Willows are sometimes called the Easter Tree as they come into bloom early in spring. Male varieties can be particularly showy and produce prolific displays of golden catkins. They aren’t just nice to look at – they provide a lifeline to foraging bees by providing an abundant source of pollen and nectar when there aren’t many alternatives. […]
Back in June a very influential report called “The best use of UK agricultural land” was produced by the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). The significance of the report is that it is backed by big food organisations such as ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Nestle as well as the NFU and CLA as part of CISL’s […]
As part of the Energy Technologies Institute‘s Enabling UK Biomass project, Crops for Energy Ltd has produced a questionnaire which is aiming to try to understand more about the demographics and motivations of farmers that have planted and /or removed energy crops. We are hoping that as many of the UKs 650 growers respond to […]
Crops for Energy Ltd has sought to engage with likeminded individuals and organisations in order to respond to the CAP reform consultation and demonstrate the potential value of continued but more targeted support for the energy crops sector. Our view is that woody energy crops in general and short rotation coppice (SRC) willow in particular […]
DEFRA are currently seeking views on the Common Agricultural Policy reform. The consultation will run until November 28th. More details can be found on the above link or by calling DEFRA on 020 7238 6348. Responses to the consultation should be sent to Capconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk. We will be co-ordinating a response with other organisations active in the energy […]
A major new book called ‘The Sleeping Giant Awakens – Bioenergy in the UK ’ was published on the 25th September. The 409 page book sets out a realistic path for achieving 15-20% bio-energy contribution by 2030-40 and covers the heat, power and transport sectors. It seeks to answer questions such as ‘Do we have […]
The long awaited domestic part of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will be launched in the Spring of 2014. This is welcome news and opens up opportunities for home owners to get in on the RHI act. The full domestic RHI policy statement is available on the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) website. […]
It is possible to achieve high yields of over 12 oven dry tonnes per hectare per year from willow grown as short rotation coppice (SRC). To achieve this you need to follow this 10 point plan. 1) Plan early You really need to start thinking about planting your willow plantation at least 12 months in […]
The Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) closes to new applications at the end of August 2013. Crops for Energy Ltd has produced a position paper which sets out the need for an improved policy framework for the woody energy crops sector as well as a third round of the ECS. The paper includes a critical appraisal of the […]
We are very experienced at producing biomass boiler feasibility studies with around 50 under our belt. Our clients include: Bristol City Council (5 primary schools and 5 elderly peoples’ homes) South Somerset District Council (4 offices and depots) The National Trust (3 large stately homes) We have also helped numerous farmers install boilers on their […]