By Bob Cartwright, Trustee Westmorland Red Squirrels If you go down to the woods today, you might be in for a big surprise. Did you know, for example, that landowners are becoming reluctant to plant new woodlands? Often this is because of the damage caused by pests, particularly the non-native grey squirrel. The risks to the long term supply of UK-grown timber, in all its forms, is plain to see, as is the risk to Britain’s woodland landscape. But did you realise that where coordinated woodland management exists, it levels the playing field for our much loved native...

Local wood and coal fuel specialist Logs Direct has handed over a cheque for £818.51 to the South Lakes red squirrel conservation organisation, Westmorland Red Squirrels Logs Direct is a Gold Supporter of the wildlife group, which helps to protect and conserve a healthy population of red squirrels in South Lakeland.  It began to raise money for red squirrel protection in 2015 and continues to raise awareness of the need for red squirrel conservation work at all the exhibitions that it attends. Logs Direct has this year created special magnet cards which explain its ethos of providing high...

Smokeless fuel is on the rise. It’s not just the growth of smokefree zones across the UK – smokeless fuel is also recommended over coal for chimeneas, stoves, etc. Why? Because it doesn’t give off as much smoke, so deposits don’t build up in the flue nearly so quickly – if at all. That means less time spent cleaning it, less risk of fire in the flue from creosote build-up, and less chance of smoke billowing back into the room. For stove users, then, this can be a significant benefit. And the rise of smokefree zones contributes, of...

With the thundersnow and other bad weather still fresh in our memory, it’s looking like gardeners have a much shorter time to transfer their sensitive plants from pot to flowerbed before the summer heat sets in in earnest.   Your plants may need an extra level of loving care. It’s time for them to transfer from compost to nutritious, nourishing topsoil.   (You may also want to refresh your topsoil if you’ve been having trouble with and other plants growing as they should.) Benefits of Topsoil While compost is more nutrient-heavy, weight for weight, it dries...

The only thing better than pizza is a wood fired pizza- a hint of smoky flavouring that gives it that authentic taste.   To do this, your pizza oven needs the right wood. Since the quality of the pizza lies on the quality of the fire, Logs Direct will provide you with the best logs perfect for this purpose. With our Softwood logs you can have a quick lit, hot fire to efficiently and easily get the oven going and quickly achieve a hot oven. The Hardwood logs provide a steady and long-lasting burn time.   Both our Hardwood logs...

With the nights as cold as they are, it’s a common question to hear discussed. To get the best results from your fire in the winter months, do you burn wood or coal? Burning Wood Do you prefer burning seasoned or kiln-dried wood? The great thing about using logs in your fire is that you can vary the woods you use. Softwoods burn faster and hotter, while hardwoods give out as much  heat but burn for a lot longer. Mixing the two allows you to get the right balance between temperature and need to continue feeding the fire. It’s...

Every year, the Guild of Master Sweeps holds a major trade expo. It’s one of the earliest stops on the year’s trade expo calendar for many companies, ourselves included. It’s also a fantastic place to find out more about setting fires, keeping flues clean, and new gadgets to make it all easier. As one of the companies who came together to create the Woodsure Ready to Burn mark we’re proud to be part of this Expo. It gives us a great way to spread the word and help many more fire lovers to burn cleaner and better. Not to...

It’s just as important to your pet to have comfortable bedding as it is to you. Luckily, for most pets, it’s also much cheaper! Our pets selection includes options for bedding for many of our small furry or feathered friends. Whether the right bedding for them is hardwood chips, hay, or even a mix of the two, we can help. We also offer food for rabbits and guinea pigs. We want to make it easy for anyone who wants to look after their pets! Logs Direct is staffed by pet lovers. We understand the frustrations that can...

Central heating can keep the cold out of a house, but it doesn’t have that same cosy quality of warmth that a good log fire can bring – and it won’t help you mull your wine, either! Here at Logs Direct, we truly believe that one of the most satisfying things to see in the winter months is a woodpile as you return. That’s one of the reasons we offer wooden log stores – it makes it easy for our customers to get that same thrill as they see it. A well-stocked woodpile in winter promises that soon...

On a wintry day, there are few settings as romantic as curling up together in front of a blazing fire. Woodburners and open fireplaces are both very popular for this. Of course, if you really want to take advantage, make sure you’ve chosen the right logs. Nobody wants a fire faux pas during their romantic time together! Most wood you can buy from roadside vendors and the like is ‘wet’ wood. It might feel dry to the touch, but there’s so much moisture locked in there! This creates heavy smoke, which won’t help the mood. Instead, make...