Nestled in the bonnie Cumbrian countryside, Backbarrow has a long and storied past when it comes to woodcutting. For centuries, the ring of the axe and the rasp of the saw echoed through the valleys, a testament to the vital role this craft played in the lives of its people. Imagine the sharp scent of pine filling the air as villagers felled trees, the thud of the axe biting into wood, and the satisfying crack as a log split cleanly in two. This wasn’t just some weekend hobby – it was as essential as a good cuppa, providing the fuel that kept Backbarrow’s homes and businesses humming.
Picture this: hearths crackling with freshly chopped logs, sending sparks dancing up the chimney and casting a warm glow on faces gathered around. The air, thick with the aroma of woodsmoke, carried the sounds of laughter and stories shared as families huddled against the winter chill. That was life in Backbarrow back in the day, and the trusty tools of the trade were the axe, the saw, and maybe even a well-placed wedge or two.
The trusty axe: This wasn’t your fancy garden chopper. Backbarrow’s woodcutters wielded axes honed for the job, their blades gleaming in the sunlight. Different types were used for felling towering trees or splitting stubborn logs, each swing a testament to the woodcutter’s skill and strength.
The two-person saw: For those real whoppers of trees, teamwork made the dream work. Imagine two burly chaps working a long saw, the metallic rhythm of their labour echoing through the woods, their breath misting in the cold air.
The humble wedge: Don’t underestimate the simple wedge! The sharp tang of iron met the rough texture of wood as a well-placed tap with a hammer could split a log right down the middle, making firewood prep a breeze.
Then came the 19th century, chugging in with the Furness Railway. Coal, dark and plentiful, arrived on the scene, offering a more convenient source of fuel. The rhythmic chug of the steam engine and the shriek of its whistle heralded a new era, and slowly but surely, woodcutting took a back seat.
But here’s the thing, Backbarrow wouldn’t be Backbarrow without a bit of tradition. Woodcutting is still around, albeit on a smaller scale. Folks still use it for firewood, that lovely, natural warmth that just can’t be replicated by a flick of a switch. And while those old-fashioned axes and saws might still be making an appearance, there’s a good chance you’ll also see a modern chainsaw or two – progress, eh? The whine of the chainsaw now joins the ancient chorus of the forest, a modern echo of a timeless craft.
So next time you’re in Backbarrow, take a moment to appreciate the history that lingers in the air. Close your eyes and listen. Can you hear the echoes of the axe and the whisper of the saw? It’s a place where the rhythm of chopping and sawing once echoed through the woods, a reminder of a time when resourcefulness and hard graft were the cornerstones of daily life.