Choose wood for heating your home

Cosy log fires offer a bright spark as winter beckons but how about considering wood for heating the whole house?

The question is posed and answered in a new 28-page guide, Warmth from Wood which aims to encourage householders to turn to timber for heating fuel.

The Cumbria Woodlands publication, supported by the Lake District Sustainable Development Fund and Cumbria County Council Climate Strategy Fund, outlines the benefits of using the area’s significant supplies of wood.

Neville Elstone, of Cumbria Woodlands, explained: "The advantages are enormous. Modern wood burning stoves offer an affordable and attractive way to heat homes. Also, wood is a renewable source of energy, which means people can do their bit in fighting the effects of climate change.

"Less than 40 per cent of the county’s woodlands are managed, but increased demand for timber would reverse the trend and bring a host of benefits, including rural jobs and more diverse habitats for wildlife."

Warmth from Wood explains the different types of wood fuel, including logs, chips and pellets. It also looks at heating options and highlights case studies.

Although paper copies are available, Cumbria Woodlands is hoping most people will look at the booklet online, saving on paper and postage. The web version is on www.cumbriawoodlands.co.uk

Clive Wickham, of the Lake District Sustainable Development Fund, said he hoped the booklet would lead to a new era in wood fuel for home heating.

He added: "This free publication is a must for those thinking about introducing green energy. It brings together all the information people need, including regulations, boiler options and supplies. It’s literally a one-stop shop."

For further information on the booklet or wood heating, call Neville Elstone, on 01539 822140.