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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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 housethen 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.

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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. 

 

 

 

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For generations, wood-burning stoves have offered warmth, comfort, self-reliance, and a connection to one of nature’s oldest renewable fuels. At Charnwood, we believe these qualities must be closely aligned with responsible design – ensuring the timeless joy of a real wood fire has a valuable place in an increasingly environmentally and health conscious world. 

A proven record of facing challenges head-on 

While older stoves improved on open fires, there was still significant room for improvement in terms of efficiency and emissions. As we all learned more about PM2.5, the wood-stove industry tackled the issue head-on through technological innovations including: 

Advanced firebox design 

High-efficiency combustion systems 

Precision air controls 

Intelligent microprocessor controlled stoves 

Modern, Ecodesign-ready stoves now significantly reduce PM2.5 – by up to 90% in many cases when compared to older stoves and open fires. These improvements arose from dedicated innovation and a willingness to embrace new scientific insights. Thanks to independent testing and ongoing refinements, today’s stove owners can be confident their modern appliances, used appropriately, are both cleaner and more efficient than ever before. This track record underscores the integrity of our industry: we see challenges, respond with research and engineering, and deliver on our promises. 

Emerging science on Ultrafine Particles (UFPs) 

Now, scientific focus is turning to ultrafine particles. These are smaller than PM2.5 particles and are found everywhere. From road traffic and industrial emissions to sea spray, mushroom spores, laser printers and even the simple act of peeling citrus fruit. Their potential impacts on human health are not fully known and are still being investigated: 

UFPs can arise from activities at a distance – such as large-scale industry or busy motorways far from our homes – but the reality is that winds can carry these particles over vast areas. Pinpointing an individual source’s contribution to local air quality is extraordinarily difficult. 

The WHO determined that there was not enough data to provide guidelines for ultrafine particles (UFPs) – aerosolised particles measuring as little as 0.1 micrometers in diameter or less.(1) 

Studies and risk assessments remain inconclusive. As of now, scientists do not fully agree on the level of health risk posed by UFPs specifically, nor do we have a comprehensive understanding of each source category’s relative contribution. (2) 

In this context, it is too early to claim a direct, confirmed health risk from UFPs emitted by any single source, including wood stoves—particularly as stoves contribute only a small fraction of overall UFP emissions compared to transportation, industry, and natural occurrences.

Nevertheless, at Charnwood we approach new challenges as we always have – by embracing further research. We continue to push for greater efficiency gains/emission reductions and are monitoring developments in filtration technology and beyond. 

Overestimation and real-world context 

As we’ve seen before with PM2.5, there is a desire from some to overestimate the impact of modern wood-burning stoves and the same will likely happen with UFPs. However, no matter the heating method – whether it’s a gas boiler, electric, heat pump, wind or solar – ultrafine particles inevitably arise somewhere along the chain including drilling, shipping, road transportation and burning for fossil fuels, large-scale manufacturing of high-tech components etc. All these processes can generate huge amounts of UFPs and other sized particles at different stages capable of contributing in varying degrees to the levels in the air. 

A 2024 report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that: Average PM2.5 levels in England fell by 54% between 2003 and 2023, reaching a 20-year low.(3) 

Despite frequent sensational headlines, the IFS explicitly noted a tendency to “overestimate the importance of wood burning” in overall PM2.5 apportionment. 

They clarified that “emissions may be dispersed by the wind or brought to the ground by rain, meaning a large emission of PM2.5 may not translate into significantly higher amounts of PM2.5 in the air we breathe … Considering only primary PM2.5 tends to overestimate the importance of wood burning as opposed to transport and energy combustion.” 

By focusing broadly on “domestic wood burning” and neglecting the huge performance gap between old, inefficient stoves and modern designs, some public campaigns overlooked real opportunities to tackle air pollution more effectively. The same may prove true for UFPs, where conflating all wood-burning – regardless of technology or best practices – could distort our understanding of actual emission levels.(4) 

The unique positives of Wood Burning 

 

While every form of home heating solution has an environmental footprint somewhere along the line, only wood-burning brings such a variety of unique benefits when done responsibly: 

Energy security & resilience
Wood stoves offer a degree of independence during power outages and times of high energy prices. They can heat a home even when the grid is down or gas supplies are uncertain and they don’t rely on intermittent sources such as sun and wind. 

Sustainably managed woodlands
Responsible wood-burning supports active forest management. Using locally sourced firewood encourages healthy woodlands when replenished responsibly. 

Lower carbon footprint (with good forestry practices)
Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, making well-managed wood fuel part of a more balanced carbon cycle. 

