The BGI Demonstrator Hub in Chesham has been busy in April as Spring growth takes hold. Gapping up and preparing for the summer have been the main tasks.
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.
Things are finally drying out at North Wyke and the ground is almost ready to be driven on by tractors. As the crops begin to put on some summer growth we’ve been busy gapping up and sowing seeds plus taking visitors on tours of the plots.
April has been a busy month of mowing, spraying and growing at the AFBI Demonstrator hub with all crops growing well but the poplars are lagging behind a little.
Members of the Biomass Connect team have been in the field hand-sowing seeds as part of a small trial to explore the potential of using companion crops within willow SRC to aid growth, suppress weeds and benefit biodiversity, led by Dr Rebecca Rowe of UKCEH.
The Supergen Bioenergy Hub has launched its first flexible funding call aimed at advancing research in the conversion of biomass to bio-based products. This initiative seeks to support innovative projects that can contribute significantly to the development and commercialisation of sustainable bioenergy solutions.
Part of our ongoing series looking at birds in and around willow and Miscanthus crops in Devon and Somerset. The films feature ornithologist and wildlife detective Ed Drewitt (along with BC team member Kevin Lindegaard of Crops for Energy).
Issue #6 of the Connect Newsletter is now available. The Connect Newsletters contain updates on project activities, details of the latest events, and news from across the wider biomass industry.
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.
While performing a routine morning fence inspection an unexpected sight caught my attention – a bird gliding low towards the pollarded poplar trees…