The Woodfuel Pathfinder has now been operating for almost four years and we are fast approaching the end of the current phase of the project.
The ADAFOR Interreg project, which has enabled the Pathfinder to operate for the last two years, comes to a close at the end of March 2015.
To mark the end of ADAFOR the project partners will hold a small, two-day conference on March 5th and 6th at East Brabourne.
We would like to extend an invitation to readers of this blog and their colleagues. The conference is FREE to attend.
To book a place please go to our Eventbrite page.
Alternatively email us at matthew.morris@kentdowns.org.uk or call 01303 815 171.
A targeted package of support coordinated by the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to support woodland owners and managers, biomass heating installers and fuel producers take full advantage of the expanding market for woodfuel.
Monday, 9 February 2015
Wednesday, 28 January 2015
Forestry Commission - Preliminary Grant Offer for woodland management options under Countryside Stewardship
From 2015 Countryside Stewardship will include support for forestry.
Workshops will be held later in the year in partnership with Natural England to provide details of the full range of grants and how the new systems will work.
To maintain momentum in the forestry sector the Government has approved a “Preliminary Grant Offer” (PGO) for:
The Forestry Commission would like to invite you to either of the following seminars taking place in South East England.
Tuesday 10th February at Godstone Village Hall (also known as White Hart Barn) in east Surrey.
Tuesday 17th February at Theale Village Hall, nr Reading.
The seminars are free, but spaces are limited and subject to first come, first served. Please use the links to ‘eventbrite’ above to book your place
OUTLINE AGENDA:
Registration from 9.00
9.30 Welcome, introductions and context of the Preliminary Grant Offer
9.40 Scope of the Preliminary Grant Offer:
10.00 Guidance and forms
10.20 Break
10.40 Scoring Woodland Creation
11.05 Questions
11.20 DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) Sustainability Criteria for woodfuel
11.35 Woodland Management Plans - Best practice
11.55 Support for Forestry Business Development – Leader, Local Enterprise Partnerships, etc
12.15 Questions
12.30 Close
Workshops will be held later in the year in partnership with Natural England to provide details of the full range of grants and how the new systems will work.
To maintain momentum in the forestry sector the Government has approved a “Preliminary Grant Offer” (PGO) for:
- Woodland creation (i.e. grants for planting new woodland) Note: Your initial application for woodland creation must be received by the FC no later than 30th April to allow time for site visits. Your final application must be submitted by 31st May
- Woodland management plans (i.e. payment for preparation of a long term management plan)
- Woodland tree health (e.g. grants for restocking woodland that has been subject to a pest or disease)
The Forestry Commission would like to invite you to either of the following seminars taking place in South East England.
Tuesday 10th February at Godstone Village Hall (also known as White Hart Barn) in east Surrey.
Tuesday 17th February at Theale Village Hall, nr Reading.
The seminars are free, but spaces are limited and subject to first come, first served. Please use the links to ‘eventbrite’ above to book your place
OUTLINE AGENDA:
Registration from 9.00
9.30 Welcome, introductions and context of the Preliminary Grant Offer
9.40 Scope of the Preliminary Grant Offer:
- Timeline
- Option Groups (including eligibility and thresholds)
- Capital items and options
10.00 Guidance and forms
- Information sources
- Application process
10.20 Break
10.40 Scoring Woodland Creation
11.05 Questions
11.20 DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) Sustainability Criteria for woodfuel
11.35 Woodland Management Plans - Best practice
11.55 Support for Forestry Business Development – Leader, Local Enterprise Partnerships, etc
12.15 Questions
12.30 Close
Monday, 26 January 2015
Countryside Stewardship - FREE woodland funding events
The Forestry Commission will deliver a series of free events concerning the woodland funding options under the new Countryside Stewardship scheme.
Full details are below.
For the south east events please use the following links:
More information on Countryside Stewardship can be found at the Farmers Guardian, CLA and GOV.UK.
Friday, 23 January 2015
Forestry Commission - FREE forestry contractors events
Join the Forestry Commission for a free "pie and drink" at one of the southeast forestry contractor workshops being held this February/March.
We are seeing signs of market recovery - woodfuel, new boiler installations with the Renewable Heat Incentive, estates switching to woodfuel to heat houses, the BSW purchase of the Giddings sawmill, and a revival in markets for chestnut.
