Headley Hall, West Yorkshire (NIAB)
Relatively even, slightly southerly site with loam freely draining to limestone and current vegetation of wheat stubble. Planting of various species for trial and demonstration including Miscanthus, willow, Eucalyptus, poplar;and perennial grasses took place in Spring 2023. Reed canary grass, switchgrass, Silphium, Sida and another Miscanthus variety trial were planted in Spring 2024. Updates on the performance of the biomass crops at this demonstrator hub can be found below.
|
Address |
NIAB, The Hangar, Headley Hall, Spen Common Lane, Tadcaster, LS24 9NT. |
|
Latitude, longitude |
53.874439 , -1.3218659 |
|
Grid ref |
SE446422 |
|
What 3 words ref for entrance |
///mile.inquest.unclaimed |
Site Plans
Characteristics
| Mean Annual Precipitation (mm) | 646.9 mm |
| Mean Annual Temperature (°C) | 5.1 (min) – 13.7 (max) |
| Altitude | 49 m |
| Exposure | Full, open. |
| Topography | Relatively even. |
| Aspect | Slight southerly. |
| Soil type | Loam freely draining to limestone. |
| Previous vegetation coverage | Wheat stubble. |
| Other relevant site info |
Weather Data – Recorded On Site
The weather data presented here are direct from the sensors on the weather station. The data have not been checked and may be inaccurate and reprocessed in the future. Gaps may appear in the data due to issues such as failed sensors, corrupted data-logger programs and low power system voltages at the weather stations. The Biomass Connect project assumes no responsibility for the data presented or for any loss which may arise (directly or indirectly) from reliance on the data.
Project plans/actions
| Which biomass crops |
Planted (as of October 2024)
Variety trials planted (as of October 2024):
|
| Planting goals/aim | Evaluate the performance of the biomass crops, including feedstock performance, agronomy, plant establishment and growth, disease and pest incidence, and economic costs. |
| Agronomic dates (planting, harvesting schedule) | Planting in spring 2023, harvesting of Miscanthus in winter 2023 and winter 2024. |
| Management methodology (spray off, nutrient additions, ploughing, site prep, others) |
Wheat cover crop established (direct drilled) autumn 2022. Will be sprayed off and nutrients applied as per any soil test results. Prep pre biomass planting – plough, cultivate, plant Post biomass planting – grass margins between plots. |
| Machinery to be used | Relevant kit for above operations! |
Project plans/actions
| Which biomass crops | Miscanthus; willow; Eucalyptus; poplar; grasses. |
| Planting goals/aim | Various species for trial and demonstration. |
| Agronomic dates (planting, harvesting schedule) | Starting spring 2023. |
| Management methodology (spray off, nutrient additions, ploughing, site prep, others) |
Primary cultivation = plough. Secondary cultivation = power harrow. Autumn/winter 22/23 = winter wheat cover crop on selected plots. |
| Machinery to be used | TBD |
General Info
|
Field management history |
Conventional arable with late harvested root crops in rotation. |
|
Other site detail of note |
Updates
Demonstrator Hub Updates – November 2025
05/01/2026
November brought a clear shift into winter across the Biomass Connect sites, with widespread senescence observed in most crops. Storm events during the month (including Storm Claudia) caused localised wind damage, particularly to taller crops and previously weakened trees, though most sites reported minimal long-term impact. Pest pressures remained low overall, though hare and badger activity was noted at some hubs. Phenotyping of Miscanthus and woody crops continued at several sites, and preparations for winter maintenance and early spring actions are underway
Demonstrator Hub Updates – October 2025
18/11/2025
October marked a clear transition into autumn across the Biomass Connect sites, with widespread senescence observed in most crops. Storm events early in the month (notably Storm Amy and Benjamin) caused localised wind damage, particularly to taller crops and weaker trees, though most sites reported minimal long-term impact. Pest pressures were low overall, with only isolated aphid clusters and insect activity noted. Phenotyping of Miscanthus and woody crops was carried out at multiple sites, providing valuable data on growth and senescence patterns.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – September 2025
06/11/2025
September marked the transition into autumn across the Biomass Connect sites, with many crops beginning to show signs of senescence while maintaining good overall health.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – August 2025
11/09/2025
August brought a mix of warm, dry spells and a few violent storms across the network, producing a clear split between robust growth in some crops and drought- or wind-driven stress in others. Management this month focused on routine tidy-ups and targeted interventions where pests, wildlife or weather had caused damage. Several sites also prepared for autumn respray/mowing programmes for underperforming grass plots.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – July 2025
13/08/2025
July brought classic “grow and mow” conditions across the network—regular rain, warm spells and plenty of canopy push—so most plots moved on well while teams focused on tidy‑ups and close pest monitoring.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – June 2025
