Blacksmithing is a dirty business. The burning of non-renewable fuels to increase the temperature of iron and steel to the levels required for forging has radically increased since the 18th Century and they continue to be used by blacksmiths today.
We now know beyond doubt that our planet is in crisis due to global warming. It is therefore vital that we all play our part in reducing our impact on climate change, however small that may seem in global terms.
As a major provider of Blacksmithing education in the UK, the Blacksmiths Guild has a responsibility to ensure that our ancient craft and skills continue to flourish and that our voice is heard amidst a multitude of environmental researchers and political decision makers.
The following provides the key points of our actions thus far:
1) The British Artist Blacksmiths Association have set up a Future Fuels Group initiative to discuss the way forward for alternative blacksmithing fuels and forge designs to have a strong voice in relevant decision-making processes. Several Blacksmiths Guild Committee members participate in FFG proceedings.
2) Discussions have taken place with the Woodland Trust regarding Net Zero sustainability resulting in our interest in suitable tree planting and the increased use of charcoal and related products as a forge fuel. The Blacksmiths Guild now makes a regular donation to the Woodland Trust.
3) We try to keep abreast of worldwide research relating to sustainable fuels such as Elephant Grass and alternative forge designs (induction forges, for example).
4) The Blacksmiths Guild membership is encouraged to try out and report on the latest available fuels and forge designs whenever possible.
Merv Allen, FCWB,
Master of the Blacksmiths Guild