Silver Birch Tree

[Zammo]

Just wondering does a Silver Birch tree have the same properties as a Downy Birch tree i.e can I tap it and does the bark produce good tinder?

 

[dommyracer]

Yes yes and thrice yes!

 

[bambodoggy]

Yes yes and thrice yes!

Spot on....and if anything the downy birch gives better bark for firelighting

 

[dommyracer]

Bam, did you say that the right way round? The Downy Birch gives better bark for firelighting?

I'll have to try that next time I see one, I've not really gone for them before, have just headed straight for the (easily spottable) silvers...

 

[bambodoggy]

Bam, did you say that the right way round? The Downy Birch gives better bark for firelighting?

I'll have to try that next time I see one, I've not really gone for them before, have just headed straight for the (easily spottable) silvers...

Yes mate, that's certainly been my experience.....however saying that there really isn't much in it and I wouldn't walk more than an extra few paces past a silver to get to a downy if that makes sence.
Now if you can find a paper birch (mostly in gardens but a few wild hybrids) then you're laughing as they really are the bestest ever! lol

 

[gregorach]

Interesting - there's quite a bit of paper birch around where I work, and while it sheds really impressive quantities of paper-thin bark, I find it catches a spark slightly less easily than silver birch bark. However, that's probably offset by greater ease of gathering and preparation...

Copper birch, on the other hand, is absolutely pants.

 

[bambodoggy]

Interesting - there's quite a bit of paper birch around where I work, and while it sheds really impressive quantities of paper-thin bark, I find it catches a spark slightly less easily than silver birch bark. However, that's probably offset by greater ease of gathering and preparation...

Copper birch, on the other hand, is absolutely pants.

Lol...it is very easy to collect isn't it! Massive sheets of the stuff! I find it easier to shread too.

The other birch that is pants is the Cherry Birch, I couldn't get that to go even with a match! lol

 

[dommyracer]

Nice one Bam, every day's a schoolday.

There's a fair few paper birches on the streets of London, have often thought about grabbing a handful as I walk past.

 

[bambodoggy]

There's a fair few paper birches on the streets of London, have often thought about grabbing a handful as I walk past.

You should do mate, I always do.....much to the amusement of the other tree boys I'm with

 

[pothunter]

Slightly different angle, took mans best friend for his daily hobble across the common at lunchtime, local council have been ‘tidying up’ the birch trees. Where two or three trees come from the same stump they have cut these back to one the consequence being that there are pools of sap, it is running from the stumps almost continuously.

By doing this at this time of year I guess the tress will just bleed to death and we will have no silver birch on the common.

Makes me mad!