Yorkshire and North East has a burgeoning series of wood heated installations (350t), a series of case studies have been published to show how timber in all it's various forms is having a positive affect on the regions woodlands. Management of the regions virgin timber resource improves opportunities for biodiversity, brings economic stability to the forestry industry sector, improving the final crop of trees and helps tackle climate change by producing carbon lean fuel. There are currently 40,000Ha of undermanaged woodland across the Yorkshire, we currently have 1700Kw of installed capacity utilising the regions managed woodland.
Use of the areas wood arisings and co-products from manufacturing reduces waste going to land fill, brings fresh revenue streams to business and helps add further carbon lean fuel supplies. Use of the regions wood arisings and co-products from manufacturing reduces waste going to land fill, brings fresh revenue streams to businesses and helps add further carbon lean fuel supplies.
What to install and what to burn?
There are a number of different fuel types, appliances and considerations to be made when fitting any new heating system; there is a helpful flow chart to assist in this decision making process. When considering fuel types the source available needs to be considered, so Virgin Timber, Short Rotation Coppice, Wood that is a residue of another process, such as joinery production or material from Energy Crops such as Miscanthus. The form that this fuel takes also needs thought;chips, pellets, logs, briquettes, and heat logs, as well as considerations about storage, cost and handling will often make this decision for you.
Who Can Help?
There are a number of fuel suppliers - woodchip, pellets, briquettes, heat logs and firewood logs, installers, forestry management consultants/contractors and appliance suppliers across the region; that can help bring your woodland back into active management, help fit a wood fired appliance, and provide you with a modern, efficient heating appliance.
If you are interested in growing energy crops contact Natural England.
More detailed advice
There are two recommended publications Wood Fuel Heating in Northern England and the Biomass Heating – A practical guide for potential users or you can contact the Biomass Energy Centre. For advice on Energy Efficiency contact the Energy Saving Trust who can help ensure that you are getting the most out of your current system and any new installation, domestically for businesses, contact the Carbon Trust.
The Forestry has a number of guides available here and here.
If you are a woodland owner or prospective woodland owner, looking to bring your woodland into management, contact the Forestry Commission Woodland Officer responsible for your area, they will be happy to provide you with advice and guidance, they can be found here.
For details of forestry contractors, advisors and agents see here.
