Sustainable firewood gathering.

Every year, I cut and split roughly two bush cords of wood which is used to heat my home. I always do this task during the winter months.  

A bush cord is measured as: 4 feet high, 4 feet deep and 8 feet long. Which is 128 cubic feet in volume. 

I haul the wood back to my dry-shed which houses 4 bush cords, this ensures that I have well seasoned wood to burn when the thermometer plunges.  

Winter is the best time of the year to collect firewood for many reasons. To name a few - damage to the land is minimized, (high importance in my opinion) the logs are easier to split and it is easier to drag the firewood out of the bush.   

I love working in the forest. It's a meditation of sorts. The stillness of the woods and the cold fresh air combine to create a perfect environment in which you can lose the cloak that society places on your back.  


I filmed this as a tutorial. My technique is safe but not perfect. I have had several close encounters with the dangerous end of the axe. I always work alone and therefore I would be in big trouble should I become injured. I do the best I can to stay focused on the job at hand.  

I only use wood from trees which have been toppled or broken by high winds and bug infestations. This has supplied me with wood for 30 years and has kept the forest healthy. 

With all that said, I hope you enjoy a few minutes of wood gathering in Algonquin Highlands. 

I have used the axe shown in this photo for at least 15 years. Three handles later, it is the best I have ever used.