English Wood Fuels sources 100% of its timber from the UK and all of it has been managed according to the UK Forestry Standard.
We currently supply wood fuel to local authorities who have adopted central government timber procurement policy and we provide Category B evidence demonstrating that all wood fuel sourcing is legal and sustainable with adequate controls over the supply chain.
In addition to being sourced locally, the wood fuel we supply is stockpiled at depots that are generally within 30 miles of a customer’s installation, and much closer where possible. This ensures that CO2 emissions from transport and delivery costs are kept to a minimum.
We currently use 4 key depots for the production of wood chip material and the storage of wood pellets. They have been established to cover the central part of the East Midlands and East Anglia. The requirement for additional depot locations is constantly re-assessed and the network and supply capability enlarged as necessary.
Woodchip
Roundwood and slabwood is purchased from timber contractors, sawmills and woodland owners and stockpiled at depots where it is allowed to dry naturally prior to chipping and distribution to end users.
Generally speaking, freshly felled timber comprises of up to 60% moisture. Most biomass boilers up to 500kW only accept woodchip of between 30-35% moisture content which can only be achieved after a period of seasoning. Certain tree species can take over a year to season sufficiently.
Woodchipping is carried out continuously throughout the year to replenish stocks and ensure that buffer reserves are maintained. Processed material is stored in purpose built sheds that keeps the woodchip dry but well ventilated and prevents any contamination with foreign objects.
Wood Pellets
English Wood Fuels are the preferred bulk distributer in the East of England of brites wood pellets manufactured by Balcas, the UK’s largest producer of virgin material premium quality pellets. brites are made from wood residue produced as a by-product of the saw milling process. The original timber is either spruce or pine from managed forests.
English Wood Fuels have the storage capacity to stockpile over 1000 tonnes of pellets in purpose built sheds compartmentalized for product segregation. All pellets are screened both at the point of production and at the point of loading onto the delivery vehicles or bulk tippers.
Bulk delivery of 6mm pellets is carried out by purpose built pneumatic lorries operated by English Wood Fuels.
We also supply 10kg bagged brites pellets.
Quality
All fuel supplied complies with CEN/TS 14961:2005 (Solid Biofuels – Fuel specifications and classes).
Particle distribution and moisture analysis of woodchip is carried out continuously in-house and forms an integral element of most of our supply contracts. We have the capability to test moisture content and chip particle size and can arrange testing of calorific value and chemical analysis of all types of wood fuel. Such tests are used for quality control, contract delivery, research and dispute mitigation. Advice and guidance accompanies this testing service.
