Woodchip for Livestock Bedding

High quality woodchip is a sound and viable alternative to straw for livestock bedding. Our wood chip is sourced locally from virgin, whole tree wood and is free from contaminates.

Here are some advantages of woodchip over straw:

Durability under pressure

Woodchip doesn’t collapse as quickly as straw. Where straw snaps and mats down into a soggy pancake, woodchip keeps its structure longer, especially in high-traffic areas like gateways, feed troughs, and loafing zones.

Advantage
Firmer footing, less churn, fewer muddy craters.

Better longevity

A bed of straw often needs frequent topping up or full replacement. Woodchip breaks down more slowly, so it can last weeks or months depending on stocking density and weather.

Advantage
Fewer bedding changes, lower labour over time.

Reduced waste volume

Because woodchip lasts longer and compacts less dramatically, you usually remove less material overall compared to straw bedding that gets fouled quickly.

Advantage
Smaller muck heaps and fewer loads to move.

Less palatable to livestock

Animals love to nibble straw. Woodchip is not on the menu.

Advantage
Bedding stays bedding, not a snack that disappears overnight.

Good performance outdoors

For outdoor pads, sacrifice areas, and wintering yards, woodchip sheds water better than straw and doesn’t blow away as easily.

Advantage
Drier surfaces in wet weather.

Easier composting in some systems

Woodchip mixed with manure creates a carbon-rich compost that can be useful for soil conditioning, especially when managed over longer composting cycles.

Advantage
Valuable end product rather than fast-rotting sludge.

Bulk delivery – call for quote. All prices exclude VAT.

Jim Godwin: 07955 279823
sales@chessgrovewoodchip.co.uk