Category: Journal

Patience By Dammy Ponnuthurai

charnwoodstoves
02 Apr 2025

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
Romans 8:25

Whenever I embark on a household chore, I have a small struggle with myself. It is a necessary maintenance that we all have in our homes, and since my mind is always full, the clarity of order around me is an essential condition for my habitable space. In her podcast ‘The curious history of your home’, Ruth Goodman charts the evolution of once time consuming domestic tasks, such as, say, dishwashing, which was once achieved through grit and hard work, to the modern day dishwasher. Maybe these mundane, but now less time consuming tasks, are really an instruction in patience. Few of us, I imagine, intentionally wake up in the morning, with the intention of honing our moral armour, but patience really is an essential part of any success that we hope for in other aspects of our lives.

Nature commands us to pause, as the light now shines brightly through Spring days, the trees sharing their new blossoms we can gaze in wonder, just pause and enjoy. It asks nothing of us in terms of doing, but really it’s simply about being. My lack of patience is often driven by time. Recently, I have had many passing conversations with neighbours and friends about how the days are so rapidly progressing, with winter almost a trail in the mist, particularly as we experience waves of rising temperatures. Though the magic of nature’s changes is that they are not driven by controlled and exacting timings, but by a natural process of change, such as first daffodils, budding daisies and new goslings. However, nature’s changes, unlike our sense of planned time, seem to take place when timing marries, with the sense of gentle patience. This observation might allow us to take the same time in our days, where we can accept pause and waiting despite the time pressures that feel heightened by the phones in our pockets.

The button or automation, might have saved us from days spent consumed by menial tasks, but on the other hand the ready convenience we have at our fingertips to complete tasks perhaps robs us of our ability to practice patience. The way this convenience has penetrated our daily lives, with digital tools working to make time more efficient and money saved, is beginning to have a lasting impact on our patience. There is a chartered shift to our mindset, which has been illustrated by OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) research spanning the last ten years around our abilities to process and apply information. We have moved from self-directed activity, in which we are using the web as a tool for research, to the now constant, passive, consumption of social feeds. This surely has a detrimental effect not only on an ability to understand information, but also on our patient ability to actually question and enquire as someone else now does the work for us. The patient trait of questioning seems an important trait for us to keep within our culture of daily notifications.

Often in the process of working alone, there is a sort of impatience, the intensity of work surrounds me without the distractions and alliance provided by chats with colleagues over the kettle. But for me in those moments, a household chore that provides me with much joy is that of lighting the stove for it is like a return to earth, and a nice way to slow my natural impatience. There is a simplicity and inherent analogue nature at the heart of composing a fire. Laying the kindling, gathering the logs and lighting a fire is a patient ritual, but in this ritual, there is no feeling of impatience to complete it as soon as possible. There is something that removes this task from the uninviting to do list, as it brings me into the moment and a true enjoyment of the task at hand.

Maybe there is learning in this moment of thoughtfulness. We mostly all agree that the uncertainty of the world affects us all in different ways, but with uncertainty comes a knowledge that there is so little we can control. So perhaps the answer lies in slowing down, being drawn back to looking around us, and, for me, the lighting of a stove is a temptress into that moment of patience.

Why Choose Charnwood?

For over 50 years, Charnwood has been a leader in crafting high-quality wood-burning stoves. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction ensures that we offer products that not only meet but exceed expectations. Whether you’re looking for a traditional stove or the advanced Skye E700, Charnwood has the perfect solution to keep your home warm and spark a moment of patience.

For more information or to explore our range of stoves, visit our website or speak to an official Charnwood dealer for guidance on what will best suit your space and other requirements.

 

Five Minutes with Helen Cunningham of Tiny Homes

charnwoodstoves
19 Mar 2025

Dammy Ponnuthurai talks with the founder of Tiny Homes Holiday cabins situated on the edge of an ancient woodland on the beautiful Isle of Wight.

1) Helen, you and your husband have a long history with the essence of providing holiday spaces that capture slow living. What made you so interested in this type of hospitality?

I founded Vintage Vacations with my late husband Frazer – one of the first Glamping Businesses in the UK. We loved the model and it was a success but we were on the look out for a way to take the Glamping ethos a bit further and also be open all year round to be a truly sustainable business. We’d been a fan of the eco mindset of Tiny Homes – live more simply, use only what you need and live sustainably. We opened for business in 2017.

2) How important are the materials you use within your cabins to help holiday makers with their intentions to slow down?

 

Aesthetically, the internal use of natural materials such as wood does give a sense of calm and blends in with our surroundings. Soft colours are used and also some recycled materials and vintage accessories that imbibe a cosy, almost nostalgic feel of calmness.

3) Why do you think the philosophy of ‘tiny home’ living is so good for well being?

 

One of the things that our guests notice, especially families, is that living more simply and closer together revives the art of conversation.

In a smaller space you have to be mindful of clutter and be quite organised and you really only can have limited ‘stuff’ – the William Morris “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” is a golden rule. It is very liberating to downsize. Most Tiny Homes, including ours, embrace eco living – solar power, compost toilets, reed beds, waste recycling etc.

4) Why is the stove such an important focal point to the Tiny Home holiday experience?

 

Our stoves are the only source of heating in the cabins so they really earn their keep. Some guests have never used a wood burning stove before and enjoy getting to understand how they work. It’s so cosy watching the fire gently blaze and creates a sense of well being. It’s a welcome change from screen watching.

5) Do you have any tips for us at home on how to make our lives slower?

Most of us are guilty of too much screen time and I for one certainly notice the benefit of switching off for even a few hours. Cooking even a simple meal from scratch is calming and beneficial and communal eating is surely one of life’s most rewarding pleasures. All our Tiny Homes have full kitchens, and they certainly get used!

For more information about Tiny Homes Holidays you can visit their website here or follow on their socials.

Spring Cleaning by Dammy Ponnuthurai

charnwoodstoves
14 Mar 2025

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Traditionally, January is the month of resolutions. However, the lofty promises we make ourselves often become dashed by the foreboding darkness of the winter gloom that cascades around us. There is something about the stillness of January and February, the time before we can greet the first buds of spring, that helps with a certain stillness. This stillness can teach us a valuable lesson, that maybe doing nothing is to do something. Perhaps there is an opportunity for heightened sensitivity towards not just our immediate environment, but also the wider world . To really make a meaningful resolution, we need to be considerate of that resolution, not just to our individual self, but the people, together with the flora, fungi and fauna that are an integral part of our co-existence on the planet.

