THE Firewood Festival at the Grantown Show is shaping up to be real bonanza of fiery fun.

Preparations for the free festival at the Grantown Show on Thursday 12 August are well underway.

An area of the showground will be dedicated to exploring the benefits of heating with wood, with competitions and activities for all the family.

The Grantown Show is a highlight in the farming calendar and attracts thousands of visitors to soak up its unique, friendly atmosphere.

An action-packed programme of talks, demonstrations and hand-on activities is planned for the Firewood Festival, which is making its debut at the show.

From fun activities for kids such as face painting and story telling, to log stacking, wood chopping and demonstrations of machinery for larger wood fuel enterprises, there will be something for everyone.

As well as opportunities to learn lots about wood and how to use it to heat your home, the Firewood festival will feature some fine funky rhythms from the Woodland Orchestra.

‘Guess the number of logs in the beehive stack’ will be one of the fun competitions, with chances to win prizes including four tickets for Treezone at Inverdruie or a Cairngorm Mountain Family Pass.

The Firewood Festival at the Grantown Show is being run by the Cairngorms National Park Authority in partnership with the Clim-ATIC EU programme and Greenheat.
For further information and a wealth of valuable advice on using wood to heat your home or business see www.lowcarbon.org

For information on the Woodfuel in the Park and the Woodfuel Action Plan contact Fiona Chalmers at the Cairngorms National Park Authority fionachalmers@cairngorms.co.uk Tel: 01479 870524

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

FIRELIGHTING, log sculpting, woodworking, horse logging and woodland tunes were among the activities enjoyed by visitors to the Strath’s first Firewood Festival.

The event at the Insider Festival site at Inshriach on 17 June was the first of two summer festivals exploring heating with wood.

The second will take place at the Grantown Show on Thursday 12 August, where an area of the showground will be dedicated to dynamic displays and activities, with experts on hand throughout the day to answer questions..

At Inshriach, members from the pupil council at Aviemore primary school and pupils from Alvie primary school were joined by Cairngorms National Park Authority convener David Green to learn the art of friction firelighting.

Storyteller Margot Henderson had youngsters entranced with woodland tales, and craft-lovers of all ages enjoyed watching an intricate log sculpture coming to life over the course of the day.

The artwork was created by Stuart and Dan Burgess of Cairngorm Tree Care, who also demonstrated log splitting and chopping.

“We’ve had a magic time,” said Hilary Brown, head teacher of Alvie primary at Kincraig. “Everyone really enjoyed all the activities and it was a fantastic opportunity for us all.”

Locals and visitors attended talks and demonstrations later in the day and made the most of a chance to quiz the Forestry Commission’s woodfuel officer Willie Beattie and Amanda Calvert of the Greenheat programme on a host of firewood related subjects.

Rousing tunes came courtesy of the youngsters of Feis Spe, who were joined onstage by local fiddle legend Charlie McKerron, and the Woodland Orchestra brought the event to a close with an energetic and passionate performance.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has been working with a range of partners on developing a wood fuel action plan to shape the way forward for both suppliers, users and potential users of firewood in the Park.

The Firewood Festivals at the Insider and the Grantown Show are being run by the Cairngorms National Park Authority in partnership with the Clim-ATIC EU programme and Greenheat.

For further information and a wealth of valuable advice on using wood to heat your home or business see www.lowcarbon.org

For information on the Woodfuel in the Park and the Woodfuel Action Plan contact Fiona Chalmers at the Cairngorms National Park Authority fionachalmers@cairngorms.co.uk Tel: 01479 870524

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

A final call has gone out to small-medium sized businesses across Scotland encouraging them to take advantage of Scottish Government funding that will help them make the switch to biomass heating.

But anyone interested had better apply soon because the popularity of the scheme means that only limited funds remain!

The Cabinet Secretary for the Environment & Rural Affairs announced the final call at a Low Carbon Economy Conference held in Dunblane on Wednesday 2 June.

The financial support – which is also available to develop district heating schemes – can be obtained from the Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme, administered by Forestry Commission Scotland, and must be for projects that can be completed by March 2011.

Rebecca Carr, for Forestry Commission Scotland, said:

“This is an ideal opportunity for organisations that would like to make the change to biomass but that have been put off because they’ve not been eligible for SRDP or CARES funding.

“It’s open to anyone in Scotland but we’re particularly keen to see more applications from the Highlands & Islands and from private developers for district heating schemes. They’ll be given priority.

“Anyone interested has until 30 September to apply – but judging from how well this has gone so far the funds may not last that long so you’d best get your applications in soon!”