Did you know that woods in the southeast:
Tell us if you are coming and how many, as places are limited, by clicking on the relevant link below and following the instructions.
We look forward to meeting you.
- Hear about new markets in your county - who is out there.
- Learn about the new grant options and how they could help grow your business.
- Share your ideas and concerns with like minded colleagues.
- Tell us how we could help and meet your local Forestry Commission team.
We are seeing signs of market recovery - woodfuel, new boiler installations with the Renewable Heat Incentive, estates switching to woodfuel to heat houses, the BSW purchase of the Giddings sawmill, and a revival in markets for chestnut.
How can forestry businesses make the most from this recovery?
Come and share your thoughts and hear from others.
- account for about a quarter of all England 's woods - 326,000 ha covering 15.6% of land area (England average is 9.9% )
- contain more than 30 million m3 of "overdue" wood as current harvesting removes less than a third (300,000 m3) of the total volume that grows each year
- grow at a rate of more than 1,000,000 m3 a year but less than a 3rd of this is being harvested
- are at risk of collapse through lack of management
We look forward to meeting you.
Wednesday 18th February - West Sussex and East Hampshire
Thursday 19th February - Kent (Lenham)
Monday 23rd February - South Hampshire
Tuesday 24th February – Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Wednesday 25th February - Surrey (Joint with Surrey Hills Enterprises)
Thursday 26th February - East Sussex
Friday 26th February - Isle of Wight
Wednesday 4th March - North Hampshire and West Berkshire
Labels:
BSW,
Forestry Commission,
giddings,
renewable heat incentive,
RHI
Tuesday, 20 January 2015
2015 forestry and wood fuel events - dates for diary
We have replicated Fuelwood's list (thank you) and added a few others including the National Woodfuel Conference in October.
First up is LAMMA 2015 which takes place this weekend at the East of England Showground. With free car parking for 10,000 we hope the snow holds off!
January 2015
LAMMA'15 - The UK’s largest farm machinery, equipment and services show. Wed 21st. to Thurs 22nd.
March 2015
AGRI-EXPO - Agri-Expo (SE) was formed in 2011 and now attracts over 150 stands including manufacturers, machinery dealers and other companies directly involved in agriculture. 4th.
SALON BOIS ENERGIE SHOW 2015 - Nantes France - "from the forest to the flame". Thurs 19th. to Sun 22nd.
May 2015
FUELWOOD MAY OPEN DAYS - See kindling, firewood and related commercial machinery operating. Fri 29th. to Sat 30th.
June 2015
ARB SHOW 2015 - NEW VENUE - Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Fri 5th. to Sat 6th.
Kent County Show - The Kent County Show is a showcase event for farming, countryside and rural life. 10-12th July
GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW 2015 – Harrogate - The biggest agricultural event in the region. Tues 14th. to Thurs 16th.
THE ROYAL WELSH SHOW 2015 - Encompasses the wide spectrum of farming and rural activities. Mon 20th. to Thurs 23rd.
CLA GAME FAIR 2015 - Offering a prestigious platform for country sports and activities. Fri 31st. to Sun 2nd.
September 2015BENTLEY WOODFAIR 2015 - A great range of exhibits, activities, demonstrations and seminars. Dates to be confirmed.
CONFOR WOODLAND SHOW 2015 - The best of sustainable forestry and low-carbon businesses. Thurs 10th. to Fri 11th.
FUELWOOD OPEN DAYS - See kindling, firewood and related commercial machinery operating. Fri 25th. to Sat 26th.
October 2015
National Woodfuel Conference - To be sponsored by LC Energy and Forestry Commission England, the National Wood Fuel Conference will be held in association with Grown in Britain and Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and will coincide with Grown in Britain week. Thurs 15th Oct.
Friday, 9 January 2015
Working with wood chip at Hever Castle - FREE CLA event
If you want to learn more then Douch Biomass and South East Wood Fuels will host a talk and site visit at Hever on March 24th.
Full details can be found on the CLA website. Details can also be found below.
Friday, 7 November 2014
Public Forests to be named as exempt in the Infrastructure Bill
We have just learnt that the ability of the Government to transfer the public forest estate to the Homes and Community Agency, as part the Infrastructure Bill, has been prevented by campaigners.
