The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: mad dogs and us two on May 13, 2008, 01:59:09 pm

Title: Willow for fuel
Post by: mad dogs and us two on May 13, 2008, 01:59:09 pm

Hi there

Does anyone know where I can buy some willow to plant for fuel?
I live in Manche (50) but I don't mind a day out to go and get some.

Thanks in advance

Steve

Title: Re: Willow for fuel
Post by: dave on May 30, 2008, 08:37:04 am

Willow should grow easily from cuttings stuck straight in the ground where they are going to grow but best done in late autumn.You could build up a stock from any tree by rooting cuttings over the summer either in pots or water.I have heard of a very fast growing variety but cant remember the name.Another good coppice tree is sweet chestnut,we used to have woods full of it in essex grown for fencing stakes but would do firewood too if it burns well.

Dave

Title: Re: Willow for fuel
Post by: hebber on June 02, 2008, 02:47:43 pm

There's quite a few places you can get willow sticks to put in the ground, by mail order, and it's not too expensive and not too much hard work.  I just googled it.

Title: Re: Willow for fuel
Post by: dave on June 05, 2008, 05:33:48 pm

I may be stating the obvious but have yoiu looked at the windrush willow site,lots of useful info there.I see you can get a good grant to plant it too.

Dave

Title: Re: Willow for fuel
Post by: gilesn on January 09, 2009, 09:41:22 am

I just saw this post, I know its old but now is the time to be sticking your setts in the ground either 1ft through groundcover or using 3ft setts. You need to be realistic about the amount of land needed to produce a useable amount of wood and be prepared to wait 4-6 years if you want logs. Because of demand we produce starter kits that people you can then take your own cuttings from but these won't make a significant reduction in your fuel bill. But if you want to get off to a flying start and heat your whole house and water with the willow you will need to plant about 1500 to 2000 setts in 1/4-1/2 an acre this year then do the same each year until you have 1-2 acres. This does compare well with woodland in terms of land and time where you would need about 5 acres and a 20 year rotation to produce the same amount of fuel. Also in the unlikely event that you've got cash sitting in a savings account that's earning paltry interest think about the return you will get by converting it to fuel, whether through quick growing willow or planting traditional woodland.

cheers

Giles from Mammoth Willow