low-tech solution to this problem. It comprises a double layer of thick felted wool on a handle that is inserted into the narrow part of the chimney just above the fireplace. It prevents all the lovely warm air from escaping, and stops cold winds from blowing down the chimney. The wool is breathable so it doesn’t cause problems with damp. It’s on a fixed handle so it can easily be pushed in when the fire is out. There are nine sizes and they fit most sizes of chimney. We also do made-to-measure ones for chimney sizes that fall between our standard ones. If you want to light the fire, simply pull the Sheep out, carefully shake off any excess soot into the fireplace, and place it in a wrap or bag out of the way. Once the fire is completely extinguished, you can pop it back in the chimney again. It is simple and robust so can be re-used hundreds of times. It can be washed on a wool cycle. But if you decide you need a new one, then take out the clamp and handle, stick the old one in the compost heap and order a replacement head.

The plastic components are made of recycled plastic in the northeast of England. The wool felt is 100% Herdwick, grown mostly in Cumbria, felted in Lancashire, and assembled back in Cumbria again.