Charcoal

Charcoal is a popular fuel in the UK particularly for barbeques. Charcoal is made by burning or 'cooking' wood slowly in the absence of oxygen. This usually takes place inside kilns like the ones shown in the photo.

95% of charcoal sold in the UK is imported from overseas. Sometimes important habitats such as mangrove swamps are being cut down to make this charcoal, causing damage to the environment. The charcoal then travels long distances to be sold in shops in the UK. This causes pollution and depletion of fossil fuels. This practice is not sustainable.

The four tonnes of charcoal made at Clynfyw each year is sold locally, thus minimising environmental damage caused by transport and pollution. Because the wood used comes from carefully managed woodland where new trees are planted to replace those cut down, the system is much more sustainable.

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