A WILDLIFE trust is using wood from its nature reserves to produce charcoal.

A trial scheme this summer proved successful and now supplies are being built up for next year's barbecue season.

Mark Richardson, reserves manager for Durham Wildlife Trust, promises the charcoal is much better quality and more environmentally friendly than that found in most supermarkets and DIY stores.

"We have 24 nature reserves throughout the county and eight of those are woodland," said Mr Richardson.

Management of the woods includes selective felling and thinning. In the past, wood from those operations has been left on the ground to create habitats for wildlife but, earlier this year, the trust obtained a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to buy two kilns and a supply of branded sacks.

"It means that we can be more sustainable by getting some revenue from this wood," said Mr Richardson. "We produce the charcoal in branded bags to sell in our own centres, but we are also looking for other markets such as garden centres, petrol stations and local shops.

"It is really high grade charcoal. It burns much better, hotter and easier, and lasts longer, because it is from British hardwoods."

Mr Richardson said much of the charcoal in DIY stores and supermarkets was from softwoods originating from the forests of South America. There are ethical questions as well as issues over the distance it travels.

"We fell it, cut it and burn it on site," said Mr Richardson, "There are no travel issues and for every tree felled two are planted."

On Friday he was producing charcoal from alder at the Trust's Low Barns Nature Reserve at Witton-le-Wear.

The timber is no more than six inches in diameter and cut into three foot lengths. The bottom lengths are put in the kiln in the shape of bicycle wheel spokes and the rest is laid on top to the brim of the kiln. In the centre is a column of kindling wood which is lit from the bottom.

There are six portals around the kiln. During the process, three are open to let air in and the other three have chimneys for the smoke to escape. The chimneys are moved round every two hours to achieve an even burn.

The burn lasts 10 to 12 hours and each kiln produces about 60 bags of charcoal.

The production is particularly apt as the Dale always had a strong tradition of producing charcoal, which was used for smelting in the many mines in the area.

Any businesses interested in stocking the Durham Wildlife Trust barbecue charcoal should contact Sharon Coldwell, marketing officer, on 0191 584 3112