This may feel, on the face of it, a mighty task, because with the overwhelming catalogues of information and distractions we have at our fingertips, it can be hard to imagine a time for such thoughtful discernment. The magnitude required to think in a sustainable way seems hard within the daily list of responsibilities and chores we work our way through.

However, as those light filled days arrive, there is a new motivation in us all to spring forward. The light seems almost to be a surprise. It is expressed by passersby on a walk as they mention the blue that can be seen in the sky, as unfamiliar as an alien spaceship. In their voices, the type of joy that is comparable to a child first discovering Christmas. We all begin to smile more, and then as the light touches through our homes, we see the effects of our winter hibernation. For me, I can see dust that has been previously ignored, as if these particles are dancing to the sun’s beams. A kind of resurrected need for action can maybe be applied to our to-do lists. Thus, spring cleaning.

In simple terms, this could be a time to clean our chimneys. Some of us are confident to do this ourselves, but, in the spirit of collaboration, my personal preference is to seek out an expert. I particularly welcome these visits, not only because it is a practical and necessary task that improves our environment, but also as a welcome distraction to those of us who, like me, work remotely. These annual visits allow time for a meaningful exchange with a visitor who I would otherwise seldom interact with. There is something incredibly interesting about listening to those that we don’t share common day to day experiences with. We are all told that reading fiction improves our ability to empathise, but listening to the stories of others is like empathy in action.

This small, practical task is one example of so many that stretches to serve our own home, but also to improve the planet we share. My children love to mock me with the sing-song catch phrase “sharing is caring”, but actually, deep within that hackneyed platitude is a deep truth that in itself creates light and simple daily resolutions. Puerto Rican artist Soffia Gallisa Muriente describes the value of these more unpredictable encounters, as she speaks of their transformative quality of how we find community in unexpected, rather than controlled ways.

Maybe part of the language of our own resolutions are trapped in the words themselves. Many indigenous languages have rooted within them a connection to the senses and the stories of the landscape itself. In his book The Spell of the Sensuous, author David Abram says that this connection to our senses may be captured by the telling of oral stories which connects us back to the natural world. He says, “in hearing or telling the story we vicariously live it, and the travails of the characters embed themselves into our own flesh.”

So, as I consider a spring clean of the dust, it is with new consideration that I address those resolutions of January and reach out to share them in a way that also helps nurture the world around me. Starting with, maybe, a storytelling morning breakfast or one after a shared dinner, most ideally by the flickering flames of a wood burning stove.

Why Modern Wood-Burning Stoves Are Key to Energy Security & Resilience—The Perfect Backup Heat Source

charnwoodstoves
18 Feb 2025

With recent proposals from anti-wood-burning lobbyists seeking to phase out wood-burning stoves by 2030, it’s critical to examine why such a move would be a profound act of self-sabotage for the nation. Modern wood-burning stoves are far more than a nostalgic nod to tradition—they are an essential, balanced solution that supports energy security, sustainability, and resilience in an increasingly uncertain world. 

Acceptable air quality: A balanced perspective

We must recognise that a certain level of particulate matter, including PM2.5, in the air is both inevitable and compatible with human flourishing. Zero emissions is not realistically achievable; they are a natural by-product of human progress, innovation, and the resilience needed to adapt to an ever-changing world. All energy sources have their challenges somewhere along the line—whether it’s fossil fuels, renewables, or biomass. While we can and should optimise systems to reduce their impact, no single solution can eliminate all problems.

Current UK PM2.5 levels are well within acceptable limits across the vast majority of the country. In fact the latest data shows that PM2.5 emissions for domestic combustion have fallen by 7% compared to the 2022 figures (1). However, it is true that there are isolated areas where poor practices—such as open fires, old stoves, wet wood, and bonfires—contribute disproportionately to localised pollution. These are the areas that demand targeted change, not blanket bans on all forms of wood-burning. Modern wood stoves, designed to Ecodesign standards, are a sensible part of the solution, significantly reducing emissions and improving air quality, while also adding energy security.

A blanket ban to drive emissions below already acceptable levels risks compromising one of our most valuable and dependable heating options. By focusing on optimising and encouraging responsible practices, we can balance environmental and health concerns with the practical needs of society, ensuring energy resilience and progress go hand in hand.

Energy insecurity is a real and present threat

 

The UK faces an alarming vulnerability in energy security. Recent reports from Centrica warned that “plunging temperatures and high demand for gas-fired power stations had reduced UK winter gas storage to concerningly low levels.” With the nation only holding enough gas storage for 7.5 winter days—compared to France’s 103 days and the Netherlands’ 123 days—this shortfall highlights the fragility of our energy supply (2).

With energy prices remaining volatile and power outages an ever-present risk, reliable alternatives are more critical than ever. Modern wood stoves offer households a degree of independence and safety, allowing them to stay warm and even cook if the grid goes down. They can also help stabilise energy demand, reducing pressure on overstretched resources.

Realistic scenarios: The bigger picture

1/ Rising Energy Prices
Banning wood-burning would force households reliant on sustainable wood fuel to shift to mains energy, inevitably increasing demand and driving up costs for everyone. This would disproportionately affect vulnerable households.

2/Extreme Weather
Scientists have warned of imminent potential changes to ocean currents—such as the collapse of the Gulf Stream—that could drop temperatures by up to 10–15°C (3). Heat pumps, already less effective in older homes, would struggle even more in these colder conditions, further straining the grid. Promoting modern stoves (and good practices) now is essential to prevent a panicked return to high-pollution open fires or wet wood in crisis scenarios.

3/Conflict and Global Disruption
Geopolitical tensions can disrupt supply lines for gas, oil, or even electricity and battery supply. Locally sourced firewood offers households a viable backup if other energy sources become unaffordable or scarce.

4/Sustainable Forest Management
Positive wood-burning encourages responsible forestry practices—supporting biodiversity, reducing forest fire risk, and maintaining healthy woodlands. Co-heating solutions, combining wood stoves with renewables, offer a practical, eco-friendly path forward (4).

5/ Sensible Policy
In London, it’s estimated that around 70% of domestic wood-burning still takes place on open fireplaces, which can emit up to 90% more pollutants than modern, high-efficiency stoves (5). Converting those open fires to cleaner-burning models would dramatically cut emissions in the capital, while still preserving a vital, resilient source of heat.