Ambience & wellbeing
There’s an intangible comfort to a wood stove’s gentle crackle and glow – a focal point that brings the family together. 93% of stove owners say it has a positive impact on their well-being(3)
(See our blog on “The Real Reason People Install a Wood Burning Stove” for more.) 

Compatibility with older homes
Many traditional homes were designed with solid-fuel heating in mind. Removing or neglecting this feature can lead to inadequate ventilation and moisture problems, sometimes resulting in mould or dampness. By using a suitable wood stove, occupants can maintain the home’s historical character and proper airflow patterns. 

A big future role for positive wood burning 

Beyond emission numbers, positive wood burning is about family comfort, reliable energy, and the stewardship of our woodlands. At Charnwood, our mission is to safeguard this heritage while meeting and improving upon modern standards – through rigorous research, responsible innovation, and genuine care for our customers and the environment. Our success in cutting PM2.5 emissions so far shows our commitment to leading the way. As emerging science investigates UFPs, we promise to bring the same diligence to any future challenge, ensuring wood burning remains a truly sustainable, rewarding choice that gives us energy security. 

We can’t – and shouldn’t – try to live in a world with zero UFPs, as they’re a natural byproduct of countless human activities and processes that are vital for progress. But we can be sensible, realistic, and evidence-based in reducing emissions where we can – just as we have done with PM2.5. With news recently that Britain’s gas storage levels are “concerningly low” it’s clear that modern wood-burning stoves have a big role to play now and in the future.(5) 

References & Further Reading 

1.https://www.iqair.com/newsroom/2021-WHO-air-quality-guidelines 

2.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultrafine_particle 

3.https://naei.energysecurity.gov.uk/data/data-selector/results?classification=4&start_year=1990&end_year=2022&sector=all&category%5B1A4bi%5D=1A4bi&include_ad=1 

4.https://stoveindustryassociation.org/pm2-5-levels-halved-since-2003/ 

5.https://news.sky.com/story/britains-gas-storage-levels-concerningly-low-after-cold-snap-says-owner-of-british-gas-13286305 

6.https://www.charnwood.com/news/wood-burning-stoves-wellbeing-benefits/ 

7.Charnwood Blog: “The Real Reason People Install a Wood Burning Stove” 

8.https://www.charnwood.com/all-stoves/room-heating-stoves/skye/skye-e700/ 

charnwoodstoves

Wood-burning stoves have long been at the heart of our homes, providing warmth, comfort, and a connection to nature. Yet, in recent years, campaigns such as Clean Air Night have been pushing their agenda against them. While we all share the goal of cleaner air, it is vital that discussions remain grounded in facts, not fearmongering or misleading half-truths. This blog aims to cut through the noise, championing the benefits of modern wood-burning stoves and their place in a sustainable future. 

The evolution of wood-burning stoves  

The introduction of Ecodesign and Clearskies-certified stoves, such as Clearskies 5 models, represents a leap forward in clean-burning technology. These stoves significantly reduce particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions while maintaining efficiency and charm.  

A London Wood-Burning Project’s report found that ClearSkies 5 stoves can even REDUCE PM2.5 in the home (1). Here are the key findings: 

1/ Use of the clearSkies Level5 stove (which is Ecodesign compliant) demonstrated some benefits for indoor air quality. Indoor PM2.5 did not increase when adding fuel to the stove once lit… At times there was actually a decrease in indoor concentrations of PM2.5 when adding fuel.   

This confirms what we have long been saying, a properly functioning modern wood stove draws particulates out of the room and up the flue, helping improve air quality and ventilation in the home. The stove used in this study was our Charnwood C-Five.   

2/ Increases in pollutant concentrations may be more affected by participant technique or specific airflow characteristics of an individual appliance, rather than to the type of appliance or fuel.   

We always encourage best stove practices to educate new and existing customers and beyond.    

3/ However, the biggest increases in PM2.5 concentrations indoors did not relate to indoor wood or solid-fuel burning but instead were a result of cooking, especially frying, grilling and use of the oven, and particularly when the extraction fan was not used.   

The reality is a slice of burnt toast or your Sunday lunch can contribute far more PM2.5 than a wood-burning stove in your home. 

PM2.5 and air quality: The real story 

 

While it is true that open fires and poorly maintained or outdated stoves contribute to air pollution, modern appliances tell a very different story. However, the terms ‘wood burning’ ‘wood burners or ‘lighting fires’ used in their posts are deliberately ambiguous and take no account of the type of appliance or quality of the wood fuel. 

