Wood has been burnt since the dawn of man. Nowadays, with the tremendous advances made in heat resistant materials and manufacturing methods, modern woodstoves offer all the traditional benefits of wood burning combined with safety, cleanliness and efficiency. Here are six good reasons why you should consider heating with wood.

1. It's a renewable energy resource
Renewable means you don't run out. Renewable means you don't deplete the earth's resources. Wood is energy from the sun, stored by the tree as it grows. When you burn wood you are releasing this stored energy. Wood is a near perfect fuel because a forest is continually renewing itself unlike coal, oil and gas which, once consumed, are gone forever.

2. No global warming
The pruning, culling and harvesting of overgrown forests not only provides fuel for woodstoves, it promotes the growth of healthy trees that re-absorb at least as much carbon dioxide as is released when wood burns. Provided that we care for the forests and as long as every time a tree is cut down a new tree is planted there is no negative effect on the worlds atmosphere. Wood burning warms you, not the globe.

3. Warms you like no other
The radiant heat from a stove or fireplace is like the rays of the sun. It warms you through and through. Come in from the storm and stand near the fire - it's one of life's small pleasures.

4. Save money and energy
Well planned space heating saves energy. That stove in the living room keeps you warm and cosy in the place where you spend your time. In the spring and autumn that's probably all the heating you need. In the winter it greatly reduces your gas, fuel or electric bills.

5. You're in charge
Buy a winter's load of wood from a local supplier and not only are you investing in your local community but you are also ensuring self sufficiency. No amount of power cuts or strikes can keep you from being cosy, safe and warm.

6. A good investment
A woodstove installed into an attractive fireplace is the focal point of the entire house. Not only does it keep you cosy and warm it also increases the value and sales potential of your property.

7. The romance of the flame
The soft glow of the fire, a glass of wine, a good book - set your imagination free. Take a break from the world outside and find solace in the flames.

The carbon cycle

• The carbon cycle is the principle behind biomass technology.
• As trees and plants grow they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and store it.
• This carbon dioxide is released when the tree or plant is destroyed, either by natural causes or by combustion.
• As long as trees are planted to replace those that are burnt the net effect on carbon emissions is therefore zero.