Fun, fragrant fire-starters for eco barbeques

As a kid, one of my favourite ways to wind up my Dad was throwing his ornamental pine cones on to our open fire in the winter. Not to be mean: I just couldn't resist it. I loved the way the (carefully collected and long-cherished) giant cones lit up so quickly and burnt with a brilliant blue flame, created by the salt in the sea air they'd absorbed as they grew.

So I was filled with childish, pyro glee when I found that you could now buy pine cones specially made and prepared for burning, along with other naturally fire-attracting and fragrant forms such as bay leaves, dried lemons and chillis. Designed to be used on barbeques and bonfires, natural herb barbeque lighters are a charming alternative to chemically laden fire-lighters and are scented with herbs and thyme oil. These are a damn site better for the environment and smell delicious too. Hand-made in Dorset, they're £14.50 for a pack of 12 at the Green Rewards Shop.

Related: How to have a more eco-friendly barbeque | Help butterflies as you barbeque with UK charcoal | Veggie and vegan barbeque ideas

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