Clearskies-certified stoves reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to open fires and older stoves. In fact, if all homes transitioned to these advanced models, total PM2.5 emissions from indoor wood burning could drop to just 18% of current levels. (2) 

To further highlight the importance of differentiating types of wood burning, independent data from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) shows us that burning dry wood on an Ecodesign-compliant stove accounted for less than 0.3% of total UK PM2.5 emissions in 2023. (3) 

Additionally, a report published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) in December 2024 found that average PM2.5 levels in England fell by 54% between 2003 and 2023, reaching a 20-year low. Despite sensationalist headlines in the press, the IFS explicitly noted there is a tendency to “overestimate the importance of wood burning” when apportioning PM2.5 emissions to specific sources. The report clarified: 

“…emissions may be dispersed by the wind or brought to the ground by rain, meaning a large emission of PM2.5 may not translate into significantly higher amounts of PM2.5 in the air we breathe … Considering only primary PM2.5 tends to overestimate the importance of wood burning as opposed to transport and energy combustion.” (4) 

These findings reinforce the case for modern wood-burning stoves, which emit an exceptionally small fraction of PM2.5 compared to outdated practices and other sources such as transport and industrial combustion. By focusing broadly on ‘domestic wood burning’ and not educating the public about the differences, campaigns like Clean Air Night risk missing the real opportunities to tackle air pollution. 

The case for sustainable firewood: Cleaner and greener 

 

Wood burning, when done responsibly, remains one of the most sustainable and resilient heating methods available. Locally sourced firewood boasts a low carbon footprint compared to imported fossil fuels like liquid petroleum gas (LPG). Unlike finite fossil resources, wood is renewable, especially when harvested through well-managed practices such as coppicing. Coppicing not only ensures a sustainable supply of firewood but also promotes biodiversity and supports healthy forests. The income generated by wood-burning stove users actively contributes to these sustainable practices, further enhancing their positive environmental impact. 

Critics often fail to appreciate these benefits, instead promoting alternatives that create dependency on imported fuels. For instance, campaigns advocating for LPG stoves in developing countries frequently disregard the advantages of proper wood-burning technology. Providing households with efficient wood stoves and chimneys would preserve cultural traditions, reduce emissions, and strengthen local economies. While alternatively, reliance on imported fuels undermines sustainability and energy security. 

Every heating solution comes with its own set of challenges. Electric, for example, relies heavily on batteries that depend on rare earth elements like cobalt, often sourced from environmentally and ethically problematic mining operations. Similarly, the production of solar panels and wind turbines involves significant energy consumption and resource extraction. While these technologies are essential in the transition to cleaner energy, they are not without their limitations and trade-offs. In contrast, modern wood-burning stoves offer a local, renewable, and low-impact solution that doesn’t rely on complex global supply chains. 

Modern wood-burning stoves also play a critical role in our energy mix as a co-heating solution. Unlike solar panels or wind turbines, which are dependent on favourable weather conditions, wood stoves offer reliable heating during power cuts or periods of low renewable energy generation. They act as a dependable backup system, providing warmth when solar and wind resources are unavailable. This enhances our nation’s energy security and complements other renewable energy systems, reducing overall reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy. 

By embracing sustainable practices and integrating wood-burning stoves with renewable technologies, we can create a balanced approach to heating that supports both environmental goals and energy independence. 

Modern stoves offer a wide range of benefits which you can learn more about here: The real reason people install a wood-burning stove 

Misinformation and misleading campaigns 

 

Clean Air Night, while in part well-intentioned, relies on misleading statistics and alarmist messaging. Much of its content originates from groups like Global Action Plan (GAP), whose funding sources and motivations remain unclear. 

What’s particularly telling is how the campaigns are coordinated. It feeds members prepackaged propaganda soundbites and graphics encouraging almost mindless sharing across social media. By asking people to simply copy, paste, and flood social media with unsubstantiated claims, these campaigns stifle meaningful debate. Furthermore, rather than linking to raw data or credible studies that adequately support these claims against modern wood-burning stoves they frequently direct people back to their own website in a closed loop of biased information.

Interestingly, StoveReadyWood.uk has highlighted the ties between GAP’s leadership and industries that directly compete with the wood stove market, such as solar and LPG providers. Additionally, this research raises an important question: what would happen to fuel prices if burning wood on wood-burning stoves was not available? Supply and demand dictates that prices for gas users would very likely go up as more people were forced to use it. Also, wood-burning stoves are unique in allowing people to source their own fuel for free in emergencies, offering independence from sudden price hikes and supply chain disruptions. Eliminating this option would leave households entirely dependent on external energy markets, a vulnerability that should not be overlooked. 

