On June 13th, the Biomass Connect team at AFBI Hillsborough welcomed 23 members of the Royal Forestry Society’s Northern Ireland Division for an engaging site visit and knowledge exchange.
Hosted by Chris Johnston, Callum Williams, Chris McCann, and Colin Jennings from AFBI, with support from Rothamsted Research’s William Macalpine and Ben Flannery, the day began with a welcome and overview of AFBI’s Agri-Environmental Technology unit. This facility, opened in 2009, coordinates the research being conducted across AFBI in areas relevant to bioenergy and associated environmental protection, as well as nutrient management within a circular bioeconomy.
Welcome and introduction by Chris Johnston
This was followed by a comprehensive tour of the Biomass Connect research trials at the site. The tour began with a stop at the Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) poplar plots, where discussion focused on planting methods, spacings, and varieties. The group then proceeded to the SRC willow section, where attendees explored the methods of planting, focussing on the machinery used and the pre-planting requirements, such as cultivation techniques and weed control. Furthering this, the varieties planted and the reasoning behind planting a mix of varieties was explored.
Map for the proposed site walk (Credit Photo: Colin Jennings, AFBI
At the Eucalyptus variety trial, the conversation turned to the potential downsides on the soil of planting Eucalyptus, pests affecting Eucalyptus in Ireland, including the emerging Tasmanian Eucalyptus Beetle (Paropsisterna selmani) and wood density. This provided valuable insights into this less common biomass species. Next, at the Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) poplar site, the discussion highlighted the need for weed control in pioneer species, such as poplar and willow. In addition, the plant spacings and thinning procedures were discussed.
This was followed by a short break in play due to a torrential downpour and people trying to find shelter under the alders and willows! In true forester hardy spirit, the Royal Forestry Society members continued to the alder planting, where participants examined the sawfly larvae infestations, and again discussed planting and uses before concluding with a visit to the black locust ‘Turbo’, prompting an engaging exchange about this novel variety, it’s growth conditions and potential uses.
-
- Callum Williams, William Macalpine and Chris Johnston in front of the SRC poplar introducing the Royal Forestry Society (Northern Ireland) visitors to the Biomass Connect site at AFBI.
-
- Visitors from the Royal Forestry Society (Northern Ireland) in front of the SRC Willow at the Biomass Connect site in AFBI.
The Royal Forestry Society’s Northern Ireland Division attendees were extremely knowledgeable. There was a fascinating two-way knowledge exchange during the tour and the Biomass Connect team learnt lots from the expertise of the group.
The day concluded with a commemorative certificate presented to Chris Johnston by RFS Vice-President James Hamilton-Stubber, recognising the fruitful collaboration and shared learning.
-
- Certificate that was presented to commemorate the visit.
-
- Chris Johnston is presented with a framed certificate to commemorate the visit from the Royal Forestry Society’s Northern Ireland Division by RFS Vice-president James Hamilton-Stubber
The remainder of the day saw the RFS group visiting the arboretum at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, which boasts an impressive variety of trees, including a notable collection of conifers planted in the 1870s.
This visit exemplified the value of open exchange between research bodies and forestry professionals, highlighting the role of biomass in sustainable land use and low-carbon energy futures.