Storm clustering is a growing concern

 

Increasingly frequent and severe storm clustering events underscore the need for robust, grid-independent heating options. One recent example is Storm Eowyn, the fifth named storm of the season, which made headlines with wind gusts recorded at 114 mph in Ireland and 100 mph in Scotland (6). Alongside other recent storms—Herminia and Ivo—Eowyn caused significant disruption to power grids, public transport, and everyday life.

Storm clustering is not just about a single event; it’s about multiple, potentially overlapping storms hitting in quick succession. These conditions can leave people without power for days, emphasising why a dependable heating source that does not rely solely on electricity is invaluable.

Wood stoves vs battery storage? A false dichotomy

Some anti-wood-burners propose battery storage as the alternative to wood stoves in emergencies. It’s not an either-or scenario; both can be valuable parts of a diversified, resilient energy system. In fact, combining a modern wood stove with battery storage makes sense:

•Wood stoves can cover your emergency heating and cooking needs
•Battery storage can then be reserved for essential electricity usage (e.g., lights, refrigeration, medical equipment) extending battery life.

Practical limitations of battery storage for a balanced perspective

•Reliance on Raw Materials
Large-scale battery production depends on finite mineral resources, often sourced from countries where labour practices may be inhumane. Reports suggest a significant percentage of key battery minerals involve child or forced labour (7).

•Limited Capacity
Especially in winter, when solar generation is low, a typical home battery may only provide electricity for a limited number of hours—insufficient for a prolonged power cut.

•Longevity & Disposal
Batteries degrade over time, raising questions about disposal

•Scaling Issues
Supplying enough batteries for every household in the UK is questionable at best, given raw material constraints, the costs involved and ethical concerns in supply chains.

During Storm Eowyn, high winds brought extensive power outages. Even a robust battery system would have struggled past a few days without sufficient solar recharge or grid backup. In contrast, a wood stove keeps a household warm and can even be used for cooking, allowing limited battery power to last longer for critical electrical needs.

Safety in extreme weather

In the rare event of a once-in-a-generation storm with winds above 100 mph, caution is advised during the peak of the storm—avoid using any open flues or appliances if conditions are this extreme. However, once the peak has subsided, a properly installed modern stove can safely and effectively provide heat, during the subsequent power outage.

•Up to 80 mph: A well-installed stove can typically be used with confidence.
•Above 80 mph: Storms of this magnitude are rare and usually short-lived. In some cases, it may be prudent to wait out the fiercest period before relighting.
•After the Storm: Power lines often remain down for days, as seen in storms such as Arwen (2021) and now Eowyn. Having a wood stove during that prolonged outage can be a genuine lifeline.

The solution: Positive wood-burning

 
wood burning stoves

Positive wood-burning represents a practical, balanced approach to energy resilience (8):

1/Move Away from Open Fires
Promote modern, Ecodesign-compliant stoves. This alone could reduce London’s wood-burning emissions by a dramatic margin.

2/Dry, Seasoned Wood
Use sustainably sourced, properly dried wood. Wet wood not only emits more pollutants but is also less efficient.

3/Enforced Standards
Ensure stoves are professionally installed and maintained to meet stringent safety and emissions requirements.

A sustainable future

Modern wood stoves are an indispensable part of a resilient energy system. They offer not only comfort and security but also a truly sustainable heating source, actively supporting local economies and responsible forest management. At Charnwood, we believe the future of energy must be grounded in balance—where practicality and innovation meet environmental responsibility.

As we deepen our understanding of air quality and emissions, we remain committed to refining and developing new stove technologies that further reduce emissions. This proactive approach ensures that wood-burning continues to evolve as part of the solution, not the problem. By investing in advanced systems and best practices, we can address environmental concerns without sacrificing the benefits that modern wood-burning brings to households across the country.

Britain’s energy future is undeniably uncertain, marked by volatile prices, climatic shifts, and geopolitical risks. Yet with responsible practices, cutting-edge innovation, and evidence-based strategies, we can safeguard modern wood-burning as a reliable, sustainable option for generations to come. It is this balance—between tradition and progress—that will enable us all to face the challenges of tomorrow with more confidence.

Sources & Further Reading

1/https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/emissions-of-air-pollutants/emissions-of-air-pollutants-in-the-uk-particulate-matter-pm10-and-pm25

2/https://www.centrica.com/media-centre/news/2025/perfect-storm-reduces-uk-winter-gas-storage-to-concerningly-low-levels/

3/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66289494

4/https://www.charnwood.com/news/the-role-of-sustainable-wood-fuel-in-woodland-management-insights-from-sandi-toksvig/#

5/https://stoveindustryassociation.org/consumer-advice/positive-wood-burning/

6/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd0j7meyxyvo

7/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/23/revealed-uk-solar-projects-using-panels-from-firms-linked-to-xinjiang-forced-labour

8/https://stoveindustryassociation.org/sia-launches-positivewoodburning-campaign/

 

The Role of Sustainable Wood Fuel in Woodland Management: Insights from Sandi Toksvig

charnwoodstoves
11 Feb 2025

Owning a woodland might seem like a dream scenario, with restorative walks among the trees and the peaceful sounds of nature soothing the soul. However, as Sandi Toksvig discovered when she became the custodian of a 15-acre ancient woodland, managing it responsibly requires hard work, knowledge, and a sustainable approach to maintenance.

One of the most eye-opening lessons Sandi shares in her recent video, produced by Cumbria Woodlands, is that sometimes, the best thing for a woodland is actually cutting down some of the trees and selling that wood as fuel. This idea may seem counterintuitive to some, but if you read on we’ll explain how this process can play a key role in maintaining a healthy, thriving ecosystem!

Why sustainable woodland management matters

 

Sandi’s woodland, like many others across the UK, had been left unmanaged for generations. Over time, this led to overcrowding, blocking vital light from reaching the forest floor and actually stifling biodiversity. Without active intervention, woodlands can become dense, dark, and imbalanced, limiting the growth of wildflowers, saplings, and the rich variety of wildlife that depends on a healthy, diverse habitat.

Good woodland management involves selective felling, which removes weaker, overcrowded, or diseased trees to create some space for younger trees to flourish. The question then is what happens to the wood that’s cut? Rather than letting it go to waste, turning it into sustainable firewood offers a practical solution that closes the loop, helping both the woodland and the wider community.

How selling firewood supports woodland health

One of the key takeaways from Sandi’s journey is the financial challenge of woodland management. Cutting, clearing, and maintaining a woodland can be very costly, and without a sustainable way to fund the work, it’s difficult for private woodland owners to keep up with the demands of proper stewardship.

