Cockle Park Farm, Northumberland (Newcastle University)
Open exposure, sheltered by a hedged treeline on western boundary and hedges to south and east. North facing aspect, gently sloping south to north and east to west. Soil is Luvic Stagnosols with Miscanthus and SRC willow planted in spring 2023. The plans below show the layout of the trial plots at the Cockle Park Farm hub site and the updates will keep you informed of their progress and performance throughout the trials.
Address | Cockle Park Farm, Newcastle University, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 3EA. |
Latitude, longitude | Latitude: 55.2144/55°12’51″N Longitude: -1.6854/1°41’7″W |
Grid ref | OS Grid: NZ201911 |
What 3 words ref for entrance | ///headliner.adopts.erase |
Characteristics
Mean Annual Precipitation (mm) | 720 mm |
Mean Annual Temperature (°C) | 9-10ºC |
Altitude | 90 m |
Exposure | Open, sheltered by a hedged treeline on Western Boundary and hedged boundaries to South and East. |
Topography | Gently sloping South to North and East to West. |
Aspect | North facing. |
Soil type | Luvic Stagnosols of the Dunkeswick and Hallsworth Series. |
Previous vegetation coverage | Winter wheat. |
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.
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 August 2023)
To be planted:
|
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 |
Arable field growing combinable crops, Historic WW, SO, SB, WOSR, WB. |
Other site detail of note |
To the south of the site is 18ha of Willow/Poplar Agroforestry currently in an arable rotation. |