Welcome to low carbon Cairngorms.

Adapting to climate change and cutting greenhouse gases are vital to ensure Cairngorms National Park thrives. The new five year Partnership Plan (2012-2017) for the Park sees households and businesses adapting to a low carbon economy as a key measure of success.

Using renewable sources of energy to heat our homes, businesses and public spaces is something many people can do, and there is lots of help and information out there for the taking to make it as easy as possible. Using wood for heat can save you money too - good for the planet, good for your pocket!

Explore whether logs, chips or pellets would be the best option for you.  Learn about wood fuelled heating systems, browse our directory to find an installer or buy woodfuel and find out how to store and season firewood.  Discover how to manage woods for fuel, get into the firewood business or work together with friends and neighbours to create a community woodfuel scheme.  Find out why farmers and land managers are turning to trees and exploring new ways to collaborate to meet the increasing demand for quality firewood.

Putting woodlands to work

Small woodlands on farms are increasingly being looked upon as potential sources of both woodfuel and timber. An event in March hosted by the Crown Estate, Tomintoul, was attended by more than 35 guests from in and around the National Park. They learnt how to maximise the value of timber by reaching new markets, and enjoyed demonstrations of harvesting and processing machinery. The potential to reduce heating costs and carbon footprint with a secure and sustainable fuel supply was also explored.

Click here to see presentations from the event and more information. The Biomass Energy Centre also have a useful new guide to Forestry for Woodfuel and Timber for managers of small woodlands.