Selling wood as fuel, allows woodland owners to generate some income to reinvest into their land—whether that’s for fencing, habitat restoration, tree planting, or hiring forestry experts. This helps to ensure the long-term sustainability of the woodland, making it not just an ecological asset but a financially viable one too.

At the same time, seasoned firewood from well-managed woodlands provides a low-carbon, renewable heating source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. When sourced and burned correctly, wood fuel is a responsible, sustainable energy choice that works in harmony with nature rather than against it.

The community connection

Another insight Sandi shares is the importance of involving the local community in woodland management. After realising she needed help, she reached out to her village council and was met with an overwhelming response from locals eager to get involved.

Whether it’s through volunteer work, local firewood sales, or shared knowledge, connecting with forestry professionals, conservation groups, and community members helps to ensure that woodland management remains both effective and sustainable.

The benefit for woodland owners is they receive support in maintaining their land, while local residents gain access to responsibly sourced firewood, keeping homes warm with a renewable, local fuel source.

What we can learn from Sandi’s experience

 

Sandi Toksvig’s story offers a valuable lesson in woodland ownership. It’s not just about preserving a forest, it’s about actively managing it to ensure it thrives for generations to come. By embracing sustainable wood fuel as part of the management strategy, woodland owners can:

– Improve biodiversity by allowing light to reach the forest floor.
– Generate income to fund woodland conservation efforts.
– Reduce waste by turning felled timber into a valuable resource.
– Provide a renewable energy source that supports local communities.
– Encourage community engagement in responsible woodland stewardship.

A responsible approach to wood fuel

At Charnwood, we’ve long championed the benefits of responsibly sourced wood fuel. When used efficiently in a modern wood-burning stove, firewood from sustainable woodlands offers an eco-friendly, renewable alternative to fossil fuels.

By choosing locally sourced, well-seasoned hardwoods, you’re heating your home efficiently while supporting responsible woodland management and ensuring that our forests continue to flourish.

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You might also be interested in reading:

An interview with a modern stove expert and woodsman exploring the real-life potential of renewables that promote our humanity and local green environment.

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Acknowledgements

This blog draws inspiration from a video featuring Sandi Toksvig, produced by Cumbria Woodlands in collaboration with The Royal Forestry Society and Penfolds Forestry, with funding from the Forestry Commission Forestry Innovation Fund. You can watch the full video here.

Agape By Dammy Ponnuthurai

charnwoodstoves
10 Feb 2025

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Corinthians 13 verses 2-3

February still finds us in the midst of winter, however with a glimmer of Spring and the promise of more daylight. It seems apt that the hope of seasonal change to brighter days falls in a month marked by a celebration of love. On the 2nd of February the Christian faith marks Candlemas, followed by the celebration of Valentine’s Day on the 14th. Traditionally, Candlemas speaks of the light that Jesus brought into the world, while Valentine’s Day is a celebration of romantic love. In the English vernacular, love is most commonly defined as an emotion, but in the Greek language there are seven definitions of love. One that spoke to me in particular is a definition that seems to encompass all what love should be: 𝑎𝑔á𝑝ē. This love is unconditional, and is offered as an intentional gift, not simply an impulse. Within this unconditional love, there is an intrinsic pull of empathy. In this definition of love perhaps there is a way it can be shared, not just with friends but also with strangers. In Michael Landy’s art project for London Transport, ‘Acts of Kindness’ he asked both passengers and employees to send in stories of small acts of kindness. Through this work he explored the shared connections that result from these kindnesses when individuals step outside the insular bubble that often happens on tube journeys. He says, ”Perhaps that’s partly because acts of kindness between strangers undermine the idea that we should compete and always strive to be independent. Instead, they’re an acknowledgement of our shared humanity. ‘This project is about feeling a sense of being connected to each other’. ‘That’s what “kindness” means – we’re kin, we’re of one kind.’ Agápē

Within the pressure of daily life, where certainty is the less travelled path, we may perhaps ask ourselves whether, in the midst of this choppy sea of life, we have time for empathy. The answer, it seems, should be a resounding yes. We are in the company of knowledge that shows that, whilst we are more connected than ever by our phones, we are yet more lonely and isolated. There are reports across all ages which describe a shared low in our combined mental health, with prevalent feelings of isolation. The small ways we can show ‘𝑎𝑔á𝑝ē’ to each could be a gift to anyone we encounter. Sometimes I am guilty of taking myself out of the moment too much for that to be possible. I will take a walk, and suddenly be distracted by my phone then fail to notice anything or anyone in my surroundings. This might lead to bumping unexpectedly into someone, or even a tree, if I am very distracted. But the real travesty I am learning is that this action of being dedicated to some kind of ingrained efficiency is losing the naturalistic moment of looking around me and having the patience and presence to engage with the people or dogs that I may encounter on those walks. Sometimes, it can be just taking enjoyment in overhearing a beautiful conversation. Often, those between small children and a parent are some of my favourites. One recently was with a four year old child trying to describe shapes to his mother. Another, walking past a primary school at lunch time, was the spontaneous greetings from pupils. There is a shared sense in those moments that makes me wonder; while we may not know each other, we are all together . It is a sort of unconscious gift giving, where in those simple mundane moments of life there is really such an elegance of just being so solidly ingrained in the here and now.

This sense of empathy for others can also be shown to the purchases we make for ourselves or for each other. When we really think about the objects we buy, beyond perhaps their beauty or their functional brilliance, we should consider the designers, makers and many other people who are involved in bringing us those items. . They may sometimes become invisible to us as we take for granted the many small processes that make our lives run effortlessly. If we take a pause then, from the preoccupations and goals of our daily lives, maybe we can make one this February just to stop, look, listen and reach out even with the gift of something as simple as a smile.

Distraction by Dammy Ponnuthurai

charnwoodstoves
05 Feb 2025

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”. John 14:27

Some days, it is impossible not to feel the pervading anxiety of the long to-do list of life, not only the one in front of us, but all those other things we may have forgotten. In 2024, we are surrounded by an ever increasing mass of information and there is always a pervasive anxiety about what we might be missing. Friends recount films, books and podcasts all of which hold infinite interest to me, but when will I find the time to watch, read or listen to these nuggets of recommendation? There is also a sense of guilt that comes with this. I find myself feeling a sense of how little I know about anything. However, so much of our days are spent quite trivially, and it is hard not to be subsumed with day-to-day living, with its strain of rich information that doesn’t allow much time for thinking more holistically about the concerns in the world we all share.

