The Full Circle: Edition 19
Editor’s letter
Welcome to the 19th edition of the Full Circle for Summer 2025. We managed to pull articles from all over the wood spectrum for you this edition, and I want to thank everyone who contributed and gave up their time to put together the stories we have in this journal.
From the ASHS membership we have an introduction to Burty’s Timber and Winton Estate, some of our newest members now set up in Perthshire. We have a guide to powered respirators for those members reassessing their HSE policies and equipment. Johnny Stableford also shares with us the key bits of kit that he relies on for his work and his chainsaw art. Ben Moore walks us through the upcoming sawmilling course created by a group of ASHS members, which should hopefully be available soon.
We have some great articles from members of academia giving us insights into their research. Beth Moore from the James Hutton Institute gives us a look into the poorly understood world of tree microbiomes, Marlene Cramer explains research into hardwood timber strength, and Dr. Jeremy Franks on commercialising timber on agricultural land.
We also have a response to our article in the previous edition on rewilding and hardwood timber production, with Tom Coates giving a different perspective, emphasising the need to ensure secure homegrown timber supply. Finally, Kieran Leigh-Moy covers his work on ghost woodlands, a rare and precious category of woodland in need of protection.
I would like to thank our members and our advertisers for helping make this journal possible. Additionally, I very much want to thank Stephanie Christie for creating such a beautiful journal.
Johannes Schamp, Editor
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The Full Circle is released twice per year, for a subscription rate of £14 per year.
In this issue:
ASHS News & Updates
Key updates and developments from across the ASHS network, including member activity, industry news, and organisational announcements shaping the hardwood and premium softwood sector.
New Member Profile – Burty’s Timber
An introduction to Burty’s Timber, one of ASHS’s newest members based in Perthshire, outlining their background, route into forestry and sawmilling, and early experiences establishing their business.
Toolbox Talk – Chainsaw Carving Kit Essentials
Chainsaw artist Johnny Stableford shares the core tools and equipment he relies on in his carving work, offering practical insight into the kit choices that support both creative and operational work.
Respirator Chat – Air-Fed Protection and HSE Compliance
In response to increasing HSE attention across sawmills, this article reviews the growing use of air-fed respiratory protection systems and explores how different setups are being used to improve operator safety in dusty environments.
Building from England’s Woodlands – Hardwood Research Programme
An overview of a major UK research programme investigating the structural properties and potential uses of home-grown hardwoods. The work builds on historic forestry trials to support modern engineered timber products and expand the role of underutilised native species in construction.
Options for Commercial Management of Small-Scale UK Farm Woodland
A practical exploration of how small woodland owners can generate value from timber resources, comparing approaches from standing timber sales through to on-site processing, firewood production, and small-scale milling operations.
Striking a Balance – Productive Forests for Nature Recovery
A discussion on how UK forestry can balance timber production with biodiversity and climate objectives, highlighting the role of well-managed productive forests in meeting rising demand while supporting wider environmental goals.
Saving Scotland’s Ghost Woodlands
An examination of “ghost woodlands” — degraded ancient woodlands with limited regeneration — and current efforts to restore them through reduced browsing pressure and landscape-scale approaches to woodland recovery.
The Role of the Microbiome in Tree Health
A look at emerging research into tree microbiomes and their influence on disease resilience, exploring how microbial communities interact within trees and how they may shape future approaches to woodland health management.
A Role for Estate Forestry – Winton Estate Case Study
A profile of Winton Estate in East Lothian, where continuous cover forestry, estate-scale management, and on-site timber processing are being integrated to create a diversified and productive woodland business model.
ASHS Sawmilling Course – Online Training Initiative
An introduction to a new ASHS-developed online training course designed to support entry into sawmilling, combining structured modules, practical industry knowledge, and peer discussion to build foundational skills.
Working Woods Scotland Course – Practical Forestry Training
A reflection on the ASHS Working Woods Scotland course, offering hands-on experience in woodland management, timber assessment, and sawmilling practice through immersive field-based learning.
