The government has unveiled a series of proposed new measures targeting smoke from domestic wood burners and bonfires, as part of a major update to its environmental strategy. A public consultation will be launched to explore ways to reduce the environmental impact of burning solid fuels at home.
Stricter Standards for Stoves and Fuels
Under the new proposals, manufacturers of solid fuel stoves could be required to phase out or modify older models to meet stricter emissions standards. Importantly, the plans do not include a ban on the use of stoves already sold to the public. The focus is instead on future manufacturing standards.
In addition, pollution limits may be tightened in existing Smoke Control Areas, where there are already restrictions on the types of fuel that can be burned in domestic fireplaces or appliances. Ministers have stated the consultation will aim to minimise disruption for those who rely on wood burning, and to respect traditional events like Bonfire Night and Diwali.
Ambitious Target to Slash Harmful Particulates
These measures form a key part of the government's updated Environment Improvement Plan (EIP), which sets out a series of new environmental targets. A central goal is to reduce concentrations of the fine particulate pollutant PM2.5 by 30% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels.
PM2.5 is linked to serious health conditions including asthma, lung disease, and heart problems. Official data shows that domestic combustion, such as from wood burners, was responsible for a fifth of all PM2.5 emissions in the UK in 2023. The new EIP is expected to align UK air quality standards with those of the European Union.
Campaigner Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, whose nine-year-old daughter Ella died in 2013 from an asthma attack linked to air pollution, called the new PM2.5 target a "win". She has long campaigned for "Ella's Law", which would legally compel the government to achieve clean air in England by 2030.
"It's not quite Ella's Law yet, but it's a step in the right direction," she told the Press Association. "Anything that's going to improve the air, and that means less children are going to be hospitalised and less children are going to die, I am always going to be for it."
Broader Environmental Goals and Funding
The EIP also outlines fresh targets beyond air quality. These include:
- Restoring or creating habitats across 250,000 hectares by 2030 – an area larger than Greater London.
- Publishing a strategy next year to tackle harmful "forever chemicals" (PFAs).
- Reducing the impact of invasive non-native species by 50% by 2030.
- Consulting on boosting farmers' use of methane-reducing feed for cattle.
The government has committed to redirecting £500 million of existing departmental funds to accelerate landscape recovery projects with farmers and landowners. A further £85 million will be invested in peatland restoration, and £3 million to improve access to nature in public forests.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated: "Our environment faces real challenges... This plan marks a step change in restoring nature. Our ambitious targets are backed by real action to cut harmful air pollutants, revive habitats and protect the environment for generations to come."
The delivery of this plan is a legal requirement under the Environment Act, with ministers set to publish detailed delivery plans outlining how the targets will be met and measured.