We have compiled a series of links that should provide most of the background:
We have compiled a series of links that should provide most of the background:
- Background to the potential impact of Infrastructure Bill on the public forest estate
- More background to infrastructure Bill from from Save Our Woods
- ITV report
- Guardian article
- Save Our Woods campaign website
- Hands of our Forest campaign website (HOOF)
- Ministerial statement and the Save Our Woods commentary on this statement
- Hansard for the House of Lords debate
We would also recommend a visit to the Save Our Woods campaign website - the organisation which appears to be leading the fight to retain control of the public forest estate.
Apologies for the lack of coverage on this topic - there seems to have been very little coverage about this in the media!
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Re-ignite: A seminar for Wood Heating in the Public Sector
Installing biomass heating in public sector buildings can be very hard to achieve. Barriers range from institutional inertia to a basic lack of understanding of alternatives to oil, gas or LPG systems.
To help unravel this complicated set of problems South East Wood Fuels, in partnership with Rural Energy, will deliver a one day seminar on November 18th at The Keep in Brighton.
Places can be booked via the South East Wood Fuels website or by telephone on 01323 340041.
To help unravel this complicated set of problems South East Wood Fuels, in partnership with Rural Energy, will deliver a one day seminar on November 18th at The Keep in Brighton.
Places can be booked via the South East Wood Fuels website or by telephone on 01323 340041.
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
National Woodfuel Conference 2014
The Pathfinder project recently attended the National Wood Fuel Conference which took place on October 17th at Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking in Surrey.
The event was very well attended and many of the most notable wood fuel, biomass and forestry companies were in attendance. The event was expertly put together by Surrey Hills Enterprises (part of the Surrey Hills AONB).
Highlights for us included a presentation by Ben Ditchburn from the Forestry Commission (see here) who provided strong evidence of the level of timber and biomass stocks in woodlands in the South East of England.
Ben's presentation was widely appreciated, primarily because his data confirmed how timber extraction, even at enhanced levels, will sit comfortably alongside increasing stocks of timber and carbon in our forests.
Guy Boulby from DECC, who's presentation covered the future of heating in the UK, discussed the likely role that biomass heating will play over the next 20 to 30 years. Ben explained how biomass will act as an important transition technology until other technologies will start to play a bigger role.
Of great interest was the launch of new biomass heating guidance from CIBSE by David Palmer and his colleagues.
The presentation provided a background to why the guidance was needed and how it has been developed.
The guidance, which can be downloaded free of charge from the CIBSE website, focuses on technical aspects and will be of most use to biomass heating installers, heating engineers and people and building services specialists.
All in all the National Wood Fuel Conference, now in its fourth year, provided an authoritative demonstration of wood fuel sustainability and how the biomass sector can help bring neglected woodlands back into positive management.
All of the presentations can be found here.
The event was very well attended and many of the most notable wood fuel, biomass and forestry companies were in attendance. The event was expertly put together by Surrey Hills Enterprises (part of the Surrey Hills AONB).
Highlights for us included a presentation by Ben Ditchburn from the Forestry Commission (see here) who provided strong evidence of the level of timber and biomass stocks in woodlands in the South East of England.
Ben's presentation was widely appreciated, primarily because his data confirmed how timber extraction, even at enhanced levels, will sit comfortably alongside increasing stocks of timber and carbon in our forests.
Guy Boulby from DECC, who's presentation covered the future of heating in the UK, discussed the likely role that biomass heating will play over the next 20 to 30 years. Ben explained how biomass will act as an important transition technology until other technologies will start to play a bigger role.
The presentation provided a background to why the guidance was needed and how it has been developed.
The guidance, which can be downloaded free of charge from the CIBSE website, focuses on technical aspects and will be of most use to biomass heating installers, heating engineers and people and building services specialists.
All in all the National Wood Fuel Conference, now in its fourth year, provided an authoritative demonstration of wood fuel sustainability and how the biomass sector can help bring neglected woodlands back into positive management.
All of the presentations can be found here.
Thursday, 23 October 2014
Development of Forestry Businesses - FREE Demonstration Workshops
The Forestry Commission will deliver three demonstration events in November.
These are designed to illustrate how three forestry businesses located in the South East have grown over the last seven years and how Rural Development Programme England (RDPE) support has helped facilitate this growth.
The events are described below. Contact and booking details can be found at the end of the article.
