The Simple Pleasure of Stacking Wood

How preparing for winter can soothe the soul

Happiness is a full woodshed Photo: Fiona Cameron Lister

There are some activities which connect us straight to our prehistoric ancestors. Nursing babies, weaving cloth, cooking food, spinning a story, scanning the starry firmament. And sitting in front of a fire.

Stare at the sparks and the hypnotic flickering of the flames draws you in. The warmth does…