In my workshop, the question "Where does this wood come from?" isn't just about sourcing — it's about values. Every piece I create at Bough & Burrow begins with a simple but powerful commitment: I never cut down a living tree or buy in new timber for my craft.

This isn't just an environmental choice; it's a philosophy that shapes everything I do. Today, I want to share why choosing reclaimed and foraged wood matters more than ever, and how small decisions in our homes can contribute to the larger story of forest conservation.

The Hidden Cost of "New" Wood

When we purchase mass-produced wooden items, we rarely consider their journey from forest to shelf. Behind that sleek coffee table or decorative bowl lies a complex supply chain that often involves:

  • Clear-cutting practices that remove entire forest ecosystems
  • Transportation emissions from shipping timber across continents
  • Chemical treatments that prevent natural decomposition
  • Wasteful manufacturing that discards "imperfect" pieces

The furniture industry alone consumes over 1 billion cubic meters of wood annually. While some of this comes from managed forests, the pressure on old-growth woodlands and bio-diverse ecosystems continues to mount.

The Beauty of "Waste"

What if I told you that some of the most beautiful wood never makes it to the timber yard? Every storm, every tree surgery, every garden renovation produces wonderful materials that typically end up in landfills or wood chippers.

In our local area alone, I've rescued:

  • Storm-felled branches from ancient oaks, beech, hawthorn, cherry and hazel trees
  • Pruned limbs from fruit trees and ornamental species
  • Fence posts and shed walls from maintenance jobs
  • Waste wood and by-products from tree surgeons and local coppicing work

Each piece carries history — growth rings that record wet summers and dry winters, scars from long-ago storms, the nibbles of a squirrel and the smooth patina of decades weathering. This character is impossible to replicate in plantation timber.

The Ripple Effects of Choosing Reclaimed

When you choose a piece crafted from reclaimed wood, you're participating in a larger ecological story:

Reducing Demand Pressure

Every reclaimed piece represents one less demand on standing forests. While individual impact might seem small, collective choices create market signals that matter.

Supporting Biodiversity

Old trees and diverse forests support complex ecosystems. By reducing pressure for "fresh" timber, we help preserve habitat for countless species — from soil microorganisms to woodland birds.

Carbon Sequestration

Trees store carbon throughout their lives. When we use reclaimed wood instead of cutting living trees, we keep that carbon locked away while allowing forests to continue their vital role as carbon sinks. For UK crafters, Community Wood Recycling calculates that every tonne of wood reused saves approximately 500 kg CO₂ equivalent (Community Wood Recycling).

Reducing Waste Streams

In the UK alone, millions of tons of wood waste go to landfills annually. By finding beautiful uses for this "waste," we divert materials from disposal while creating something meaningful. DEFRA estimates that each tonne of wood landfilled generates 925 kg CO₂e through decomposition and methane release.

Beyond Materials: Sustainable Practices

My commitment to sustainability extends far beyond wood sourcing:

Natural Finishes Only

We use exclusively natural oils and beeswax finishes that are:

  • Non-toxic for homes and environment
  • Biodegradable when eventually disposed
  • Locally sourced where possible to reduce transport
  • Traditional methods that don't rely on industrial chemicals

Minimal Energy Workshop

My hand-tool approach isn't just about craftsmanship — it's about energy efficiency. While power tools have their place, most of my work happens with human energy, sharp tools, and patience.

Packaging Responsibility

Every order ships in:

  • Reused cardboard from my suppliers
  • Recycled paper padding instead of plastic
  • Biodegradable tape made from natural materials
  • Minimal packaging that protects without excess

Local Impact

Working within the local area means:

  • Reduced transport emissions from materials and finished goods — 75% of the wood used in our products is sourced within 20 minutes walk from the workshop.
  • Supporting local ecosystem management by using pruned, coppiced and managed materials
  • Building community connections with local conservationists, tree surgeons and gardeners

The Bigger Picture: Forests as Climate Heroes

Choosing reclaimed wood connects to one of our planet's most crucial climate solutions. Forests are extraordinary climate regulators — they absorb CO², moderate temperatures, preserve water systems, and support biodiversity that helps ecosystems adapt to change.

Consider these facts:

  • Forests absorb about 2.6 gigatons of CO² annually — roughly one-third of CO² emissions from fossil fuel burning
  • Deforestation accounts for about 10% of global CO² emissions
  • Old-growth forests store significantly more carbon than managed plantations
  • Forest ecosystems support 80% of terrestrial biodiversity

When we reduce pressure on these systems — even in small ways — we contribute to their ability to help stabilise our climate.

Making Sustainable Choices at Home

You don't need to be a craftsperson to make forest-friendly choices. Here are ways to embrace the reclaimed wood philosophy:

When Buying Wood Items:

  • Ask about sourcing — where did this wood come from?
  • Choose reclaimed or vintage pieces when possible
  • Support local craftspeople using sustainable materials
  • Invest in quality that will last generations rather than disposable items

In Your Garden:

  • Save pruned branches for craft projects or offer to local makers
  • Compost wood chips from tree work instead of discarding
  • Plant native trees to contribute to local forest ecosystems
  • Support wildlife with dead wood habitat in garden corners

In Your Community:

  • Connect local tree surgeons with makers and crafters
  • Share unwanted wood through community groups
  • Support businesses with transparent sustainability practices
  • Advocate for urban forest protection in planning decisions

The Joy of Imperfection

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of working with reclaimed materials is embracing imperfection. The knot that a furniture factory would discard becomes the focal point of a unique piece. The early stages of bacterial growth in a long neglected piece of wood in the garden creates stunning spalted grain patterns. The weathered surface that machines would sand away tells a story of resilience.

This philosophy extends beyond materials to life itself. In a culture obsessed with perfection and uniformity, choosing handcrafted items from reclaimed materials is a quiet rebellion — a statement that beauty comes not from flawlessness, but from authenticity, history, and the patient work of human hands collaborating with nature.

Looking Forward: A Forest-Friendly Future

Imagine a future where every piece of wood in our homes has a story of thoughtful use rather than thoughtless consumption. Where craftspeople and homeowners alike consider the forests behind their materials. Where "waste" wood becomes treasure, and every grain line connects us to the natural world that sustains us.

This isn't just environmental idealism — it's practical hope. Every time we choose reclaimed over new, local over distant, handcrafted over mass-produced, we cast a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.

At Bough & Burrow, every piece I create is a small act of forest preservation. When you bring one of my handcrafted items into your home, you're not just decorating — you're participating in a story of sustainability, craft, and care for the natural world.

What story will your next purchase tell? Explore our collection of forest-friendly home decor, crafted with love for both beauty and the planet.

Join the conversation: Share your own sustainable living tips using #BoughAndBurrowSustainable