Friday 7th November – Balcombe Estate nr Crawley
Balcombe Estate has a long history of integrated woodland management maintaining their estate sawmill and pursuing new markets for wood products.
RDPE support has helped them build their woodfuel supply business, including supporting the purchase of a 360 mounted harvester in partnership with a nearby estate. They are currently exploring how they can grasp the growing interest in locally grown timber by upgrading their sawmill and marketing.
As they grow their business they are also exploring how they can work collaboratively with complimentary businesses and neighbours.
This event will include:
- First hand experience of a previous grant recipient
- A walking tour and demonstration of harvesting/firewood processing
- Lunch and refreshments
This event will illustrate how entrepreneurial management and enthusiasm can grow forestry business in lowland England and how RDPE support and collaboration can help accelerate this process.
This event will be of particular interest to anyone exploring how they can grow their forestry business in SE England.
Registration from 9.45am for a 10am start. Lunch will be provided.
Tuesday 18th November - H G Matthews Brickworks nr Chesham
H G Matthews illustrates how a local business with high energy needs has developed the use of locally sourced wood as a fuel along with the supply chain to meet their needs.
This event will be of particular interest to local businesses considering use of locally grown wood, contractors who are looking to expand or establish woodfuel supply chains and owners exploring options for woodfuel supply.
This event will include:
First hand experience of a previous grant recipient
- Walking tour of the brickworks
- Lunch and refreshments at a nearby public house.
Space is restricted and so we can only accommodate 20 individuals at this event. Only one person per company/organisation please.
Registration from 9.45am for a 10am start. Lunch will be provided.
Thursday 27th November - Brockwood Park Farm nr Petersfield
Brockwood Park Farm illustrates how woodlands on farms and estates can be managed cost effectively to deliver woodfuel to heat the owner’s, neighbours’ and/or local business properties.
Heating oil is becoming ever more expensive and few people realise that a tonne of seasoned wood can deliver as much heat as 350 litres of heating oil and you may be eligible for support from the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive.
Alex Morton at Brockwood Park has carefully considered his options and brought together a package of equipment, infrastructure and skills to help him manage his woods extremely well and supply woodfuel to the adjacent school as well as heat his home. He is now exploring opportunities to extend his forestry management with neighbours.
This event will include:
- First hand experience of a previous grant recipient
- A walking tour of woodfuel processing site
Registration from 9.45am for a 10am start.
As these are ‘on site’ visits spaces are limited and hence early registration is encouraged. To book please click here.
Thursday, 16 October 2014
Monday, 13 October 2014
Bredhurst Woodland Action Group (BWAG) - Update and Forthcoming Events October 2014
BWAG Land Purchase
BWAG has now finalised the purchase of their 6th plot in Bredhurst Woods. In total, BWAG own just under 9 acres of woodland. Proceeds from all events go towards further purchases to enable BWAG to secure as many plots as possible, ensuring Bredhurst Woods remains a community amenity for generations to come.
Photographs for BWAG 2015 Calendar
If anyone has any photos of the woods and the surrounding area that you would like to be considered for next year’s calendar, please contact Jim Chalmers on 07870 878907. All entries must be with Jim by Thursday 16th October
Thursday 16th October - 10am to 1pm (Meet at the allotments, Hurstwood Road)
BWAG are working with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and, as part of their Heritage Tree Project, we are holding a study day. We will measure, record and study the many spectacular big, old and gnarly trees of Bredhurst.
Please bring your own drink and a packed lunch as well as sturdy shoes and all weather clothing. No booking necessary. For information please contact - Kevyn Wightman, BWAG Trustee, Tel 07980-611069
Bredhurst Traditional Christmas Market
BWAG were very pleased to be asked by The 139 Club (a Bredhurst based baby and children’s charity) to hold a joint event. On Sunday 30th November, we are holding a Bredhurst Traditional Christmas Market in the garden of Green Court.
There will be a wide selection of stalls selling quality hand made gifts, locally sourced food and drink, mulled wine, mince pies and say hello to Santa!
All proceeds to The 139 Club and Bredhurst Woodland Action Group.
For information call Jo Grant (The 139 Club) on 07549 634090 or Vanessa on 07813 785940 or email bwag@vanessajones.plus.com
The event is kindly supported by The Bell who are happy for you to park in their car park.
BWAG Carol Concert
The Cantium Singers, a 50 strong choir from Rochester, will be performing at St Peter’s Church on Thursday, 4th December at 7.30pm.
