The month of March proved to be a wet one once again for many of the Demonstrator Hubs, but the signs of Spring are evident at all of them. Willows are in leaf and catkin, so have been attracting insects with their early crop of pollen. The alder and poplar have buds at most sites and the black locust ‘Turbo’ has some yellow flowers showing at some of the hubs. All demonstrator hubs have removed the black locust ‘Turbo Obelisk’ ready for re-planting.
Miscanthus giganteus plots are showing signs of green shoots and the Miscanthus Athena is due to be re-planted at most sites during April (ground conditions permitting).
In general, things are looking good with minimal pest damage, no diseases noticed and most plants recovering well from any wind damage over the winter.
As usual, there are links to updates from the demonstrator hubs below for you to see what has been happening around the country.
Demonstrator Hub Updates March 2024
- BGI
- SRUC (Ayrshire)
- SRUC (Edinburgh)
- North Wyke
- NIAB Headley Hall
- Newcastle University
- IBERS, Aberystwyth
Stay tuned for more updates throughout 2024 and watch the crops grow. Here are a selection of photos from around the Demonstrator Hubs during March 2024.
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- Willow height (>3m)
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- SRC Willow
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- Read leaves on Eucalyptus at NIAB Headley Hall, March 2024
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- Roe deer in mature willow plantation
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- SRC willow shooting
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- Alder started to shoot
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- SRF Alder at IBERS Demonstration Hub, March 2024
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- SRC Willow
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- Eucalyptus at Boghall Farm, March 2024
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- Black locust Turbo
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- SRC Willow variety trial
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- Miscanthus Athena plot
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- Black locust flowers
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- Waterlogged SRC willow plot