There is some ingrained richness within me from the privilege of childhood time spent with my dad wandering around museums, libraries and bookshops. So now in my middle years, just glancing through a bookshop makes me realise how much of life is spent distracted from thoughtful silence and learning. A friend visited Edinburgh Fringe this year and listened to a set from a comedian who jokes that between the school run, and when he was supposed to be writing he was really responding to messages and social media. A whole day can be spent not getting to the point. The addictive nature of feeling connected via our phones makes them a relentless force in our day-to-day living.

We may simply say the answer here is to switch off our phones and create good routines. I appreciate and don’t discount the advice of every health and lifestyle guru here, but being as I am like a small child at Christmas, I always want to take a peak. Alongside this there is also the happy act of multi-tasking that our phone has given us. It is no longer like the 1950s when dictating a letter was a singular task in itself. We now find ourselves in a time when the cat is out of the bag, and our phone has given us the infinite pleasure of multi-tasking and thinking about or exploring so many things at once. It’s almost now a quest to hit the go slow key, or imagine that life is built on steps. Like stepping stones across a river, the pathway is not straightforward and you have to concentrate in order not to slip.

There are, however, the beginnings of a realised backlash. Schools such as The Ormiston Academy, which runs 42 schools in England, are prohibiting the use of phones at school so that pupils can focus on their learning and teaching. There are cases though where parents have found this difficult, for instance, those children with health needs where the app on a phone works to manage a child’s diabetes. In these moments we can see how technology has worked so effectively as a pairing partner to live our lives more safely and with time sensitive efficiency. The danger though is that these advancements are perhaps making our ability to make intuitive judgements harder, as we are so focused on precision rather than feeling the moment.

Perhaps we can look to animals for a little guidance here. It is said that, for instance, a dog’s sense of smell not only sits with what is current in the world of smell but also smells from the past all wrapped together heightening its enquiry. There is something so interesting about the sensory focus, many a dog owner will tell you that there is no such thing as a quick walk as dogs want to stop and smell everything. Maybe we could all take a leaf from that book, as we light a candle or a fire during the colder nights, just allowing ourselves the time to absorb our immediate environment and see what our surroundings can imbue in us, unaided by any kind of external information or entertainment.

As we give pause to our distractions, that in itself brings us the peace to stay still and be held in the moment by the lightest of touch, anxiety-free and content.

5 Minutes with artist Mark Lazenby

charnwoodstoves
05 Feb 2025

Mark Lazenby – “Fired Up” Collage

1. It sounds like you were a collector of random objects since childhood, which you carried around in a bag. Was this an intuitive interest or did you grow up in a household where objects were discussed and thought of in terms of origin and making?

I think a lot of it was intuitive and that we all have a natural affinity to certain things. I grew up in a household that was filled with creativity, my father was an engineer and my mother a musician so a real mix of the technical and the heart. I don’t remember ever discussing particular objects or any process of making but just being surrounded by projects, ideas and music has deeply informed how and what I do. I think that within me I have this love of doing things well and I have always felt that I am both artist and designer, sometimes stuck between the two not knowing which I am. This has also left me a bit of an anomaly to others as I don’t necessarily fit in any box, but I am making peace with the fact that I’m both.

When I was younger as soon as I could walk I would carry around an object in each hand, or a bag filled with things I found. These were often not toys but anything from plastic drawing curves (I still can visualise these green acrylic curves) to a hammer! This lead on to me collecting all kinds of things from beer mats to plastic Christmas cracker trinkets. These things were all free or of very low value so I could collect them easily, this then has informed what I cherish and use within my collage work; sweet wrappers, postcards, magazine images. Things that are easily overlooked or thrown away, unloved things that are mass produced or beautifully badly printed these things are treasure to me. I still get that joy of discovering a beautiful scrap of paper on the street or in an antique shop it doesn’t matter to me where I find it. For me it’s all about a certain quality or feel, which is why all my work is made of real things (not digital elements) it has to feel right or I won’t use it.

I have also been drawn to logos and graphics from an early age and would sit and draw the tails of airplanes and collect plane tickets when family members travelled, or stick beer mats to my cupboard doors. Objects can have a real magic whether they are high or low in value or culture. I believe that we imbue these things with meaning, comfort and value. This is where I think my artworks come from imbuing paper with feeling, meaning and spirit even if it’s just for me. This I think is deeply linked to my collecting over all the years.

2. It’s said that Terence Malick in his film The Tree of Life, created a collage effect of moments in his scenes. Do you visualise your collages from observations in real life?

I think it’s a real mixture of real life observations and the imagined, but mainly I think it is the opposite of real life, an escape and running towards what seems impossible, higher, beautiful and escaping real-life laws and confines. This is why I gravitated towards the surrealist artists as a teenager and have kept this love of their work throughout my life, because it uses the everyday to transcend the everyday. Like Rene Magritté’s painting “Time Transfixed (La Durée poignardée)” with a train flying out of a fireplace or Joseph Cornell’s sea drift objects placed side by side in a box they have this magic that lifts us from where we are or what the objects were intended for. These everyday items can be given new purpose and meaning.

We all distil ourselves into the things around us and our lives get soaked into photographs, songs, art etc, these things are simple objects but they become so richly full of memory and meaning that they become priceless and so emotive. We all do this, we all create in this way, whether it’s intentional as art or not. We are all creators, we can all draw, paint and do whatever we like. 

Mark Lazenby – “Set a Fire in my Heart” Collage

3. You mention that a lot of your work begins with words, are there any writers or art with words that particularly influence you?

My work all starts with an internal dialogue and this is mainly through my time in prayer and reading the Bible. It is how I process where I am at and directing all of myself and energy to God. A bowing down of self, a laying down of everything. I especially love reading the biblical Psalms and Proverbs and these speak to me every day and have made their way in to many of my collages. The Psalms are so rich in joy and praise but also ranting and despair, I find immense comfort in this fact that the writers feel what we feel, struggle with what we struggle with and that that’s ok to voice to God and each other.

We are all sacred and profane, broken and fixed, dust and eternal.

My work is an outpouring of this, the battle. If I don’t give it to God and explore it in paper I don’t function at all.