Guests are then invited to take a short walk to Green Court for mulled wine, mince pies and grand Christmas raffle. There will also be a selection of stalls selling quality hand made gifts.
Tickets - £7 per person, u16s free (includes refreshments). Tickets must be purchased in advance and are not available on the night. Tickets will be on sale from the end of October. For further information, please call 07813 785940 (eve/weekends) or email bwag@vanessajones.plus.com
Friday, 10 October 2014
Business support for forestry businesses
The Forestry Commission has recently appointed a consortium of organisations to provide business support to forestry businesses across England. The objective of this support is to support forestry businesses in advance of the new grants within the new Rural Development Programme (RDP), set to start in 2015.
| Mike and Max knew there must be an easier way! |
Survey respondents identified 32 items of forestry machinery required to either maintain or enhance business performance.
The cost of this machinery was just under £1 million:
| Kelvin's tractor had seen better days |
- The average cost ranged from £7,250 (firewood processor) to £70,000 (harvester/processor).
- The majority of the equipment was allocated for purchase within the next two to three years (and no later than 2020).
- Forwarders and firewood processors were the most frequently cited items.
- Most investment is required in forwarding machinery (£315,000).
| Mark's great great great Grandfather's chainsaw was a bit smoky |
The consortium, known as FACE (Forestry Advisory Consortium England), will provide free one-to-one business support.
Details of future schemes under RDP are still taking shape.
However, based on the previous programme grant support may be available for (but not limited) projects involving machinery, training, business support, venison processing and initiatives involving collaboration.
| Guy's harvester was not helped by the foam leftover from the last woodland rave |
Experience from previous rounds of these European Rural Development Grants shows that it will be important for forestry businesses to have good quality “oven ready” applications in time for the official opening.
FCE are encouraging businesses to register their interest in the support as soon as possible.
Please choose from the appropriate regional contact below:
- East England: Corinne Meakins corinne.meakins@forestry.gsi.gov.uk 01842 819089
- East Midlands: David Bole david.bole@forestry.gsi.gov.uk 07712 750549
- South East: Matthew Woodcock matthew.woodcock@forestry.gsi.gov.uk 01483 326210
- South West: Mark Prior mark.prior@forestry.gsi.gov.uk 01392 834260
- West Midlands: Simon West simon.west@forestry.gsi.gov.uk 01905 532212
- North West: Penny Oliver penny.oliver@forestry.gsi.gov.uk 01524 565805
- Yorkshire & the North East richard.pow@forestry.gsi.gov.uk 07831 216024
Further details can be found here.
| Rick's two horsepower log extractor was very thirsty |
To register for these events please contact Amy or Jude on 07502 985 921 or email events@lantern.uk.com. More details can be found here.
Friday, 26 September 2014
Forest seedling app solves problem of identifying young trees and shrubs
The Forestry Commission has developed a new smart phone application that supports identification of young (<1 year), self-set tree and shrub seedlings that are commonly encountered in British woodlands and forests.
The main features of the app are as follows:
- Accurately identify and record self-set tree and shrub seedlings
- Record field notes and locations using GPS without a mobile signal
- Includes high-resolution images of leaves and other seedling features that can be used for identification
- Uses dynamic filtering to allow users to identify seedlings based upon a number of key characteristics including leaf shapes and stem hairs
- Supports species searches and includes listings by common and scientific names
The field guide app has been developed by the Forestry Commission from content supplied by Forest Research. It costs £1.49 and is available from iTunes Store and Google Play.
Monday, 8 September 2014
British Woodlands Survey 2014
BWS 2014 focusses on ancient woodland, planted ancient woodland sites (PAWS) and restoration. Following on from BWS 2012, this latest survey is exploring current management practices and attitudes towards ancient woodland and PAWS.
The findings will support a Heritage Lottery funded outreach project, for owners and managers of ancient woodland or PAWS. The project, co-ordinated by the Woodland Trust, is offering advice and site assessments from locally based Project Officers in 10 areas of the UK at no charge to landowners and managers.
The survey is open to all woodland owners and managers. It will be available in English and Welsh. The survey will take only 20 minutes to complete, and will be live throughout September. There is valuable information provided at the end of the survey on how to identify ancient woodland and PAWS, and contact details for the local Project Officers providing expert advice to owners and managers should you wish to enquire about a visit.
