Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

This paper presents information gathered so far researching woodland charcoal in England, as part of the work being undertaken for the EU-COST Action 22155 Network for Forest By-products: Potash, Tar, Resin and Charcoal (PoTaRCh). It covers a range of themes relating to England’s woodland charcoal production and its producers, both past and present. It begins with an introduction to charcoal production history, its
methods, and uses, as well as considering the types of evidence – both historical and archaeological. It introduces the work as part of a Europe-wide glossary, compiling the modern and historical terms (with definitions) associated with charcoal production and its producers. It also presents an exploration into social and cultural references of charcoal production, from place and family names to literary references and descriptions, as well as looking at the representation of this heritage within current museum and trails. Finally, and importantly, it describes the character, status and uses of modern woodland charcoal, as a quality, sustainable product.