to more wounded even 2 shot sizes larger.

I am just annoyed that we are all being railroaded to follow another raft of regulations and we just have to tow the line. I actually think i will benefit as I can meet all the criteria, albeit with investment and effort. More annoyed it will kill off a lot of good small rural businesses.

You will be able to take your pick of processors when the new regulations kick in and the 'Firewood Police' get to work, as the market will be absolutely flooded with splitters and processors. " Just on that point.... Genuine question - do you think it will really make that much difference? " 100% without doubt. When I heard talk of General Licence changes and pest control, we all thought " that will never happen as there would be public outcry etc" Look now how we are all cowering in fear of losing our various certificates ! I have spoken at length to the powers that be and with the resources at their disposal very few will escape the net. Remember that despite what you may hear, agencies all work in collaboration, so for a start you have the eyes and ears of the Police, LPA's, Environment Agency, DEFFRA and Customs and Excise to name some. Several of these already troll the countryside going about their daily business, then you have the whistle blowers, curtain twitching types and those with any sort of grievance. Finally you have the end user - who will demand what they have read in practically every publication and social media source they encounter in addition to the legislation being in the user manual of every new wood burning fuel appliance sold. Can you prove traceability and sustainability of everything you sell. Have you got full accounts, Invoices etc. that cross reference with sales etc. etc. The gold rush is well and truly over. Do you still hold the same view ?

Probably, but there is regulation linked to that also. For most I can safely say - it will not be worth the hassle of meeting all the criteria, investment, additional admin, ongoing Audits etc. , which is why so many are already diversifying into other areas and selling related equipment while it still has a value. - A shame but this is the reality. Most Regulation is a bain that we just have to accept and live with or move to other areas to earn an income. Look at lead shot ban for wildfowling, General licences, Arb. qualifications and Insurance, Loler, Puwer, H&S, etc. etc. etc.

You are far better off developing relationships with millers, as when the new regs. come into force Firewood merchants will not be able to take that from you unless you can prove it came from a sustainable source - I think you will find it very hard to do that. Those retailers who have researched the regulations thoroughly will know what I mean. Change is on the wind and its it is soon to hit land.

Agreed - you are not up to speed. I have had 2 and nothing compares. No processor likes bent twisty timber, but you get used to it. The clamp is not as good as a Tajfun, but I will modify it at some stage. Compared to a chainsaw processor where the chains dull in no time at all, the TCT blade is 100% amazing. Far quicker on small dia. than anything I know. You will be able to take your pick of processors when the new regulations kick in and the 'Firewood Police' get to work, as the market will be absolutely flooded with splitters and processors.

Let it sit there for at least a year before you make good around it. Then watch as a crack opens up all around it. Inevitable of course. Looks good though.

Don't forget the planning permission for industrial use. Not a pleasant day a year or 2 down the line when the powers that be turn up and start asking questions. You may be lucky and be granted change of use. You need to be prepared to spend a large part of your life gaining the expertise to produce sub 20% MC Firewood and significantly more investment than you anticipate. Much easier ways to earn an hugely better income if you are a practical person and like using your hands for example : by moving towards the building trade - Electricians, builders, plumbers 25 - 40 / hr/ day rate and potential to increase that significantly when eventually you start pricing jobs. Ever tried getting a decent plumber, heating engineer or an electrician to do a job for you without a long wait.

Ask Woodworks

Just fitted new chains and on a 2.5 tonne rough terrain they weren't lo-cost. Is your test around the 125 - 150 mark +vat?

Speaking to my Insurer today, the question was asked - " Do you have your Forklift, Excavators and quick-hitches inspected for LOLER and PUWER ? - as if not, unfortunately you will not have any insurance cover on those pieces of equipment" In addition, if there were to be an accident caused due to an equipment malfunction due to negligence and an employee were injured, HSE would investigate and you would be liable for their time on site and office time spend processing the investigation - currently charged at circa. £150 / hr. I would suggest that this post may set off quite a few alarm bells on the forum, especially for those who employ staff to operate the above. The inspection frequency always seems a little clouded depending on who you ask. Also pretty much everyone I speak to, never gets anything inspected and that appears to be the norm. Any comments may be usefull.

At last - someone said it! Or if you can finance it, get the timber harvested and sell it roadside by the tonne to Firewood retailers. Not everyone is keen on softwood but it is guaranteed to sell and you can continue life as normal. Completely put the idea of retailing it yourself out of your head, as that is 100% heading down the road to a minefield.

So is the tree in the background in image 1 the tree they poured the 5 litres if wood preservative around the base?

Steam clean on max temperature - max steam, min water settings - kills the bacteria

Fantastic - thanks for that !

As you mentioned - not easy to find. If you ever get time to locate, scan and post there will be a lot of gratefull people on here for sure ?

Great value at twice the price ! - always ?

Happy days then !

SENT - How many Forums can you go on and the Owner of the Forum offers to help out for free - Champion !

That's generous - I shall locate something suitable.

Sound advice there thanks - what spec Mac and which dual document monitor would you advise?