About BWS
The BWS series provides an evidence base on which future polices and practice can be developed to support further sustainable forest management for multiple ecosystem services in Britain. We intend to conduct regular major surveys every four years, interspersed by smaller surveys on particular themes.
If you are interested in commissioning a future BWS then we would be pleased to discuss your aims. We are also interested in sharing selected data with researchers with a view to publishing original research.
BWS 2012
The first BWS survey was conducted in 2012, and was designed as a major survey gathering information about ownership, markets and management. As such it was intended as a baseline against which data from future major surveys can be compared. BWS 2012 itself built upon an important series of surveys undertaken by the Department of Land Economy at the University of Cambridge since 1963.
A summary of the 2012 report can be found here.
The findings will support a Heritage Lottery funded outreach project, for owners and managers of ancient woodland or PAWS. The project, co-ordinated by the Woodland Trust, is offering advice and site assessments from locally based Project Officers in 10 areas of the UK at no charge to landowners and managers.
The survey is open to all woodland owners and managers. It will be available in English and Welsh. The survey will take only 20 minutes to complete, and will be live throughout September. There is valuable information provided at the end of the survey on how to identify ancient woodland and PAWS, and contact details for the local Project Officers providing expert advice to owners and managers should you wish to enquire about a visit.
About BWS
The BWS series provides an evidence base on which future polices and practice can be developed to support further sustainable forest management for multiple ecosystem services in Britain. We intend to conduct regular major surveys every four years, interspersed by smaller surveys on particular themes.
BWS 2012
The first BWS survey was conducted in 2012, and was designed as a major survey gathering information about ownership, markets and management. As such it was intended as a baseline against which data from future major surveys can be compared. BWS 2012 itself built upon an important series of surveys undertaken by the Department of Land Economy at the University of Cambridge since 1963.
A summary of the 2012 report can be found here.
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
Game Management in Woodlands - FREE event
The good people at the High Weald AONB have organised a seminar on game management in woodland.
This free event will take place on Tuesday 7th October (10:15 to 2:00 pm).
Places are limited - please book using this link. For more information please contact Matt Pitts at the High Weald AONB.
This free event will take place on Tuesday 7th October (10:15 to 2:00 pm).
Places are limited - please book using this link. For more information please contact Matt Pitts at the High Weald AONB.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Small Woods Association - Skill Sharing weekend 12-14th September 2014
The Small Woods Association has just released details on its 2014 skill sharing weekend.
The event will take place at the Woodland Enterprise Centre at Flimwell in East Sussex from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September.
The event will include:
The cost for the weekend will be £42 for Members, and £48 for members guests. For more details and to book please visit the SWA website.
Members are welcome to attend for the AGM business ONLY free of charge - please contact philtidey@smallwoods.org.uk)
The event will take place at the Woodland Enterprise Centre at Flimwell in East Sussex from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September.
The event will include:
- Two keynote speakers
- Alison Field (Forestry Commission Regional Director for the South East) who will talk on the future for woodlands in the region, the impact of tree diseases and the changes in grants.
- Tim Rowland (Future Trees Trust) will talk about their work in improving the planting stock of broadleaved trees so as to enhance the social, economic and environmental benefits that they offer.
- Lectures and workshops on selling timber, woodland management problems, tool sharpening and a range of greenwood and coppice crafts
- A session on firewood, led by Vince Thurkettle, author of The Wood Fire Handbook
- A session on woodland first aid
- A tour of the managed woodlands at Flimwell
- Foresters Question Time
- A members visit to the Pinetum at Bedgebury, which is nearby
- Lunch on the Saturday, with a barbeque and social in the evening
- A quiz and film show on arrival on the Friday.
- Camping space is available free of charge, or we can advise on accommodation locally.
- And last (but not least!) the Small Woods Association AGM.
The cost for the weekend will be £42 for Members, and £48 for members guests. For more details and to book please visit the SWA website.
Members are welcome to attend for the AGM business ONLY free of charge - please contact philtidey@smallwoods.org.uk)
Friday, 22 August 2014
Lucas Mill - Fuelwood Case Study & Video
Those lovely people at Fuelwood have just created a new case study and video for the Lucas Mill - a portable saw mill that can be set up around a felled tree.
More videos can be found here.