Applicants should submit an initial enquiry form that outlines their project details, however for a project to be considered for fast-tracking to the full assessment stage, a full application must be submitted. Forms can be found at www.usewoodfuel.co.uk

Projects must clearly demonstrate that they can be complete by March 2011. Therefore projects which have a completed specification, planning permission, match finance in place and can demonstrate a secure fuel supply will be a priority for fast-tracking.

For more information contact the Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme team through www.usewoodfuel.co.uk or at 01349 860 919

The SBHS is funded by the Scottish Government, Forestry Commission Scotland and the European Regional Development Fund.

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

IN the height of summer thoughts of keeping cosy during the dark, cold months may be far from people’s minds.
 
But the season of outdoor fun and festivals is a perfect time to explore heating options and stockpile wood for winter.

The forests and woodlands of the Cairngorms National Park have great potential to provide householders and businesses with a cost-effective, renewable source of heating fuel.
 
And two exciting Firewood Festivals taking place over the summer will see a host of dynamic activities highlighting the benefits of heating with wood.
 
The first free event takes place at the site of the Insider Festival at Inshriach, near Aviemore, on Thursday June 17.
 
An action-packed programme of talks, demonstrations and hand-on activities will feature at this family festival. In the early afternoon local schoolchildren will enjoy a sneak preview, stories, fire lighting and guided explorations, then at 4pm the gates will open to the general public as the full firewood festival swings into life.
 
As well as lots of opportunities to learn lots about wood and how to use it to heat your home, the festival will feature delicious food provided by the Ord Ban Restaurant, and of course, a fine festival campfire.
 
Traditional tunes from some of the youngsters from Feis Spe will be followed by funky rhythms and songs from the Woodland Roots Orchestra.

The Firewood Festival is a prelude to the Insider, which runs from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 June and features the cream of the Scottish folk contemporary music scene. For more information and tickets see www.insider2010.com
 
On Thursday August 12 the Firewood Festival will come to the Grantown Show, where an area of the showground will be dedicated to all things wood fuel related.
 
From fun activities for kids, log stacking, wood chopping and demonstrations of machinery for larger wood fuel enterprises, there will be something for everyone.
 
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has been working with a range of partners on developing a wood fuel action plan to shape the way forward for both suppliers, users and potential users of firewood in the Park.
 
“Using wood to heat homes and businesses makes so much sense,” said CNPA convener David Green.
 
“To tackle climate change, it is vital that we move away from fossil fuels like coal and oil, which release lots of greenhouse gases when they are burned.
 
“Wood is a carbon neutral fuel; the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by a growing tree, is the same as is released when it is burned. Managing our forests and woodlands to produce wood fuel can make other forestry operations more economical.
 
“Using logs, chips or pellets from sustainably managed forests makes sense for the environment – and for your pocket too. Modern wood stoves and boilers are really efficient. And of course, using locally supplied fuel cuts transport costs and boosts the local economy, supporting jobs and helping local businesses thrive.
 
“Summer is an ideal time for getting firewood supplies organised, as the logs need to be seasoned in the sun and the wind,” he added.
 
“If you’re thinking of changing your heating system, now is a good time to investigate the options, with a new Government-backed incentive coming on stream next April.”
 
The Firewood Festivals at the Insider and the Grantown Show are being run by the Cairngorms National Park Authority in partnership with the Clim-ATIC EU programme and Greenheat.
 
For further information and a wealth of valuable advice on using wood to heat your home or business see www.lowcarbon.org
 
For information on the Woodfuel in the Park and the Woodfuel Action Plan contact Fiona Chalmers at the Cairngorms National Park Authority fionachalmers@cairngorms.co.uk Tel: 01479 870524
 

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

HUNDREDS of people keen on heating with wood are benefitting from a series of free seminars currently underway in the Cairngorms National Park.

The events, organised by the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Clim-ATIC EU project, are proving extremely popular. Prospective participants are urged to book as soon as possible as the forthcoming seminars are filling up fast.

Heating installers, plumbers, builders, planners, building control officers and architects can boost their professional knowledge and make valuable contacts by coming to one of two specially tailored events.

Woodfuel for the Construction Industry in Boat of Garten Hall on 11 May and the Lonach Hall, Strathdon on 18 May will help boost participants’ understanding of the planning and safety issues surrounding the use of wood fuelled heating systems.

“With demand for renewable heat soaring, gaining expertise in wood fuel systems is a smart move for those in the building trade,” said Eric Baird, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s climate change committee.

“People will be able to gain an invaluable insight through hearing from existing installers, suppliers and users of biomass systems.”