The words filter through and become a heart cry, a yearning, a song, a poem and then I try to interpret these into visual versions. This again is where I try to imbue the paper with all that’s going on internally. I also find immense satisfaction in the physical creating of my collages, the processes, the hunting for the right elements to create how I feel, what I’m thinking. I make them for me to understand, but I also want to make them as offerings to God, worship.

Artists using words within their work that I especially love: Kurt Schwitters, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Corita Kent, Cy Twombly, Peter Blake, Tom Phillips, Joe Tilson, Eduardo Paolozzi and too many pop artists to name!

Over the years I have been inspired by many writers and poets in my work: Hermann Hesse, Albert Camus, Franz Kafka, Gabriel García Márquez, Paul Auster, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, W.H. Auden, Stéphane Mallarmé, C.S. Lewis to name just a few.

4. David Lynch in his thoughts on death, states he sees life as continuing. Do you find that the layers of life are helpful to explore through collaging?

This again touches on what I’ve mentioned in the previous question. For me the creation of a work is the way I start to understand God’s love, cope in the world, process what I’m going through, pour it out, externalise the internal. So I think it’s vital for me to make my collages, when I don’t get time to make I feel lost and not myself at all.

I have recently been struck by the fact that we are all immortal beings. I believe that we are all eternal. We all have a choice through Jesus to live continually in God’s presence or eternally separate but then knowing He is the one. Time is short and God loves us all now, this love wants to be with us throughout eternity we only have to say yes. This quote from C.S. Lewis is wonderful: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal… it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit”.

The call now is to love God with our everything and to love each other. This is my greatest desire and to also make what I can on any given day. I wouldn’t function without my faith, my family and my collage.

5. How would you encourage anyone with a novice interest in collaging to begin?

Creating is such a personal thing but I think it’s about tapping into what makes you you, what you love, what you have a natural connection to and then just exploring it, making a mess, making things that don’t work and when you keep going you develop your own language and you then stumble across your thing. For years I thought that I should create other work, not just collage and that it wasn’t enough. I tried to draw, to paint but I kept on being called back by the collage and I’ve learnt that for me that is enough, that collage is me. There are no rules, we complicate everything for no reason, we don’t want to look stupid or like we don’t know what we are doing. No one knows what they are doing! There are no rules. So find the things you enjoy, the things you find affinity with and run with them. Get some glue and some paper and find out what you love.

I mentioned before, Corita Kent who was a brilliant artist, teacher, Jesus follower and social justice advocate. Up on my studio wall is this wonderful list she put together that I often remind myself of and find immensely helpful when I get a bit tangled up:

“One: Find a place you trust, and then try trusting it for a while.

Two: General duties of a student: pull everything out of your teacher; pull everything out of your fellow students.

Three: General duties of a teacher: pull everything out of your students.

Four: Consider everything an experiment.

Five: Be self-disciplined: this means finding someone wise or smart and choosing to follow them. To be disciplined is to follow in a good way. To be self-disciplined is to follow in a better way.

Six: Nothing is a mistake. There’s no win and no fail, there’s only make.

Seven: The only rule is work. If you work it will lead to something. It’s the people who do all of the work all of the time who eventually catch on to things.

Eight: Don’t try to create and analyse at the same time. They’re different processes.

Nine: Be happy whenever you can manage it. Enjoy yourself. It’s lighter than you think.

Ten: We’re breaking all the rules. Even our own rules. And how do we do that? By leaving plenty of room for X quantities.

HINTS: Always be around. Come or go to everything. Always go to classes. Read anything you can get your hands on. Look at movies carefully, often. Save everything—it might come in handy later.”

6. You are shortly part of an exhibit called ‘Little Lights’ at Paul Smith which opens on the 14th of February. Can you tell me a little about your pieces in the show?
 

Paul Smith is someone that I have admired for a long time and have had the pleasure of spending some time with over the years. He is so enthusiastic and genuinely interested in people and all that he creates, you can’t help liking him and being energised by his joy for everything good in life. So when I was invited by Katie Heller (Art & Exhibition Manager at Paul Smith) and Nico Kos Earle (Curator & Writer) to take part in the ‘Little Lights’ group exhibition at the Paul Smith Space I jumped at the chance.

The collage pieces that I’m showing all have elements based around the theme of light. So a number of them are celestial with star references and the others have fiery elements like the sun or campfires. Two of the pieces that I’m showing have directly come about from my friendship with Ced Wells (A.J. Wells Director) and have been used for some recent publications of theirs, one for Vlaze’s ‘Fired Up’ zine (that I also was able to design) and the other ‘Set a Fire in my Heart’ for the covers of Charnwood’s 2025 Calendar and their new stove brochure. Both of these works started around the theme of fire. “Fired Up” was all built around the idea of gathering together, cooking al fresco, celebrating around a fire, eating and having fun, with an atmosphere of classic mid-century design and a nod to Slim Aarons and the Californian West Coast light. “Set a Fire in my Heart” has a narrative of walking through woods and returning to a cosy fire, with references to the Isle of Wight, water and faith. Ced was brilliant to collaborate with on these from start to finish. Their manufacturing business has fire at its core from the wood-burning stoves they make through to the beautiful vitrified surfaces fired in their huge furnaces. I love what they create and the ethos of the company as a whole, so again when I was asked to work on these I was thrilled.

In total, I have around eight pieces in the exhibition and it runs from February 14th to April 20th 2025, Paul Smith Space, 9 Albermarle Street, London, W1S 4BL.

To see more of Mark’s fantastic work visit his website here.

Five minutes with Jason Scarlett

charnwoodstoves
28 Jan 2025

Jason Scarlett is a modern stove expert and woodsman exploring the real-life potential of renewables that promote our humanity and local green environment.

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1/ Jason, can you tell us how your early career, (such as your time spent working in Borneo) has inspired your commitment to the use of sustainable renewable energy sources and which of these sources has the most likely benefit to future generations? 
 

As with most people, my understanding of renewables, efficiency and sustainability has grown throughout my lifetime during an era of great change for humanity. I was born in rural Norfolk in a house with one open fire and can remember the blackouts during the workers’ strikes in the 1970s. We had prepaid meters for electricity and had to make sure we always had a 50p piece at the ready. Moving to the urban sprawl of Southend on Sea aged 8, I can remember my first experience with a gas fire. Until the age of 15, all I had known was one appliance that heated one room in the house—then came the revelation of full central heating…and a shower! 

