So What’s Really Happening?

One question we're often asked is 'Are they going to ban these wood burners?', Our response is, the UK government has not proposed banning wood burning stoves. Instead, it is working to improve air quality by:

Requiring new stoves to meet Ecodesign standards — these are far more efficient and emit significantly fewer pollutants.

Phasing out the sale of the most polluting fuels, such as wet wood and house coal.

Why the Confusion?
 

Much of the media hype comes from ongoing efforts to improve air quality under the Clean Air Strategy and the Environment Act 2021. The government’s measures are targeted at outdated stoves and poor fuel choices — not responsible wood burning.

Defra’s Latest Report: The Facts Tell a Different Story
Despite media panic, Defra’s latest report on air quality — summarised by HETAS — shows that particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the environment have actually decreased over recent years, even with a growing number of wood burning stove installations.

HETAS highlights:

“According to Defra’s latest air quality statistics, emissions of PM2.5 have reduced by 18% since 2010 — this reduction has occurred alongside an increase in the popularity of modern, cleaner-burning wood stoves.”
(Source: HETAS: Defra 2023 Air Quality Statistics Summary)

This confirms that the transition to Ecodesign Ready appliances and the use of cleaner fuels are making a measurable difference.
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. In the environment, PM2.5 can reduce air quality and cause health problems. Increased levels of PM2.5 can be produced when unseasoned wood is burned, especially if the burner is inefficient.

The Carbon Story: What Norwegian Wood Teaches Us
In the book, Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way, Lars Mytting beautifully explores the cultural and environmental value of wood burning. He writes:

“Burning wood releases the carbon it has absorbed in its lifetime — no more, no less. Were it left to rot on the forest floor, the same carbon would be released back into the atmosphere as the wood decayed.”

In other words, using wood as fuel — provided it comes from sustainable sources — is effectively carbon-neutral. The carbon cycle is closed: the tree absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows, and it is released again when burned or decomposed. This is in stark contrast to fossil fuels, which release ancient carbon that has been locked underground for millions of years, adding to the atmosphere’s overall carbon load.

In Conclusion: No Ban, Just Smarter Burning

The evidence is clear:

No, they’re not banning wood burning stoves.

Defra’s own reports show air quality is improving.

Cleaner technology and good practices are making a real difference.

The headlines might grab attention, but the facts are clear: wood burning stoves are not being banned. Instead, the focus is on smarter technology and better fuel choices. And as long as you burn well-seasoned wood in a clean, efficient stove, which is swept and well maintained, you’re not only warming your home — you’re participating in a closed, natural carbon cycle that has been part of human life for centuries.

Contact Swept. Chimney Sweeping Services with any queries.

Written by Gary Walker 
Gary, owner of Swept. Chimney Sweeping Services in Huddersfield, is a HETAS trained and approved chimney sweep, co-founder of GD Logs (www.gdlogs.co.uk), and an award-winning direct marketing expert. Raised on a small holding with a passion for wood burners since the 80s, Gary is City & Guilds NPTC qualified in Chainsaws and Tree Felling. He advocates for sustainable heating fuels and possesses a passion for wood burning stoves.