Helen Bentley-Fox

Helen became Director at Woodsure in 2018, having first taken up the role of Accreditation Manager for the fledging Woodsure scheme in 2010.

Recognised as one of the UKʼs leading experts in woodfuel sustainability and fuel quality, Helen is also chair of the British Standards Institute technical team for solid biofuel standards and represents the UK internationally. Helen works closely with suppliers and producers of all sizes across the UK, helping them to meet legislative requirements in a way that is appropriate and applicable to their business. She also works to raise awareness of the need for sustainable forest management and good quality wood and biomass fuel to reduce its impact on air quality and the environment.

Helen developed a passion for the environment and sustainability after being inspired by a visit to the Centre for Alternative Technology as a child. Since then, she has worked to minimise her impact on the planet both personally and professionally, leading to her spending two years travelling through Africa, and later returning to Malawi for
three years with Voluntary Service Overseas, helping to develop sustainable rural livelihoods. Her interest in improving the environment also pushed her to gain two master’s degrees – the first in environmental management, which lead to biodiversity and habitat management work, and the second in sustainable development, which led her into the world of greenhouse gases and renewable energy projects, paving the way for wood fuel.

In 2010 Helen began working for Westwoods Woodfuel, working with suppliers in the Southwest to improve the quality of their woodchip supply. From this project the Woodsure scheme was formed and its success in the Southwest quickly led to it being rolled out nationally.