Charnwood Borough Council

THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL!

It's a familiar and useful saying when we consider how climate change is set to affect the East Midlands. The burning of fossil fuels for heating, lighting and transport produces the greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

Within Charnwood we have an alternative to using fossil fuels for heating - sustainable wood fuel from our woodlands. Heating a home with firewood contributes far less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than gas, oil or electric central heating. The management of Charnwood woodland requires the replacement of non native conifers planted during the second world war with native oak and birch. The newly planted oak and birch will lock up excess atmospheric carbon emissions - over a lifespan of 100 years 1 oak tree could lock away 3 tonnes of carbon. The native species will also restore the wildlife value of the woodland. Shire Horses are used to remove extract the conifers which cause no damage to the site unlike heavy machinery. The wood is chipped for firewood or turned into charcoal on site reducing transport associated with the process.

This carbon offset scheme offers a unique opportunity to act locally to address climate change, meet social responsibility and stabilise woodland habitats. By entering the offset scheme, you can purchase enough 'horse days' to offset carbon emissions from your home, school or business for a week, month or year!

Complete the online registration form to calculate how much firewood could be extracted to cover your carbon dioxide emissions. By entering the scheme you contribute to the maintenance of the Outwoods and extraction of a local renewable fuel source.

Corporate Team Building

Businesses who want to take a hands on approach to offsetting their carbon emissions can book a Team Building Day at the Outwoods. Several Charnwood businesses have enjoyed taking part in the wood extraction using shire horses, or producing charcoal or firewood process as team building exercises.

We offer a full or half day team building itinerary for your staff as well as acknowledgement on our website, positive PR through local media via logo printed onto Charcoal and Firewood Sacks and a business certificate. Catering is optional.

To get started complete the online registration form below or contact Mark Graham on 01509 263151:

ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM

For more on the National Forest Planting Schemes www.nationalforest.org/sponsor