PEOPLE in the Cairngorms National Park now have the services of a dedicated professional available to advise on switching to wood heating.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has come together with Forestry Commission Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Enterprise to promote the greater use of woodfuel in the north-east of Scotland and in the Park.

By providing specialist advice and support, the partnership will encourage more woodfuel to market through the increased management of small undermanaged woodlands. It also aims to boost the number of woodfuel users through greater promotion and by improving understanding of the technology now available.

Ian Cowe, Biomass Development Officer for Forestry Commission Scotland has been employed to provide one-to-one business support for those wishing to learn more about woodfuel.

"Modern woodfuel boilers are a clean and reliable heating technology,” Ian said.  “Automated fuel feed and de-ashing systems, electric auto-start mechanisms and thermostatically regulated heating controls mean that they act in a very similar manner to traditional oil and gas boilers.

“Wood is a great way to heat your home or office and modern woodfuel boilers are reliable and cost effective, especially for rural properties without access to the main gas supply network,” Ian added.

“I would strongly encourage any property owner looking to reduce their energy bills, or looking to replace their heating system to consider a woodfuel boiler. The Renewable Heat Incentive is a generous source of funding that makes using renewable heat affordable. Now is the time to act to achieve real environmental and cost benefits."  

If you would like to benefit from this free service call or Ian on 01466 794542 or e-mail ian.cowe@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

This feed was drawn from the Low Carbon Cairngorms - Woodfuel website

THE latest statistics report on woodfuel usage in Scotland shows that the popularity of woodfuel looks set to continue to increase aver the next few years.

Published by Forestry Commission Scotland, the report provides data on existing and potential woodfuel usage in the commercial, industrial heat and electrical generation sectors of the Scottish market.

Detailing information for 2010, the report also forecasts usage for 2011 and 2012.

Key points made in the report include;

• During 2010 wood fuel usage increased by 118k odt to 618k odt/yr.
• Current wood fuel projects in Scotland save an estimated 902,000 tonnes of C02 emissions annually, almost twice as much as in 2009 (509,000 tonnes)
• The total of wood going directly or indirectly into wood fuel is forecast at some 800k odt in 2011 rising to in excess of one million odt in 2012.

Minister for the Environment & Climate Change, Stewart Stevenson, said:

“Clearly, woodfuel and biomass have an important role to play in Scotland’s journey towards developing a renewable, sustainable energy supply – and this latest update report offers some encouraging evidence of how well woodfuel is being integrated into that process.

“While the Scottish Government is keen to ensure that appropriate support is provided to help further biomass development and that the full potential of biomass is realised, it is vital that in the face of the increasing demand for woodfuel and the growing competition for supply, everyone plays their part to ensure that the most efficient and beneficial use is made of this finite resource.”

For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/woodfuelscotland

Notes to Editors
1) Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate and manages the 660,000 hectare national forest estate. Climate change is the biggest threat facing the planet and Scottish forestry is playing its part in helping tackle climate change. With trees naturally locking up carbon, they have a significant role in reducing the affects of climate change. The use of wood as a fuel will also help reduce harmful greenhouse emissions and the Commission is working hard to promote woodfuel developments across the country. Forestry Commission Scotland is continuing to protect, manage and expand Scotland’s forests and woodlands in a way which helps in the fight against climate change. www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland

paul.munro@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

This feed was drawn from the Low Carbon Cairngorms - Woodfuel website

The launch of the Renewable Heat Incentive has been delayed, triggering dismay among businesses which had geared up for the scheme to start at the beginning of October. 

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said the scheme had been postponed after European Commission officials raised concerns over tariffs

A DECC spokesperson said:  ”We are fully committed to introducing the Renewable Heat Incentive. However, we understand that the European Commission state aid approval for the RHI will be subject to a reduction in the large biomass tariff. We expect to receive written confirmation of this very shortly. This means we now need to change the regulations before the scheme can open to applications. We understand this is frustrating for industry who are already gearing up for the RHI however we hope to get this sorted out soon and open the scheme before the end of November.”

Click here for a Guardian article  on the postponement of the scheme.