Each of the days will feature presentations on planning issues, building control requirements and financial incentives from one of the Park’s planning team, an architect and a Forestry Commission Scotland biomass development officer.

The programme will begin with arrivals and coffee from 9:30am, presentations, talks and questions and answer sessions from 10am to 1pm, followed by a free lunch and trade stands and networking opportunities until 4pm.

Places are limited so booking is advised - reserve here or phone Nicola Donald on 01738 877204
 

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

AS shoots peep tentatively into the chill spring air, days lengthen and hopes of sunny summer days build.

But now's the perfect time to start thinking about next winter;  planning wood supplies, shelters and possibly a new wood-fuelled system for your home or business.

Chop and stack firewood now to make the most of the brisk March winds and give your logs as much time as possible to season and dry for next winter.

For information on logs more click here and watch this space for some exciting events which we'll be announcing shortly.

Meantime places are going fast for our special event which will help you plan your own domestic wood fuel installation. Whether you're still working out whether wood fuel's for you or are well down the road of researching and designing a system for your home, experts will be on hand to share a wealth of experience and invaluable advice. Click here to book.

An exciting programme of speakers and activities is shaping up for May 1 when Setting up a Community Woodfuel Enterprise will take place in Laggan.

Making the Most of Farm Woodlands in Glenbuchat was rescheduled due to bad weather earlier in the month and now takes place next Monday. A handful of places are still available. Book online here - or phone 01479 870537 to reserve a place on this free event - or a second identical one in Kincraig on Friday May 14.

The importance of planning sustainable heating systems into new and renovated buildings has never been higher. Two specialist events in May will explore wood fuel for the construction industry. Gaining expertise in wood fuel systems is a smart move for those building trade.

Installers, plumbers, builders, planners, building control officers and architects are among those these specially tailored the event is aimed at. The dates are May 11 in Boat of Garten Hall and May 18 at the Lochan Hall in Strathdon, bookable here.

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

ONGOING wintry weather making for slippery conditions on site have led to the postponement of an event in Strathdon.

Making the Most of Farm Woodlands had been scheduled to take place in Glenbuchat on Tuesday.

The new date for the event is 29 March and some places are still available - log on to the events page on this site or phone 01479 870537 to book.

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

THE Government has announced new payments which will enable householders to earn money by generating heat from stoves and wood-fired boilers.

UK Energy Secretary Ed Milliband announced a new renewable heat incentive to be introduced in April 2011 would pay householders a tarriff of 9p per kilowatt hour for producing their own renewable heat from small biomass systems.

He said: “The guarantee of getting an income on top of saving on energy bills will be an incentive to householders and communities wanting to make the move to low carbon living.

“The feed-in tariff will change the way householders and communities think about their future energy needs, making the payback for investment far shorter than in the past.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change is currently holding a consultation on the introduction of the renewable heat incentive. The deadline for responses is Monday 26 April.

Click here for further details of Mr Milliband's announcement.

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

THIS weekend's community woodfuel event in Ballater has been postponed due to ongoing travel difficulties caused by adverse weather.

The event, which will enable participants to explore opportunities and share experiences of working cooperatively in sourcing local firewood, will be rescheduled shortly.  Apologies for any inconvenience.

For further information contact info@lowcarboncairngorms.org

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

WOOD fuel enthusiasts are watching Glen Lyon with interest as the remote rural community explores the feasability of heating its homes from local forests.

Residents are taking steps towards reducing their dependency on oil for heating their homes and looking into the potential of using undermanaged woodlands in the glen as a source of carbon neutral fuel.

The community has been awarded a £21,500 grant from the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund to fund a feasability study. This will explore the potential for using wood from commercial forestry and reintroducing traditional woodland management techniques such as coppicing.

Communities in the Cairngorms National Park share many of the challenges and opportunities experienced by residents of Glen Lyon and there is a growing interest in using local wood to replace oil as the main heating fuel for many homes and businsses.

"There are lots of exciting opportunities for individuals and communities to explore," said Fiona Chalmers, senior land manager at the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

"Using local wood as fuel saves money, cuts fuel miles and brings economic benefits to rural communities; this has been recognised by the residents of Glen Lyon who have banded together and gained funding to study the options for their community.

"In the coming months we'll be running a range of events for individuals and communities here to explore the best ways forward for them. On January 16 there will be a community woodfuel seminar in Ballater and the topic will be explored in detail at another event in Laggan in May.

"We're keen to boost both the supply and demand for wood fuel within the park, which will not only cut carbon but will help people's pockets as well."

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