Wet Wood ‘Ban’ – Why The Government Has Got It WRONG
So the government has decided it is to go ahead with its plan to ban the sale of wet wood under the volume of two cubic metres.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is bringing in the mandatory certification scheme next year (2021).
For smaller wood manufacturers, the scheme will be delayed for a year , coming in during 2022. This is because the Government says it realises that smaller producers may struggle to hit the deadline.
I wrote a long article about this when the original consultation started, and I was one of the few chimney sweeps to respond – indeed you will see our name in the respondents list.
So, what does it all mean?
From Now to 2021
You will be able to continue buying any fuels for your appliance. You will be able to continue using your solid fuel stove or fireplace as normal – there is NO ban on using them.
From 2021
Larger manufacturers of wood will only be able to sell ‘dry’ wood (i.e – a moisture content of 20% of less) if the volume of wood sold is less than two cubic metres. You will be able to continue using your solid fuel stove or fireplace as normal – there is NO ban on using them.
From 2022
All wood sold under two cubic metres in volume will have to be ‘dry’. You will be able to continue using your solid fuel stove or fireplace as normal – there is NO ban on using them.
So, what do I think of these proposals?
In theory it sounds like a good idea. However, as I have previously mentioned, these measures really are not needed.
Anyone who tries to burn wet wood knows it is pointless – it gives off no heat or flames at all. It’s a wholly underwhelming experience.
Also, wood is a naturally occurring product. In some areas, it is available everywhere – private properties, farm gates, farm shops and so on. I even have customers who are members of local golf clubs and heritage sites who fell wood and sell it locally at a small profit to help raise funds. Does the government seriously think all these will sign up to a certification scheme?