This feed was drawn from the Low Carbon Cairngorms - Woodfuel website

HOUSEHOLDERS across the country could get up to £1,250 of government funding to help towards the cost of installing renewable heating systems such as biomass boilers, air and ground source heat pumps and solar thermal panels.

The Government’s new £15 million ‘Renewable Heat Premium Payment’ scheme – which will open for applications on 1st August this year until March next year - will support up to 25,000 installations.

The scheme will be mainly focused at around 4 million households in Great Britain not heated by mains gas, who have to rely on higher carbon forms of heating which also tend to be more expensive than gas, such as heating oil and electric fires to keep warm.

Social housing landlords have also been included, with £3m set aside from the total for the improvement of social housing stock.

The scheme is expected to support up to 25,000 installations of renewable technology, with home owners required to participate in surveys to record their opinions, assisting the government in improving its understanding of renewable heat technologies.

Those applying for grants will be required to have insulated their homes.

The RHPP scheme will be run by the Energy Saving Trust and is open to those living in England, Scotland or Wales.

Funding for solar thermal installation is available for any property, but only those not using mains gas can apply for grants towards heat pumps and biomass boilers.

To quality for funding, the equipment must be installed by installers with MCS or Solar Keymark certification.

The full RHI initiative, which will include tariff payments to consumers, is due to be launched in October 2012.

 Grants available

Solar thermal - £300

Biomass boiler - £950

Air source heat pump - £850

Ground source heat pump - £1250

Click here for more details from the Energy Savings Trust, which will administer the Scheme.

This feed was drawn from the Low Carbon Cairngorms - Woodfuel website

KINGUSSIE is gearing up to celebrate the wonderful world of woods this weekend with fun-packed festival for all the family.

The Kingussie Forest Festival takes place on Saturday (18 June) fropm 12:30 to 4:30pm in Ardvonie Park.

Circus skills, a chance to play funky rythyms with the Woodland Orchestra, story telling and face painting are among the free family activities on offer at the festival, which is part of the International Year of Forests.

The Cairngorms Farmers Market will be selling local wares throughout the afternoon, including delicious farm produce, game pies, ice cream, crafts, jewellery and tables made from local wood.

“The Kingussie Forest Festival is a celebration of forest culture and a showcase of the rich array of produce and skills we have in this part of the world,” said festival organiser Amanda Calvert.

“There’s loads to do for locals and visitors alike, with activities and workshops including chainsaw carving, willow weaving, traditional games, woodstacking and felt making.

“A delicious hog roast is being provided by the Duke of Gordon Hotel and there will be tea coffee and cakes from Kingussie WRI.”

As well as taking part in the fun, festival goers can find out how to slash their fuel bills by getting advice on woodfuel from a range of experts.

“Wood is a great, renewable source of fuel,” Amanda said. “Independent advisors, stove and woodfuel suppliers will be on hand to tell you how local, sustainably managed forests can provide you with affordable fuel to heat your home.

“There will also be a chance to find out more about community woodlands - Kingussie has recently been gifted woodland nearby and there are lots of opportunities for people to get involved.”

To find out more contact Amanda Calvert at Highland Birchwoods on 07588 594508 e-mail amanda@highlandbirchwoods.co.uk

This feed was drawn from the Low Carbon Cairngorms - Woodfuel website

THE world’s first financial incentive of its kind to revolutionise the way heat is generated and used in buildings has been launched by Energy Secretary Chris Huhne.

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will support emerging technologies and businesses in the UK, strengthening security of supply by reducing dependence on fossil fuel heating and emissions.

Click here for the full details of the scheme from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

This feed was drawn from the Low Carbon Cairngorms - Woodfuel website

EFFORTS to promote the supply and demand for woodfuel in the Cairngorms National Park have stepped up a gear with the publication of the Cairngorms Woodfuel Action Plan, now available here.

The development of a healthy woodfuel industry in the Park will bring many benefits including contributing to efforts to address climate change, increasing native woodland cover and habitat connectivity as well as providing an economic boost for local rural areas.

The Cairngorms Woodfuel Action Plan is a partnership project involving the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Forestry Commission Scotland, ConFor, The Highland Council, Moray Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Highland Birchwoods, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise and the Community Woodlands Association.