Coming from a poorer background, efficiency and sustainability are important aspects of everyday life. My early years living in the countryside allowed me an understanding of nature that many towns folk miss out on, but my year working for the oil and gas industry in the Borneo rainforest, aged 19, was a real eye-opener to how we are destroying the planet. I saw firsthand how the extraction and processing of fossil fuels and the yearning of corporates to replace the forest with agriculture was devastating the environment and the local indigenous tribes that had lived in harmony with the forests for thousands of years. If people really understood where their fossil fuels come from and the devastation they create, then it wouldn’t be hard for them to link the current crisis to their convenient lifestyles. 

Chatting to the ruling/ wealthier classes of Malaysians about deforestation, the usual answer was ‘you’ve chopped yours down, why shouldn’t we’ and that got me thinking about the countryside that I knew in the UK. Whereas my belief before going to Malaysia was that rich biodiversity was only found in rainforests like Borneo and wasn’t relevant to the UK, in fact, the comment ‘you’ve chopped yours down’ gave me the realisation that our countryside and biodiversity was just a shadow of its former self. 
 

Returning from Malaysia, I built a fireplace and chimney business based on my unique skill set. Over the coming years, I worked on traditional fireplaces, chimneys and solid fuel heating systems which led me to researching traditional woodland management and modern renewables relative to heating our existing housing stock. The realisation that the remnants of our ancient forests once held rich biodiversity comparable to Borneo and could be replaced and enhanced through traditional native management techniques funded by my customers’ energy bills, revolutionised my ethics, working practices and the products I installed. Compared to all other renewable energy solutions, no others depend on replanting native trees and managing them like our ancestors who looked after their environment with sustainability and future generations in mind.  

To leave our descendants’ native trees and environmental know-how seems to me far better than leaving them expensive upkeep costs of follies like carbon capture machines or the perpetual engine that is replacing old solar panels or turbines that are at the end of their life. Plant a tree to be coppiced and it could be there for 1000 years, lay down a solar panel and replace it in 25! 

2/ The coppicing of woodlands looks to be a practice that was used globally pre industrialisation dating back to indigenous populations. Can you tell us why this practice was so important and why approximately only 14% of woodlands in Europe are now coppiced? 
 

The management of local environments evolved in line with the advancement of human civilization and was key to our existence. There are many forms of traditional management, including coppicing, coppice with standards and pollarding, that will be relevant to the locality and what naturally grows there. Similar modern approaches such as continuous cover forestry, permaculture and agroforestry are all currently being implemented and link strongly to traditional techniques.  

The use of firewood is the reason humans were able to survive in colder climates and so it was a very important commodity that happened to grow naturally. Understanding how to nurture the environment to give enough fuel and food to survive without having to roam was key for the development of early settlements. As communities grew, so did demand… nothing much has changed in that aspect, but when the only resource is from the local environment, the necessity for better efficiency, local know-how, improved agriculture and forestry techniques became ever more important. There are instances throughout human history that suggest the downfall of some civilisations was caused by their inability to balance sustainability with growth. During the Middle Ages the UK overused its resources and so developments in managing techniques during the 15th century followed by declarations from Henry VIII and writings from John Evelyn set the path for unique practices that could arguably be attributed to creating the modern world as we know it. 

Then along comes the industrialisation of fossil fuels and cheap wood imports, and wood fuel from the local environment becomes worthless, even more so because of industrial farming and forestry. In a capitalist society, if something is worth keeping then it will be kept. The reason for sympathetic woodland management decline is because it can take more time, money, labour, effort and specialist local know how than modern industrialised fossil fuel extraction and forestry techniques. It also doesn’t follow with the corporate mindset and mainly promotes a local economy headed up by local specialists. 

Whereas most of my knowledge about coppicing centres around Essex and the southeast, what I do understand is that some colder climates do have natural environments that have only a few species of tree that supports less biodiversity than a rich mixture of tree types. The industrialisation of forestry over the past 200 years has promoted the planting of monocultures across the globe that supports very little biodiversity. Planting one or two species solely to harvest by clear felling for a certain product using industrialised techniques has overwhelmed many green environments. We can see this practice across Europe.  

Portugal planted vast amounts of eucalyptus for paper, which is not an indigenous species and is blamed for many of the forest fires they now experience. In the UK we planted many poplars for use as matches, while chestnut was used for fencing. In Scotland there is much debate about the foreign Sitka spruce and pine forest monocultures that were planted, the forestry commission has recently updated guidance for planting mixed species in the future. 

In Los Angeles, there has been mass planting in urban areas of palm trees because they look nice while the surrounding forests have not been managed properly in the way that the indigenous people did for millennia. Again, this meddling in the local environment is misguided and has been a contributing factor to the recent tragic devastation. 

Monoculture for the sake of a single product and big corporate profits can be seen across the world and can be blamed for the loss of many habitats. In Borneo, the virgin rainforests I worked in have now largely been replaced with oil palm. The corporate takeover of our forests removes the connection of local sustainable management practices, such as coppicing that enhances biodiversity.  

3/ Would sustained local/global coppicing have helped mitigate the circumstances of climate change and find us in different circumstances today? 
 

Climate change is just one of the problems we now face and there seem to be many reasons apart from carbon why weather patterns are changing. What seems obvious to me is how forests play their part with weather and reduce how much heat is trapped in the ground. In Borneo, I would be woken up at 5 am to a biblical downpour outside but when I left for work at 6 am, the roads and urban areas were bone dry. The rainforest, however, held on to the moisture with noticeable increases in humidity and in the forests, it was slightly cooler. I often walk through local Essex woodlands midsummer and the temperature drops considerably under the tree canopy. Removing these natural environments surely plays a big part in the formation of clouds, wind and rain.  

The method of harmonious management of the environment has taken many forms that are relevant to the local climate, landscape and ecosystem. The systems each civilisation followed were carefully developed over thousands of years and were born through the necessity to survive. The added bonus of well-managed woodlands using coppice techniques is that the whole process can be carbon neutral (and possibly carbon negative). By only taking what the forests want to give in order to be healthy, ensures that the root systems, that store carbon, are not affected while promoting rigorous regrowth that in turn speeds up the carbon sequestration time of the carbon neutral cycle. 
 

My concept is that if people survived alongside their local nature, being part of the ecosystem, then they are the best source to understand how their local environment can survive and even be enhanced alongside modern lifestyles. Turning our back on our history and ancestral wisdom is easy if it is blindly fueled by a corporate takeover that sees no easy profit in our old ways. Surely, it’s better and morally right to work with the locals to enhance their local economy that relies on the sustainable natural products around them rather than chop it all down in favour of monocultures that decimate communities and landscapes just to feed corporate greed.  

