Can burning biomass be sustainable?
“Burning biomass is just another path to environmental destruction,” claims a recent article in The Ecologist. Really? Simon Fairlie, who has blithely been burning biomass for the last 50 years, investigates. Read more
The pros and cons of second-hand stoves: what to consider before you buy
Unsure where to start when it comes to second-hand stoves? Mark Benson of Bowland Stoves explores the pros and cons of the second-hand wood and multi-fuel stove market and what you should consider ahead of a purchase. Read more
Historically heating: forgotten ways to keep warm this winter
With winter on the way and inspired by a recent visit to the Weald & Downland Museum, Sophie Paterson explores a selection of historical personal heating methods. Could they be adopted in homes today? Read more
The pros and cons of burning different types of wood for heating
Burning wood is a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly heating method. Burning wood on a high efficiency stove can create less CO2 than letting the same wood rot on the floor of a forest. Read more
Why self-reliance means being able to fix bits of old kit – like this circular saw
Working outside and sometimes in remote situations requires a certain mindset to not only enjoy the experience, but also have an overall philosophy of self-reliance. Read more
How to make a new axe handle
First, wood selection. The perfect wood is nice straight grain ash fairly fast grown, if it gets more than 6-8 rings per inch it is much more brittle, 4-6 rings per inch is perfect. Read more
How to fit a new axe handle
This blog post shows how to fit a new axe handle, it could be a new store bought handle or one you made yourself – more on this soon. Read more
Have you heard of thermoelectric generators?
Have you come across thermoelectric generators (TEGs)? They are a way of generating electricity from heat, using the ‘Seebeck effect’ – so, for example, they can be strapped to the side of a wood stove to provide electricity for lighting. Read more
How to build a DIY thermal store
A thermal store is used to solve the following problem: you have a wood stove, but in the mornings, by the time you’ve lit it, and the place gets a bit warmer, you’ve left the house. Read more
Local firewood auction & fair in your county?
The Lincolnshire Firewood Fair receives The Lincolnshire Environmental Award 2012. 4 years ago a disparate group of foresters, woodmen, agents, and firewood merchants got together with direction from the local Forestry Commission officer. Read more
Summer advice for wood stove owners
Hi All, My name is Sune and I help to run Stovesonline – we are the Lowimpact.org network partner for things to do with wood stoves, pellet stoves, chimneys, etc. I’m new to this blog, so I thought I would kick off with a few bits of easy summer advice for stove owners. Read more