AN ANCIENT way of life in the New Forest has been revived - thanks to one of the area’s oldest hotels.

The 18th century Bell Inn at Brook has raised more than £30,000 for the New Forest Trust by collecting donations from guests and diners.

Some of the cash secured over the past ten years has gone to the award-winning Pondhead Conservation Trust (PCT).

The grant enabled the PCT to breathe new life into the Forest’s historic charcoal industry by installing a modern, environmentally-friendly kiln to burn hazel and birch.

The result is high quality BBQ charcoal which is sold through through hotels, shops and other outlets in the Lyndhurst area.

The PCT’s founder, Dave Dibden, said: “When we started this project in 2014 we were heavily reliant and extremely grateful for any donations, and were delighted when we were able to purchase the kiln.

“The charcoal we produce is high quality that lights easily and burns evenly, and is even used by artists for drawing.”

The PCT is one of the good causes which have received a Love the Forest grant from the New Forest Trust.

William Ziegler, chairman of the trust, said: “The New Forest is indebted to anyone who donates to these great causes. They’re hugely important to the long-term wellbeing of our cultural and environmental heritage.”

The Bell Inn is former coaching inn which is owned by Robert Crosthwaite Eyre.

He said: “We sincerely grateful to all our guests who have contributed to this significant sum – we can’t thank them enough.

“We’re always keen to do what we can and it never ceases to amaze me how guests support getting involved, helping us ensure we maintain this special place where people work, live and visit, for generations to come.”

Charcoal burners are thought to have operated in the Forest since the Bronze Age and possibly before.

Historians say it was charcoal that enabled tin and copper to be smelted together to create the bronze that defined the Bronze Age.

A charcoal burner called Purkiss found the body of William Rufus following his mysterious death in 1079 and used his cart to take the corpse to Winchester.

The industry declined in the 19th century, with coal and coke taking the place of charcoal, and appears to have died out in the early 20th century.

It enjoyed a brief revival during the Second World War, when charcoal was needed for gas mask filters.