Hi all and sorry for taking so long responding.
Hope Christmas was as good as could be
Thanks for your ideas. The idea of tucking a few pieces away in dark places sounds interesting, might dabble with that one.
When I get some failures I'll try not to cry to much. Well, all the wood has been free so far so lucky in that respect.
I'll get some scales and start recording their weights and go from there and see how things go.
I've been expanding my drying area in an old 4 x 3 x 7ft tall wooden shed which I've insulated and stacked out with rails.
Thought I'd start with a 100W light bulb to keep the frost and damp at bay.
Fingers crossed.
Thanks again
Dave.