Shining a light on the uncomfortable truth about wood burning
We all want to stay warm this winter, and you may be tempted to burn wood in the belief that it could help ease pressures on household finances or be more environmentally friendly. But there is an uncomfortable truth we all need to know about burning wood.
Clean Air Night 2025
Uttlesford District Council is supporting the UK's second Clean Air Night on Wednesday 22 January 2025, when experts will come together to shine a light on the myths of wood burning.
Look out for information about wood burning around Saffron Walden or check out the Clean Air Hub to learn the truth about wood burning and help protect yourself, your family and your community by sharing what you've learned.
This Clean Air Night, learn the truth about wood burning: it hurts your health, wallet and the planet.
How does wood burning affect you?
We are working with local residents in Saffron Walden to reduce the environmental and health impacts of open fires and wood-burning stoves.
New evidence has uncovered that wood burning actually hurts your health, wallet and the planet.
Harms your wallet - wood burning is almost always more expensive than other forms of heating.
Harms your health - it is the largest source of harmful small particulate matter air pollution in the UK.
Harms the planet - it creates more harmful CO2 emissions compared to other forms of heating and we cannot reproduce trees fast enough to offset the CO2 emitted by burning wood.
Saffron Walden Clean Air survey
Take part in our clean air survey to tell us about what you think about using a wood burner or open fire and how this affects the air quality in Saffron Walden.
