Currently I hold no stock of hampshire produced charcoal, I have been so caught up doing buildings and installations as well as coppicing that I haven't managed to get round to firing up the kiln again recently. If I do get around to produce a few kiln loads I'll be sure to update here.
Charcoal burning is an extremely old process, dating back as far as 8000yrs. Charcoal burning using a metal kiln is more recent, beginning in the early 1800's. Interesting link to traditional charcoal production: The Museum of English Rural Life
I don't make huge quantities of charcoal, when I do it is usually during spring into summer using up coppiced wood so I don't often cater for very large orders, but if you are after a few bags for you BBQ and especially if you are local to the Portsmouth area, it's definitely worth dropping me a message to see if I have any in stock which I can perhaps deliver. It's definitely a good, local, sustainable way of fuelling your BBQ or pizza ovens!
Charcoal burning is an extremely old process, dating back as far as 8000yrs. Charcoal burning using a metal kiln is more recent, beginning in the early 1800's. Interesting link to traditional charcoal production: The Museum of English Rural Life
I don't make huge quantities of charcoal, when I do it is usually during spring into summer using up coppiced wood so I don't often cater for very large orders, but if you are after a few bags for you BBQ and especially if you are local to the Portsmouth area, it's definitely worth dropping me a message to see if I have any in stock which I can perhaps deliver. It's definitely a good, local, sustainable way of fuelling your BBQ or pizza ovens!
Loading the Kiln Charcoal kiln filled with wood ready to light
The Kiln is stacked as tightly as possible with seasoned wood. In this case a mix of hazel, maple and goat willow. The base of the kiln is prepared with kindling set in a channel so as it can be lit from the base on the outside and the newly set fire draws into the centre of the kiln.
Kiln closing down, still white smoke White smoke
The kiln at this stage is beginning to calm down and goes through another stage of smoldering burning before the white smoke clears to blue smoke and finally very little smoke. The shot here is with no chimneys present and the base is still able to draw through air.
Grading the charcoal Charcoal being graded
Finally the Kiln is opened and the charcoal sieved to grade it accordingly from chunky lumpwood through to 'fines'. Should any large pieces not be entirely charcoaled, (pieces known as brown ends) they are put to one side to be returned to the kiln next burn.
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Kiln under full burn The wood gas burns off fiercely
Once the fire is set and the wood is burning, the smoke builds, starting off thick and white as the moisture in the wood is driven off and the combustion gets under way. A little later the wood gases begin to burn and the kiln starts to roar. In this case the lid was left open and the supporting stick burns through rapidly when the flames really get going thus closing the lid. You can also see the feet, to which the chimneys can be attached to regulate the burn properly.
Kiln shut down and sealed sand is used to seal the kiln
The final stage. The kiln is closed off so as to inhibit oxygen and thus inhibit combustion. The remaining wood is effectively 'baked' in an oxygen free environment which results in charred coals - charcoal. As shown the base is steeped with sand as well as the lid to provide a good seal. The kiln is then left to cool.
Bagged up Charcoal Hampshire Lumpwood Charcoal ready for sale!
Once graded, the charcoal is bagged up in 3Kg bags, ready for your BBQ.
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