Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Firelighting

Q. Can I get a grant for installing a wood fuelled heating system in my home or business?

A.

Yes - get in touch with the Energy Savings Trust 0800 512012 to find out about grants and interest free loans.

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Q. What's the secret of success when lighting a fire?

A.

Make sure the paper and kindling you are using is dry. There are as many theories about the best way of lighting a fire as there are people regularly lighting fires! Using loosely scrunched up balls of newspaper, dry kindling and smaller pieces of wood to get the fire going generally works well.

Q. Why does smoke billow back down the chimney when I light my woodburning stove or fire?

A.

This can happen when the chimney is cold, when there is not enough draught to draw the smoke upwards or when something, eg a bird's nest, is physically blocking the chimney. If the problem persists get a chimney sweep to investgate.

Firewood

Q. Firewood suppliers

A.

Ask neighbours for recommendations, try estate owners or farmers and look for adverts in loical newspapers or on notice boards in shops. And check the listings section of this website.

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Q. How do I know when my wood is dry enough to burn?

A.

Logs are generally between 20% and 50% water, some such as elm can be even much wetter. Weight is a good indication; if a log is very heavy for its volume, chances are it is wet. Seasoned wood often has cracks in it and should not feel damp to the touch.

 

Q. Is there enough wood for everyone?

A.

There are fears that if we all start burning wood the our forests will rapidly disappear.  However comprehensive assessments of resources in the Cairngorms National Park show that there is ample to supply homes and businesses within the Park.  In many cases woods which have become neglected and in need of thinning will be brought back into active management and new woods will be planted. This will lead to richer and more diverse woodland habitats.   

Q. What help is available to help me check out the possibilities of getting firewood from woods near my home?

A.

Don't be shy to ask around and to seek advice from organisations such as the Forestry Commission, the Community Woodlands Association and Reforesting Scotland. And get yourself to Laggan on May 1st for  our community woodfuel event - full details coming soon! 

Q. What kind of wood can I burn?

A.

Any wood will burn if it is dry enough. A variety of firewood can be sourced from well managed woodlands; in the Cairngorms National Park logs will often be spruce, pine or birch thinnings.  Branches and brash can be processed and dried to create woodchip.

Waste

Q. What should I do with the ash from my wood boiler or woodburning stove?

A.

Wood ash is good for soil and can be scattered on the ground or mixed into compost. Coal ash should be disposed of in the bin.