What 'our ancestors' did and what we should do are totally different things!
There's a lot of jumbled feeling/thinking in this!
We should
never burn deadwood from old (semi-natural woods) - the deadwood is host to lots of beetles (cerambycids especially) and provides cover for many insects.
Scattering wood ash around in semi-natural systems is actually encouraging the growth of weedy, invasive species (nettles, Japanese knotweed &c &c).
I'm not objecting to fires (
if they're properly managed - there are some idiots about who could destroy a lot of wildlife by incompetence!
), just saying
don't use deadwood from/in ancient woodland or other semi-natural habitats!
Quote:
Originally Posted by outdoorguy  our ancsestors have been having fires using deadwood since it was discovered... the ash when left or scattered is good for the woodland floor and enriches the ground.. plus u spread seeds not burnt in the fire... i have about 2 or 3 fires a month while out walking .. just a quick cuppa or just for the pleasure of a fire.. its in our blood.. fire meant protection from animals. and light to see and most of all warmth... i'm lucky i have some lovely little woods near me and have a few places i stop and always use the same spot.. if i used a stove which i really don't like it would use gas or fuel that is also not good for the environment.. why do u think the aboriginis burn areas of the bush.. encourages new grothe and the new groth feeds the local animal life... sorry if it sounds like i'm going on a bit but i just feel a campfire is something we should all experience... as i said it stirs something inside.. go and see... responsibly of course.. he he james |