Winter cut chestnut - as all mine is - is cut in winter precisely to ensure that the sap is 'down' which means that it has the best chance of longevity when used in outdoor conditions. Chestnut is a very durable wood, meaning it lasts excellently, mainly because of its high natural tannin content along with the fact that there is very little sapwood in sweet chestnut. That said, all natural wood will rot when placed in the ground, depending on ground conditions and moisture etc, chestnut is often used for agricultural stakes and posts, eg post and rail, because it is durable. I have seen big chestnut posts, 8" which have been in the ground for 30+yrs, but those are exceptional. Typically you might expect a good quarter cleft chestnut stake,(eg a standard 5'6") to last around the 8yr mark, though hopefully as long as 10yr+. Of course you can treat them for extra longevity, though the days of sinking them in creosote tanks are long gone!
How long does hazel last, eg beanpoles?
Hazel is not a particularly durable wood, so it's use in continuous woven fencing and hazel hurdles should be taken alongside the fact that you may only get 5-7yrs out of the installation before it fails. Of course a well made and properly installed hazel hurdle (assuming it is sheltered a little from the elements (including exposure to direct sunlight) can last longer, I have seen good hurdles still in place after 10yrs, though they do become very brittle. For beanpoles, you should get at least 2 growing seasons out of them, especially if you try and store them in a shed or undercover over winter, before they become brittle. If you jam the ends in the soil, you may want to re-cut the ends off before using them the next season.
Do you deliver outside of Hampshire?
I generally try and stick to Hampshire and West Sussex borders delivery wise and I generally avoid driving into London as it gets costly, I encourage people to try and find a local supplier where possible, but if the order is worth the trip, ie a good trailer load of peeled poles or stakes, I do sometimes go a bit further. Best to clarify early on if you want me to deliver and I will do my best to help. Using a courier to send beanpoles to Leeds (just as an example) is not something I get into, I'd much rather help find a local supplier via the www.coppice-products.co.uk website or via the contacts via the various coppice groups or via the National Coppice Federation.
Do you just supply materials or do you install as well?
I do install as well, though my order book for cutting and supply/delivery is different from my installation booking list, so whilst I may be able to produce the products for one deadline it doesn't follow that I'll be immediately available to come and install. There may be a month gap or so, depending on the scale of the installation. But please do ask if you need help erecting fencing and plan as far ahead as you can if you would like me to build you a rose trellis, gate arch or pergola etc. I also have a few trusted contacts who specialise in all types of construction and fencing work who I can recommend.
How much does delivery cost?
If you're very local and I can plan my journey I do my best to waive delivery cost. But generally if you're local(ish) to me then I try and keep it to £5-£25 to deliver via truck. If it involves a trailer then it's immediately £45-£95 within Southern/Eastern Hampshire/West Sussex border. Further afield I have to calculate purely based on mileage and time, including my return trip, So I may well be able to deliver a trailer load up to say, Oxford but it may cost £140 as an example.