09/07/2025
With the growing season now in full swing, biomass crops across the UK are showing strong progress — despite being one of the driest and sunniest months of May on record. From willow leafing up and Miscanthus shoots reaching knee-height, to poplars, Eucalypts, and alders putting on good height, activity has been brisk at every Demonstrator Hub.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – May 2025
11/06/2025
With the growing season now in full swing, biomass crops across the UK are showing strong progress — despite being one of the driest and sunniest months of May on record. From willow leafing up and Miscanthus shoots reaching knee-height, to poplars, Eucalypts, and alders putting on good height, activity has been brisk at every Demonstrator Hub.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – April 2025
14/05/2025
With longer days and rising temperatures, April marked a clear transition into the growing season at the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs. Across the UK, signs of spring have been unmistakable — leaves have emerged, new shoots are appearing, and variety trials are showing steady progress.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – March 2025
16/04/2025
As spring begins to take hold, the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs across the UK have been busy monitoring plant development, preparing plots, and carrying out essential early-season management.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – February 2025
12/03/2025
As winter transitions into spring, activity across the Biomass Connect demonstrator hubs has been steadily progressing. Despite challenging weather conditions—marked by cold temperatures, frosts, and heavy rainfall—our teams have been actively managing crop health, conducting harvests, and preparing for the upcoming growing season.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – January 2025
12/02/2025
The past few months have presented a mix of challenges and progress across the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs. Harsh winter conditions, including prolonged periods of frost, heavy rainfall, and multiple storms—most notably Storm Éowyn—have tested the resilience of crops.
A biomass crops road trip with Professor Tim Volk
10/12/2024
"This firmed up Tim’s view that the Biomass Connect hub sites are “world class” and “world leading”. I think we all had a smile on our faces when he said that."
Demonstrator Hub Updates – November 2024
05/12/2024
The Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs across the UK have shown varying progress as winter approaches, reflecting both the resilience of certain crops and regional differences in weather conditions. Across the sites, senescence is a dominant theme, with many perennial crops entering dormancy while some continue to show growth in favourable conditions.
Presentation: Jeanette Whitaker, Harnessing Innovation – the Future of Biomass.
03/12/2024
In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Jeanette Whitaker (UKCEH) provides an overview of Biomass Connect and the various Biomass Feedstock Innovation projects, showing how their innovations are helping to shape the future of the biomass sector in the UK.
Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub Update – October 2024
27/11/2024
Progress at the Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub has been steady, with crops showing expected seasonal changes. SRF and SRC species like poplar and willow are advancing through senescence, while Miscanthus varieties, particularly Athena, exhibit strong growth. Weed management has been a priority, with glyphosate applications and some targeted treatments. Maintenance activities, including grass flailing and fence inspections, ensure the site remains well-managed and prepared for winter operations.
Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024
17/10/2024
There were a number of developments during September at Headley Hall. The SRF alder showed severe leaf damage due to beetle infestations, while SRF black locust ‘Turbo’ remained healthy despite some wind rocking as the weather worsened. SRF Eucalyptus require supports to help with tree lodging, though the trees remained largely healthy. The Poplar plots performed well, with good canopy and trunk growth and some trees showed early senescence. Miscanthus varieties experienced robust growth, and the SRC willow variety trials saw caterpillar damage in certain plots. Maintenance tasks, such as topping grass aisles and managing fencing, were also addressed to ensure continued progress.
Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub Update – July 2024
21/08/2024
It's something of a mixed bag at the Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub this month. Most crops are doing well, but a few are struggling to get established.
Climate and Soil Data at the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs
24/07/2024
As with all crops, the success, failure and overall yield of biomass crops is dependent on the weather. That’s why we have weather stations and soil dataloggers recording climate and soil data at each of our demonstrator hubs
Demonstrator Hub Update – NIAB, Headley Hall – June 2024
17/07/2024
Most crops are now growing well at the Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub.
