About WEP
Why the Woodburner Educational Programme exists
WEP exists to change:
The Woodburner Educational Programme (WEP) was created to address a growing issue across the UK: Wood burning stoves are increasingly being used without the knowledge, guidance, or support needed to operate them safely, efficiently, and responsibly.
While modern appliances are cleaner and more advanced than ever, poor fuel choices, incorrect operation, and a lack of user education continue to
contribute to avoidable emissions, unnecessary fire risks, appliance damage, and negative public perception of wood-burning as a whole.
Our aim is simple but ambitious: to create a culture of responsible wood-burning across the UK where stove users understand not just how to light a fire, but how to burn properly, protect their homes, reduce pollution, and get the best performance from their appliances.
A Programme Built Around Education, Not Sales
WEP is not a retailer, manufacturer, or installation service.
It is an independent educational programme designed specifically for stove users.
All guidance is rooted in real-world practice, current UK standards, and the practical realities of how stoves are actually used in homes.
WEP does not teach people how to install stoves. It exists to help the people who already own them use them better.
The course content focuses on:
• correct day-to-day operation
• fuel quality and storage
• efficient burning techniques
• maintenance awareness
• emissions reduction
• fire-risk prevention
• environmental responsibility
Why was WEP Created?
Despite the growth of the stove market, very little structured education exists for end users.
Most people receive a brief handover, a manual, or have inherited an appliance and then are left to work things out themselves.
WEP was developed to fill that gap, providing clear, accessible, non-technical education that empowers users to take responsibility for how their stove is operated long after installation day.
Over time, this gap in understanding leads to:
• inefficient burning
• excessive smoke and emissions
• blocked flues and damaged appliances
• higher servicing and repair costs
• avoidable chimney fires
• growing public and regulatory concern
Founded on Real Industry Experience
WEP was founded by Scott Harris, who has spent over a decade working hands-on in the UK wood burning industry, including the supply, installation, servicing, and long-term support of wood burning appliances across the south west region..
Through years of site work, customer call outs, inspections, and aftercare, one pattern became consistently clear:
Most problems do not come from the appliance.
They come from how it is used.
WEP was created to address that reality, transforming frontline industry experience into a structured educational programme that supports safer homes, cleaner air, and better long-term outcomes for stove users and the communities around them.
Our Wider Vision
WEP is designed to grow beyond an online course.
By helping establish a recognised standard of responsible stove use across the UK.
By educating users, WEP aims to reduce fire risk, improve air quality, protect appliances, and contribute to a more sustainable future for domestic solid fuel heating.
The long-term vision is for WEP to support:
• insurers
• local authorities
• housing providers
• retailers and installers
• environmental initiatives