Fresh research information about growing short rotation coppice for the green energy market is now available on the web.
The site, www.forestry.gov.uk/src, details techniques and conditions for growing willow and poplar, which can be used as alternatives to fossil fuels in power stations and heating systems.
The information is the result of a Forest Research study which examined the yield from more than 30 varieties of energy crops in different climates and sites. The project was funded by the government, the Forestry Commission and DARD-Northern Ireland, as part of a programme to develop the UK biomass industry.
Helen McKay, the Forestry Commission’s principal advisor for forest operations and the environment, said interest in green energy crops such as willow and poplar was growing, especially following the government’s recent announcement of funding to help build new biomass plants.
