British Hardwoods Blog

Sustainability has always been the driving force of British Hardwoods' ethical approach to manufacturing. The raw timber we use is sourced only from accredited suppliers, and all our timber waste is completely recycled. We are totally self-sufficient for heat and power by the utilisation of waste wood shavings in our Talbotts C4 boiler and biodiesel (which we produce on site from waste vegetable oil) in our Scania eco-generator. Taking sustainability one step further, the company is happy to sponsor employees who wish to take part in the government Cycle to Work initiative.

Dave and his new Gtech eBike

The Cycle to Work scheme was introduced in 1999 by the Government  to promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution. The scheme allows employers to loan cycles and safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit.  Dave from the office is the first member of the British Hardwoods team to take up the initiative.

Dave taking a turn around the car park

Dave has ditched his car and been supplied with a new Gtech eBike, making his journeys to work carbon neutral whilst increasing his fitness levels in the process. The bike can be ridden like a normal bike, but has a powerful lithium ion battery which supplies a boost when needed - extremely useful for our Yorkshire hills and dales. We've all taken a little turn around the business park and have to agree that it is the sustainable vehicle of the future - we may even have to install a cycle shed.

Follow the link for more information about our environmental policy.

For information about the Government Cycle to Work scheme click here >>

Tony and Jason had an extremely productive and labour intensive day on Monday. After sourcing a recently felled 200-year-old native Scot's elm tree, the job fell to them to slice the timber, ready for drying in our kiln. With a circumference of more than 4 metres, it required the use of one of the largest available chain saw mills, along with some hard work and determination.

Our large chain saw mill with a deep bar setting ready to slice through the Scot's elm

British Hardwoods MD Tony Fillingham - ready for action!

With the outer layer removed, a simply stunning grain pattern was revealed

A close-up reveals the lovely brown and green heartwood, interesting pip and striking radial flecks

We were all thrilled to be the first to see inside this beautiful natural creation

The second layer revealed a different but equally beautiful grain pattern

The second layer is revealed in all its glory

We can't wait to see these lovely boards sanded and oiled

Tony and Jason looking rightly proud of their endeavours

Thank you Tony and Jason for helping this feeble photographer climb on and off the forklift safely for the 'aerial shots' (sorry about the squeaks of terror, and I hope the circulation in Jason's hand has now returned to normal). Once the boards are kiln dried and planed, we'll update our blog with some more pictures for you.

Our YouTube page has a series of four short videos of the slicing of the elm, for those interested, just follow the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/user/britishhardwoods

If you would like more information about any of our timber products, please contact us, we'd be very happy to help out.

Our latest batch of our own kiln dried native hardwoods are now at the very rewarding stage of being hand selected and sanded. As a small taste of things to come we have uploaded a simply stunning English Burr Elm Board to our online shop.

English Burr Elm Board

The board has an abundance of magnificent burls and pip combined with a striking grain pattern. It could be used to produce a simply stunning piece of natural art, or for furniture and cabinet making. It has been sanded to a 16mm thickness and is between 230mm-410mm wide and 1530mm long.

English Burr Elm Plank

This beautiful piece of English Burr Elm will be the first of many different native hardwood boards which have been specially chosen for their unique character and appeal. Our timber shop will also offer many native hardwoods in a range of lengths, widths, and thicknesses, and at a price to suit every pocket.

Click here to view our specially selected English Burr Elm Board >>