Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Forest Master
What started with “just a couple of axes and some bags that had been donated” is now a lifeline for dozens of vulnerable households across Northumberland.
The Northumberland Log Bank, a volunteer-run charity based just outside Haydon Bridge, has evolved into an essential service – processing, packing, and delivering seasoned logs to people who would otherwise be unable to heat their homes.
And we at Forest Master are honoured to support that mission.
“We secured this farm…”
The Log Bank began humbly when they started their operation in 2019 in rural surroundings with little equipment or adequate storage for the logs, as Janice Murtough, a volunteer, shared.
“We started on a working farm with just a couple of axes and some bags that been donated and then about two, three years ago we secured this farm here.”
That move brought with it “much better facilities,” allowing volunteers to take in more wood donations and work more efficiently. Today, they process firewood year-round, cutting, splitting, seasoning, and delivering logs to those who have been in touch and are currently struggling with the current climate.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look
At their site, volunteers receive timber – ideally hardwood – but they’ll take softwood too. Fiona Read, who is the Administrator at Northumberland Log Bank, breaks down the process from the charity to obtaining logs and wood to getting it out to those who require it, is detailed and hands-on:
“We bring it to our premises here, where we have a back area to store the wood. If it’s unseasoned, we’ll hold it longer,”
“For Seasoned wood, we’ll start to cut down with chainsaws into manageable rounds. We then bring them over to the log splitters, take them down into manageable log sizes for the burners and fires we’re supplying.”
From there, logs are stored in piles to season further before being bagged up and delivered in winter. It’s a cycle powered entirely by community and generosity.
Forest Master’s Role
We’ve supplied the Northumberland Log Bank with equipment over the years, and we maintain them, also. But the relationship has gone beyond that into design, innovation, and helping to simplify the day-to-day for volunteers. Richard Symm, who also volunteers at the charity, has
“The role of Forest Master has been invaluable to the Log Bank, without a shadow of a doubt.”
“Not only have they supplied us the log splitters, they maintain them for us. Really, it’s across the board. The help has just been invaluable.”
Recently, we have supplied mesh bags that not only enable them to bag it directly, but the design of them enhances and speeds up the seasoning process.
Delivering More Than Firewood
Beyond the tools, the bags, and the wood, what the Log Bank truly delivers is relief, especially to those struggling in isolated or cold homes during the winter months.
They work through rain, snow, and freezing temperatures to make sure no one is left in the cold.
And we’re proud to be behind them every step of the way.
Want to Help?
The Northumberland Log Bank runs entirely on volunteers and donations. If you’d like to support them, whether that’s by donating spare wood, bags, equipment, or your time, please use the information below to get in touch.
📞 To volunteer or donate: 0747 056 4442
📞 To apply for logs: 01670 620015
📧 NCT@northumberland.gov.uk
🌐 northumberlandlogbank.org
