When we walk through our woodlands we can often see evidence of coppicing carried out in times gone by. Through the years our coppices have been neglected and unmanaged. Nowadays, there has been an increasing interest/enthusiasm to return these areas to something more useful. This charcoal kiln is a demonstration of this. At one time, I would never see one, nowadays, while not common they are not so unusual.
—Stephen—
Stephen G Hipperson 
Good to see the old skills returning. I didn’t know they used purpose-built kilns now. I imagined they still built heaps with turf on top!
I get the impression there’s a whole industry behind it now. There’s a lot of wannabe woodsy people out there.
Ah! I know the type!
(If the truth be known I’m one myself – I should get out there and do some!)
I think there is a general yearning in many of us to get back to basics and the simple life. To leave our offices and get out into the fresh air and do something worthwhile. Takes courage and energy though!
Learned a new word (coppicing) thanks to you!
On the surface it can seem a destructive activity but it’s sustainable if done properly.
Absolutely!
Reblogged this on Camberley Historian and commented:
I wonder if there are still charcoal burners around Camberley? The woods were never coppiced, I think, although Incould be wrong……..
I believe there may be charcoal burners about. I suspect the kiln may be seen as portable and is relatively easily moved to the next job/site? Also, you may be interested in this link.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hampshire-Coppice-Craftsmens-Group/204878662978135
Thank you Stephen – must do a bit of investigating!
You never know what you might find if you lift a rock or two!
Were Frimley Fuel Allotments ever used to make charcoal?
I have to be honest and admit I have absolutely no idea! Frimley’s around 220 miles from me. If you are a charcoal user, it’s worth looking out for locally produced charcoal – I don’t suppose it production side will be any more ecological than any other charcoal, but there are the ‘green miles’ to take into account – no point in having all this charcoal shipped in from abroad if we make it ourselves!