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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.