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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Progress across the Biomass Connect sites demonstrates encouraging growth and development as crops transition into the autumn season.

At the Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub, crops are progressing through seasonal transitions. SRF species like alder and black locust are well into senescence, with Eucalyptus growth steady and above guards after replanting. Miscanthus giganteus and Athena both demonstrate strong growth, with Athena showing slightly more lodging. SRC willow has largely senesced, displaying visible allelopathy effects reducing weed growth beneath the canopy, while clover thrives at plot edges. Maintenance activities included autumn phenotyping, mowing, and targeted herbicide applications to manage weeds in select plots. Some species like Sida and Reed Canary Grass show slower growth, with Switchgrass plots requiring further evaluation.