4/ You place a great onus on the health benefits of switching off and staring at a fire. Is there a poignant story you might share with us, of how this has impacted a customer’s life you have worked with? 
 

What if our fixation on TV, computers, and phones is just a modern version of fire-watching? It’s the same endorphin release, which taps into our primal love for the flicker of flames. At what point in human history did we evolve to have sufficient concentration and the ability to contemplate, recalculate our methods and use language to communicate, plotting the activities for the next day? What else other than controlling fire gave us a feeling of warmth and security while allowing a time for the community to come together in social gatherings. The day is done, daily chores completed, night falls and the only reason we didn’t go straight to sleep like other animals is because we lit a fire. What superstitions, religions and beliefs evolved from around a fire while watching the random flame picture of this magical element. 

Over the past 50 years, there have been many attempts to recreate the real flame of a wood fire. Gas and electric fires with the best technology still cannot come close to the mesmerising effect of the random flame picture created from the gases released from wood. 

Modern society has changed exponentially over the past few generations, some of it in a positive way, while it can be argued that family cohesion has fallen by the wayside. Modern whole house central heating methods give a luxurious touch button warmth in every corner of every room that allows children to disappear to their own seclusion, usually armed with their own screens to fulfill their desire to ‘fire watch’. In the past, when there were no distractions from the TV and only one space was heated, the whole family sat around the fire, staring into the abyss while ‘talking’ amongst themselves. Many of my customers say that when the stove is on, their children are more likely to sit with them, reestablishing traditional family cohesion. 

One day last autumn was quite poignant, I was out servicing wood stoves that I had previously fitted and had two elderly customers booked in one after the other. The first lady, who lives in a standard Victorian house, was concerned about the current anti stove campaign. With tears in her eyes, she asked ‘are they going to take my fire away?’ She explained how the fire was her crutch during winter, not just for the warmth, but with her little dog laid out in front, it eased her loneliness and gave a feeling of security that is hard to explain. 

The second lady lives in an affluent mansion by herself, surrounded by expensive furnishings and trinkets, she has the best of everything. Again, with tears in her eyes she said ‘this stove is my best friend, I couldn’t live without it’ 

One of the reasons I love my job is because of the feedback I get from customers. Even those ‘middle-class’ customers who initially turned up at my shop in their new BMW and just wanted a stove ‘because their friends got one’, come back a year later to proclaim ‘what have you done to me, that stove is the best thing I’ve ever bought, I can’t leave it alone, I even love chopping and stacking the wood!’ 

It makes you wonder what’s missing in the modern world, we call it all progress, but is it really? 

You can check out more of Jason Scarlett’s fantastic work via his website.

The SIAs #PositiveWoodBurning Campaign 

charnwoodstoves
22 Jan 2025

At Charnwood, we’re in full support of the Stove Industry Association (SIA) launching the #PositiveWoodBurning campaign to highlight the many environmental, economic, and personal benefits of modern wood-burning stoves. Running for two weeks from 15th January 2025, this campaign is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on how responsible wood-burning can be a key part of a sustainable and low-emission future. 

Modern wood-burning stoves: The difference is clear

 

Efficiency and sustainability are more important than ever and modern Ecodesign-compliant stoves are an innovation-led led response to these demands. Compared to older, inefficient models or open fires, these stoves can reduce particulate emissions by up to 90% while providing families with a reliable, cost-effective heating solution. Meaning no matter what’s going on in the world with energy prices/availability, they can always heat their home! 

By using dry, seasoned wood— with a moisture content of 20% or less—modern stoves deliver optimal performance, generating more heat while using less fuel. This simple change not only enhances efficiency but also significantly lowers emissions, making it an environmentally responsible choice too. 

A campaign rooted in awareness and action

 

The #PositiveWoodBurning campaign is not just about stoves; it’s about building awareness of the broader benefits of sustainable wood-burning: 

• Emission Reductions: Modern stoves produce far fewer emissions than outdated systems or open fires, making them a key ally in improving air quality. 

• Forest Health: Responsible wood-burning supports active woodland management, encouraging biodiversity and reducing the risk of forest fires. 

• Energy Security: With modern wood-burning stoves, households can rely on a renewable, locally sourced fuel that offers independence from volatile global energy markets. 

• Wellbeing: Find out why 93% of wood stove owners say it helps their wellbeing! 

As Andy Hill, Chair of the SIA, highlights, “Modern wood burning stoves are not only a cost-effective and low carbon heating solution, they also play a crucial role in reducing emissions compared to other ways of burning wood such as open fires. By using dry wood, we can ensure that our stoves operate at their highest efficiency, providing warmth and comfort while minimising our environmental impact. We believe that through this campaign, we can help educate the public on the benefits of modern wood burning and encourage a shift towards more sustainable and lower emission domestic combustion practices.” 

Why now? The case for positive wood-burning

 

Recent global challenges underscore the importance of reliable, sustainable heating. Energy security is a growing concern in the UK, with limited gas reserves and increasing reliance on imports. Modern wood-burning stoves offer a vital alternative, providing homes with consistent heat even during power outages or supply disruptions. 

Moreover, the environmental benefits of positive wood-burning cannot be overstated. By combining advanced stove technology with responsible fuel use and proper maintenance, households can contribute to a more sustainable future without compromising comfort or convenience. 

Best practices for responsible wood-burning

The #PositiveWoodBurning campaign offers practical advice for homeowners to get the most from their stoves while minimising environmental impact: 

• Choose the Right Stove: Ecodesign-compliant and clearSkies-certified appliances are up to 90% cleaner than open fires and significantly outperform older stoves. 

• Use the Right Fuel: Opt for wood with the Ready to Burn logo, ensuring moisture content is at or below 20%. Avoid chemically treated wood or waste materials. 

• Regular Maintenance: Have your chimney swept and stove serviced annually by qualified professionals. The Federation of British Chimney Sweeps has links to all the main sweep associations.  

• Proper Installation: Ensure your stove is installed by a competent person registered with HETAS or OFTEC for safety and performance. 

• Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions ensures optimal stove performance and longevity. 

Please join the #PositiveWoodBurning conversation

The SIA invites everyone to join the conversation online using the hashtag #PositiveWoodBurning. Visit www.stoveindustryassociation.org to learn more about modern stoves, responsible wood-burning, and the many benefits this approach offers.