Highland councillor Ian Ross, chairman of the Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee and chair of the Cairngorms Woodfuel Steering Group, said: “The Plan will promote woodfuel use in the Park and this will deliver local economic development opportunities and help address the major challenges of climate change and fuel poverty.

"A key feature of the Action Plan is the balancing of woodfuel production with the wider objectives of sustainable forest management – there is a rich and diverse woodland resource in the Park and it is crucial it is managed in a sympathetic manner which continues to deliver a full range of public benefits.”

This feed was drawn from the Low Carbon Cairngorms - Woodfuel website

If you are in involved in the wood fuel business - logs, chip or pellet production or sale, or boiler and stove supply, installation or maintenance, in or near the Cairngorms National Park area, the Centre for Mountain Studies at Perth College UHI wants to hear from you!

Throughout January 2011 we will be collecting contact details and general information on wood fuel related businesses for a new web based map database of suppliers servicing the Park area that will be available on www.lowcarboncairngorms.org.

It is hoped it will also help identify opportunities and solutions to further increase the use of wood as a fuel in the Park.

This information is being collected as part of the Clim-ATIC EU project has been working with the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) to support and promote the use of woodfuel.

Clive Bowman, Project Co-ordinator said, “Using an area’s assets, in this case its wood fuel reserves, is a sensible adaptation to future climate change. To help this, the UHI are asking the general public, suppliers and growers of woodfuel, and installers of heating systems to get in touch and help maximize the potential that wood fuel could have in the Park.”

Willie Beattie, Forestry Commission Scotland woodfuel officer, said “Sourcing firewood locally means householders and businesses are keeping their ‘fuel miles’ low, as well as boosting the local economy”.

If you wish to be included in the database or have any queries, please contact adean.lutton@perth.uhi.ac.uk telephone 01738 877761/877265.
 

This feed was drawn from the Low Carbon Cairngorms - Woodfuel website

A RAFT of new material to help you switch to woodfuel will be appearing on this website in the next few weeks.

Due to ongoing wintry weather and travel difficulties we have opted to take the firewood roadshow online.

Learn more about switching to wood heating - a move which at current prices could help you axe more than £1300 a year off your household bills.

Some woodfuel heating systems will also qualify for payments under the Government's Renewable Heat Incentive, details of which are due to be announced any day now.  

Browse this site to discover where to source firewood, how to choose, store and stack your logs, design and site a log store, the pros and cons of different wood heating systems and more.  

If there is any particular topic or questions you'd like answered or to discuss e-mail info@lowcarboncairngorms.org with brief details and your contact number and e-mail address.

This feed was drawn from the Low Carbon Cairngorms - Woodfuel website

FARM woodlands will be under the spotlight at a unique free workshop in the Cairngorms National Park next week.

From producing firewood and sheltering livestock to improving the soil and helping wildlife, woods provide a spectrum of opportunities for farmers keen to improve the land and diversify their business.

As efforts to cut greenhouse gases intensify, trees are increasingly recognised as being crucial in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and keeping the environment healthy.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has been working with the Clim-ATIC EU programme to promote the use of woodfuel.  Land managers in the National Park have now teamed up with the Soil Association Scotland, as part of their climate change programme, to organise an exciting new workshop Trees - A Valuable Crop at Nethy Bridge on Wednesday 3 November.

"Well managed farm woodlands can meet a whole range of objectives, such as livestock shelter, firewood and timber production, soil improvement, carbon storage and biodiversity,” explained Lyn Matheson, agricultural development officer at Soil Association Scotland.

“This events aims to introduce and discuss different examples of integrated land and woodland management.

“There are lots of great opportunities for farmers to make more of woodlands, both for business and to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation through woodfuel production, increasing woodland cover, and effective and sustainable woodland management.”

Farming in a changing climate, trees and woodlands on farms and the business opportunities offered by trees and collaboration opportunities are among the topics to be discussed in the morning.  

An afternoon visit to Balliefurth Farm will see demonstrations of equipment including log splitters, kindling machines and tractor mounted processors.

For further details and to book a place click here.

This feed was drawn from the Low Carbon Cairngorms - Woodfuel website