The current situation for perennial energy crops (PECs) is looking rosier than it has done for a long time. The Government it seems are finally on side – they have accepted the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) recommendation that the UK needs to plant around 23,000 hectares of willow, miscanthus and short rotation forestry (SRF) per […]
There are an increasing number of online retailers offering “Super Willow” Salix viminalis hybrid for sale. This always looks a bit fishy to me as the full pedigree isn’t mentioned and the details are a bit vague. As a result anyone deciding to make a purchase will have no idea of what they are buying. […]
Below is our response to the ongoing DEFRA consultation on Environment Land Management. The consultation closes on 31st July 2020. Do you have any comments on the design principles on page 14? Are they the right ones? Are there any missing? I think the overall design principles look sound. However, I am concerned by the […]
When you tell someone that something is a good idea because it can do one thing really well that person might be interested. If you tell them it can do three things really well they may be very interested. But if you tell them it can do ten things really well they think you are […]
If you missed my presentation this morning it’s still possible to see it by registering online on the Cereals website. Just click the New Specialist Crops Markets Join Webinar button and submit your name and email address. I’m on 17 minutes into the session and also in the Q&A from 31 minutes. 7 minutes isn’t […]
I’m speaking at the Cereals Live 2020 online event this Thursday 11 June in the New Specialist Crop Markets webinar (8.00-8.45 am). I’ll be focussing on diversification opportunities that energy crops (such as willow, miscanthus and short rotation forestry) and agricultural residues afford arable farmers. It’s a 7 minute slot so a real whiz through […]
Under the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) around 19,000 biomass boilers have been installed in Great Britain. Any Government scheme giving grants or rebates has a requirement for compliance and ongoing obligations and this is certainly the case for RHI participants with biomass systems. However, from our own experience and talking with colleagues and Ofgem […]
It’s possible to plant Eucalyptus all over the British Isles but you need to make the right choice of species and plant according to best silvicultural practice. Many early trials failed as a limited range of frost susceptible species were used. However, the Eucalyptus genus is very diverse with many trees thriving in high altitudes […]
Are you interested in purchasing second hand machinery for planting short rotation coppice willow? If the answer is yes, then the good news is that we are helping broker the sale of two machines. There is also a second hand cut back mower available. Interested parties please contact us. Salix Maskiner AB Step planter Unit […]
I’m quite busy this spring with speaking engagements across the UK. If you would like to hear me talk and find out all about the biomas potential and multi functional benefits of Short Rotation coppice (SRC), Short Rotation Forestry (SRF), Miscanthus and non-wood fuels then read on. The venues, dates, times of each talk are […]