Building a balanced future 

The path to cleaner air isn’t about blanketly targeting wood-burning but about encouraging responsible practices and encouraging transitions to modern, eco-friendly appliances. Clearskies-certified stoves showcase how innovation can significantly reduce emissions while preserving the traditions and warmth that wood burning brings to our homes. Transitioning from open fires and outdated stoves to modern wood-burning stoves is the key to achieving cleaner air without losing the huge number of unique benefits wood-burning offers. 

Responsible wood burning starts with proper maintenance and the use of seasoned, sustainable firewood. By adopting these practices, households can minimise emissions and maximise efficiency, ensuring wood stoves are an environmentally friendly and safe choice. 

At its heart, the debate around wood-burning stoves is about more than heating/PM2.5; it’s about sustainability, energy independence, and keeping a connection to our heritage. Modern wood-burning stoves are not the problem – they are part of the solution. By cutting through misinformation and embracing the innovations within the industry, we can safeguard our air, while ensuring that this vital tradition continues to benefit us all. 

To learn more about responsible wood burning and the benefits of transitioning to modern stoves, visit the Stove Industry Alliance. 

Further reading that explains in more detail why we strongly feel a collaborative approach is required:  

https://www.charnwood.com/news/wood-burning-stoves-co-heating-future-a-nuanced-look-at-pm-25-emissions/ 

https://www.charnwood.com/news/wellbeing-benefits-log-burners/ 

https://www.charnwood.com/news/harnessing-the-power-of-wood-fuel-a-sustainable-approach-to-home-heating/ 

https://www.charnwood.com/news/essential-wood-burning-stove-tips/ 

 

References: 

 

1/ https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/sph/environmental-research-group/London-Wood-Burning-Project-Report_final.pdf  

2/ https://stovereadywood.uk/falling-pm25 

3/ https://naei.energysecurity.gov.uk/data/data-selector/results?classification=4&start_year=1990&end_year=2022&sector=all&category%5B1A4bi%5D=1A4bi&include_ad=1 

4/ https://stoveindustryassociation.org/pm2-5-levels-halved-since-2003/ 

 

 

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“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19

In my mind, thoughts of New Year are very much entangled with those of Christmas. Whether or not the birth of Jesus of Nazareth is something that we celebrate or consider, there is a shared sense that part of this tradition is about the beginning of a new and remarkable life. The message of kindness, empathy, fragility, humility and a selfless generosity of spirit that came to serve the world is sometimes lost within the intense branded lifestyle messaging of social media. Greeting 2025, we have new trends like Fridgescaping, that speak on the qualities of our exterior lives, and little of our inner ones.

Though many brands are now choosing to focus on community with values such as teamwork, honesty, and integrity the nuance of these values can sometimes be lost in a sea of advertising images that promote a picture of how life should look and not the thoughtfulness of how actually life is in its most simple and natural form. The evolutionary biologist Joseph Henrich coined the term ‘WEIRD’ (Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Democratic) to describe our post-industrialised state in the Western World. The Industrial Revolution marked ownership of territory and also saw the beginning of a decline in the onus on community and personal relationships. The celebration of the individual has been taken to an even further level through online community channels, namely social media. There is an irony to this: both the way the tech industry has used the term ‘social’ and that Tim Berners Lee’s invention of the internet was as a shared tool, rather than one to inflate comparison.

TikTok, Instagram and the world of Meta have immeasurably changed the way we relate to the world around us. The heavy persuasive and addictive nature of socials play a strong role in pulling us out of the day to day moment. The nature of the constant, rapid information keeps us addicted. It was encouraging, whilst living within this data cycle, to see the word ‘brain rot’ as the Oxford word of the year. Defined as the supposed mental or intellectual deterioration that can result from consuming too much low-quality online content, this term perfectly captures the pervading social scroll that preoccupies the majority of both our communication and information sources. It is not, however, a new term. It was first used in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden. In Walden, Thoreau, gives us a guide on how to pull ourselves out of our social media addictions. The crux of the message is to remain curious, look to nature and hone a reflectiveness and the development of our own ideas, not simply absorbing those of others. The question, then, is how to start this simple, but in some ways, complex practice, especially when, unlike Thoreau we don’t all have the privilege of a two year escape to living remotely in the wilds of nature.

