Our visiting speaker, Bea Udale-Smith, was invited to speak to us about the problems that wood burning are causing in the New Forest. She explained that levels of particulates, in particular PM10 and PM2.5 - that are associated with wood burning, are as high in rural areas as they are in Southampton or Portsmouth. We have concerns about Ringwood, Lymington, and Lyndhurst.
We knew that air pollution is not the same as carbon dioxide (CO₂) pollution, but that air pollution and CO₂ share many sources. It is good to have it reiterated by our speaker. By tackling air pollution, we can limit climate change and vice versa.
Environmental impact of wood burning
Emissions from burning wood lead to more CO₂ being released than is the case from oil and gas.
Time delay: it takes decades for new trees to recapture released CO₂.
Origin of firewood: there are issues with road miles, drying method, and forestry management.
Biodiversity: deadwood provides habitat and builds diversity. It leads to the recycling of nutrients back into soil.
Bea emphasised that domestic burning is now the biggest source of harmful small particles (PM2.5) pollution in the UK, superseding that from both industrial processes and vehicles.
We were reminded of the date for Clean Air Night (Wednesday 22 January 2025).
There were concerns amongst those present at the meeting about the impact of their neighbours' wood burning, and it was agreed that this was a very difficult issue to address. We would like to see advice on minimising risk, together with a health warning, at the point of sale of wood burning stoves. While wood burning is now banned in some local authorities, it is likely to be some time before it reaches the New Forest. In the meantime, investment in clean burning solutions should be encouraged.
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