Demonstrator Hub Update – Rothamsted Research – North Wyke – April 2024
May 30, 2024
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.
Demonstrator Hub Update – AFBI, Hillsborough – April 2024
May 30, 2024
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.
Companion cropping trial
May 29, 2024
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.
Supergen Bioenergy Hub Announces Flexible Funding Call for Biomass-to-Bio-Based Products Research
May 23, 2024
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.
Bird Surveys on Biomass Plantations – March 2024
May 22, 2024
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).
Connect Issue #6
May 21, 2024
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.
Innovations in biomass, biodiversity, carbon capture and soil health at the Headley Hall NIAB demonstration day
May 21, 2024
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.
Thrushes Nesting in Pollarded Poplar Trees at the BGI Demonstrator Hub
May 01, 2024
While performing a routine morning fence inspection an unexpected sight caught my attention – a bird gliding low towards the pollarded poplar trees...
Miscanthus variety trial planting at IBERS Demonstrator Hub
April 26, 2024
In addition to these, 5 of the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs also have a Miscanthus variety trial which itself has two plots, a 2023 planting and a 2024 planting. The 2024 plots are currently being planted now, so here are some photos of the IBERS team in action planting out the variety trials into the 2024 plot.
Latest Information Resources
The Role of Biomass in Regenerative Agriculture – Factsheet
A factsheet outlining the potential role of biomass crops in regenerative farming.
Download this and other factsheets in our resources section.
Type: Factsheet
Date: February 2026
Crop: Miscanthus
Keywords:
Consultation Workshop Visions of the Future
This document reflects the collective imagination of more than 100 contributors who were invited to picture what an ambitious, thriving biomass sector could look like by 2050. It offers a moment to take stock of where the sector stands today, where it aspires to go, and the pathways that could turn that shared vision into reality.
Type: Report
Date: November 2025
Crop:
Keywords: Workshop
Biorefining: Unlocking the Full Value of Biomass for a Sustainable Future
Type: Technical Article
Date: September 2025
Crop:
Keywords: Biorefining
Time line for transition of grassland into Miscanthus – Factsheet
A double-sided factsheet with information about transitioning from grassland into Miscanthus cultivation.
Type: Factsheet
Date: August 2025
Crop: Miscanthus
Keywords:
Archived news