First Demonstrator Hub Soil Data Published
27/06/2024
The first soil dataset from across the eight Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hub sites has now been published. This dataset contains the baseline measurements of key soil properties, including carbon, bulk density and pH, which are critical to assess the impacts of biomass crops on soils through future repeat sampling.
Demonstrator Hub Update – NIAB, Headley Hall – May 2024
20/06/2024
Most crops are now growing well at the Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub. As the weather improves and the days lengthen growth rates increase in both the crops and the weeds and grass. We've been keeping on top of these. The Sida plot was also planted at the beginning of May.
Demonstrator Hub Update – NIAB, Headley Hall – April 2024
31/05/2024
The Headley Hall site is looking good. Gapping up to fill initial losses has been completed on most plots and Spring growth continues apace throughout. Weed control has been an ongoing process but well worth it as we now look forward to a productive summer season.
Innovations in biomass, biodiversity, carbon capture and soil health at the Headley Hall NIAB demonstration day
21/05/2024
This demonstration day provided valuable insights into advancements and practical applications in biomass crops, carbon capture, and sustainable farming practices, highlighting the benefits of a collaborative approach to future projects.
Demonstrator Hub Update – NIAB, Headley Hall – March 2024
24/04/2024
A busy month at the Headley Hall site but the site is still pretty wet at the moment, there have been a few breaks in the weather but only long enough for things to dry out slightly efore the rain returns and makes everything wet again.
Demonstrator Hub Update – NIAB, Headley Hall – February 2024
15/03/2024
The Headley Hall site has experienced some high winds over the winter, along with very wet conditions similar to those experienced at other demonstrator hubs. Generally things have been looking good during these dormant months and signs of Spring are now starting to become evident within some of the crops.
Biomass Connect Hub Site Updates – November 2023
07/12/2023
With Winter on its way, growth has all but stopped at the hub sites. So, rather than have an individual update for each Hub Site we have a quick round-up below along with some photos. Starting in the North and working our way south.
Hub Site Update – NIAB Headley Hall – October 2023
14/11/2023
October 2023 – Hub Site Update The IBERS team visited Headley Hall on October 24th to carry out establishment counts/phenotyping of the 2023 Miscanthus variety trial and also carried out […]
Hub Site Update – NIAB Headley Hall – September 2023
20/10/2023
September 2023 – Hub Site Update The Biomass Connect project lead visited the Headley Hall site on September 13th. Here are some photos from her visit showing good plant growth […]
Willow Growth at Headley Hall
18/10/2023
Kevin Lindegaard provides a quick assessment of willow growth at our Headley Hall Hub Site after just 6 months.
Hub Site Update – NIAB Headley Hall – August 2023
28/09/2023
August 2023 – Hub Site Update The following is a combination of reports from the hub site manager at Headley Hall and reports from a site visit by the Hub […]
Hub Site Update – NIAB Headley Hall – July 2023
25/08/2023
July 2023 – Hub Site Update 12th July: Site visit by the Rothamsted Research teams as they were in the area working at another site. Recommended that proper hare electric […]
Hub Site Update – NIAB Headley Hall – June 2023
15/08/2023
June 2023 – Hub Site Update 2nd June – Fencing completed. On the bottom block of Miscanthus gigantus (MISg on the plan) the pre-em herbicide hasn’t worked very well. We […]
Hub Site Update – NIAB Headley Hall – May 2023
13/07/2023
April and May 2023 – Hub Site Update Land preparation was completed ahead of planting, this included glysophate spray on the plots where poplar and bare-root varieties were to be […]
Hub Site Update – NIAB Headley Hall – March 2023
04/05/2023
March 2023 – Overview of progress to date Remedial ground-work The arable site was in good condition. Baseline sampling took place after the winter wheat harvest and no specific remedial […]
Hub Site Update – NIAB Headley Hall – January 2023
01/03/2023
January 2023 Risk Assessments for grazing, browsing and crop damage threats were undertaken. Recent conditions have weathered the bare plough, which should cultivate well in the spring. Marked out and […]
Hub Site Update – NIAB Headley Hall
09/01/2023
December 2022 The site has been prepared into rough planting blocks as per the plans (woody crops and grasses). A winter wheat cover crop has been drilled on all wood […]
Primary ground prep and cover crop establishment underway October 2022 to prepare site for initial planting in spring 2023.
Gallery
53.8661764
-1.322244
NIAB, The Hangar, Headley Hall, Spen Common Lane, Tadcaster, LS24 9NT