Whilst on the subject of machinery Fuelwood has an interesting selection of ex-demo and second hand equipment - take a look here.
Finally, we should draw your attention to APF2014 which will take place at the Ragley Estate (Warwickshire) on the 18th to 20th September.
Labels:
APF2014,
forestry machinery,
fuelwood,
Lucas Mill,
mobile saw mill,
ragley estate
Thursday, 21 August 2014
RHI - biomass sustainability and Biomass Suppliers List (BSL)
Over the last few weeks we have received several emails from DECC regarding their policy for biomass sustainability that it applies to renewable energy subsidy schemes including the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Renewables Obligation (RO).
Given the volume of reading required to keep up with all of the recent announcements we have attempted a summary to enable readers to locate some of the important documents.
First up is the Biomass sustainability policy Q&A that was released following the consultation workshops that took place in London. This is well worth a read as it neatly summarises some key questions as well as confirming the following:
Summary of post consultation decisions
Some changes have been introduce following the consultation and feedback received during workshops. These changes are as follows:
BSL guidance and Q & A
UK Timber Standard for Heat and Electricity
DECC February 2013 Government Response document, announcing RHI sustainability criteria
DECC December 2013 Government Response document, providing an update on RHI sustainability criteria
Ofgem Renewables Obligation sustainability guidance
EU 2010 Report on biomass sustainability
Given the volume of reading required to keep up with all of the recent announcements we have attempted a summary to enable readers to locate some of the important documents.
First up is the Biomass sustainability policy Q&A that was released following the consultation workshops that took place in London. This is well worth a read as it neatly summarises some key questions as well as confirming the following:
- Introduction of the greenhouse gas and land criteria in the RHI/RO biomass sustainability policy will now be introduced from Spring 2015.
- Non-domestic RHI participants will have two methods of demonstrating compliance with the forthcoming sustainability criteria:
- Self-reporting directly to Ofgem against the criteria
- Sourcing fuel from the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL).
- GHG criteria: Biomass fuel used by RHI participants must meet a lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target of 34.8g CO2 equivalent per MJ of heat, or 60% GHG savings against the EU fossil fuel average.
- Land Criteria: For woodfuel the criteria are outlined in the UK Timber Standard for Heat and Electricity.
Woodfuel meets the Timber Standard for Heat & Electricity if it "...originates from an independently verifiable legal and sustainable source and appropriate documentation is provided to prove it."
Currently this documentation is obtained via one of two routes:
- Category A: Evidence that the woodfuel originates from a legal and sustainable source can be provided through the use of independent certification of the wood by a recognised forest certification scheme (e.g. FSC, PEFC).
- Category B: Evidence that the woodfuel originates from a legal and sustainable source can also be provided in the form of alternative/bespoke documentary evidence that provides sufficient assurance that the source of the wood is legal and sustainable (e.g. via a supplier registered on the BSL or via self-reporting - for more details click here).
Summary of post consultation decisions
Some changes have been introduce following the consultation and feedback received during workshops. These changes are as follows:
- The definition of ‘saw logs’ was changed so that it now reflects local sawmill specifications. Where local specifications are not available, suppliers should use the UK specifications set out in Table 1 of the Forestry Commission Field Book 9 (second edition). See following table.
- New requirements to report on the proportion of ‘hardwood’ and ‘softwood’. There will be an additional requirement to report on whether any of the wood used was likely to have come from threatened or protected species.
- Arboricultural residues will be deemed sustainable under the Timber Standard for the RO and RHI.
- Not to exempt wood from diseased trees from the Timber Standard.
- To “deem sustainable” under the Timber Standard, trees removed from non-forest land for ecological reasons.
- Not to exempt wind blow from the Timber Standard at this stage but to keep the evidence under review.
- Not to exempt non-waste residues from sawmills from the Timber Standard.
- To add ‘highly biodiverse grasslands’ to the list of protected land types in the land criteria for non-wood solid and gaseous biomass.
Copies of the original consultation document and Government Response can be can be viewed on the DECC website.
Further reading:
BSL guidance and Q & A
UK Timber Standard for Heat and Electricity
DECC February 2013 Government Response document, announcing RHI sustainability criteria
DECC December 2013 Government Response document, providing an update on RHI sustainability criteria
Ofgem Renewables Obligation sustainability guidance
EU 2010 Report on biomass sustainability
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
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