There is, however, the opportunity for us to discern what we consume and think about it more carefully. This can be applied to the information we listen to, the company we keep and the products we purchase. When it comes to the purchase of a product, perhaps we could ask ourselves more questions on how and where it is made, the purpose it holds in our lives and those with whom we might share. Through our design and manufacturing of Wood burning stoves at Charnwood and outdoor kitchen units at Vlaze on the Isle of Wight, we consider not only the products’ function and form, but the wider impacts on the people that work with us, the community that surrounds us and the customer whose home will gain from the warmth of shared times and memories made. There is a pleasure that we hope is shared in this journey from us to you.

Taking the time to understand these points in the journey of a product from manufacture to our homes causes us to pause and carefully curate our stance in the world. It encourages willingness to question what we are willing to accept as standard both ethically and into our lives. Within certain cultures in Asia, there is the term Animism, the idea that objects, people and animals all contain a certain energy. In many ways the internet has given us the privilege of access to an infinite and exhaustive source of knowledge, but it also gives us the chance to think about how we can reflect, think and consider where that technological path takes us.

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With the festive season upon us, it’s the perfect time to embrace the warmth, comfort, and community spirit that makes Christmas so special. In a recent Good Grief vlog, Reuben, Laurence and Francis joined forces with Chef Drew to create a truly memorable Christmas dinner.
 

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Moor Farm, and joined by some of the team from Charnwood, A.J Wells, and Vlaze, the scene was set for a celebration that highlights the Island’s abundance of top-quality ingredients and passionate producers. 

Read on for some ‘feastive’ inspiration!

A feast centred around local flavour

 

Drawing on wonderful produce with Isle of Wight provenance from – Briddlesford Farm, Harvey Browns, Wight Knuckle Brewery, and Wight Whisky – they curated a menu that had something for everyone. 
 

From the show-stopping Beef Wellington to colourful seasonal vegetables and a creamy three-cheese cauliflower bake (Reuban loves cheese), this holiday feast proved that great ingredients and a dash of creativity can transform your table into something truly special. 
 

Cooking with confidence

 

The Charnwood Haven, a beautiful wood-fired range cooker, provided gentle, reliable heat for preparing the co-main event. There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking with a wood-fired stove that brings a cosy glow and warmth to the kitchen – especially when it’s packed full of succulent, locally sourced meat and veg. 
 

 

For those who love an extra festive flourish, a turkey cooked in a Big Green Egg on a Vlaze module added a hint of culinary theatre. With dairy delights including creamy butter, milk, and award-winning cheeses from Briddlesford Farm (the halloumi in particular is a favourite), each bite told a story of the Island’s rich farming tradition. 

Raising a glass (or can) to the season

 

 

Of course, no celebration is complete without something to toast with. Wight Knuckle Brewery and Wight Whisky stepped in with their seasonal sips, offering the perfect drinks to complement hearty dishes. A splash of Wight Whisky even found its way onto the Christmas pudding – why settle for tradition when you can give it a gentle Island twist? 

A beautiful table, inside and out

 

Presentation matters as much as flavour, and the crew made excellent use of Vlaze surfaces for prepping and serving. Vlaze’s stunning enamel finishes brought a sleek, practical edge to the cooking space, while Lottie Rose Studio’s pottery and festive tableware provided a heartfelt, handmade touch. A perfect place to gather and share stories raise glasses and tuck into some delicious festive fare. 

Join in the Isle of Wight spirit

 

This Christmas, consider sourcing a few ingredients from your own local farms, dairies, or breweries. Experiment with different cooking methods – maybe try slow-roasting your veg or infusing your gravy with a local tipple. Dress your table with ceramics crafted by artisans in your region, or invest in a durable surface that brings both function and flair to your kitchen. 

These small touches transform a meal from a simple dinner into a celebration of community and creativity. Christmas is about bringing people together, and what better way than through the flavours and stories unique to where you live? 

A festive invitation

If you’re feeling inspired, tune into the Good Grief vlog (below) for more insights and good cheer. You’ll find new ideas, genuine laughter, and the proud support of local businesses. Who knows – you might just discover a new festive tradition to carry forward for years to come. 

Warm wishes from all of us this Christmas. May your table be full, your home be cosy, and your festive season filled with the joy of good company and great food! 

Thanks to: 

Briddlesford Farm – https://www.briddlesford.co.uk  

Harvey Browns – https://www.harveybrowns.co.uk  

Lottie Rose Studio – https://www.instagram.com/lottierosestudio/

Wight Knuckle Brewery – https://www.wightknucklebrewery.com 

Wight Whisky – https://wightwhisky.com  

Nosy Agency – https://nosy.agency/  

Moor Farm Cottages – https://www.moorfarmcottages.co.uk 

A.J Wells – https://www.ajwells.com/

VLAZE Surfaces – https://vlaze.co