If you are serious about planting a biomass crop then you really need to see them side by side so you can compare and contrast the runners and riders. Together with Will Macalpine (Rothamsted Research), Chris Ashman (IBERS) and David Marsh (Energy Crops Consultancy) we will be leading a tour of the Biomass Connect demonstrator hub site at NIAB Headley Hall near Leeds. The event is being organised by the Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping (CHCx3) project. Crops on the site include Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) willow and poplar and Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) poplar, Eucalyptus, alder and Robinia as well as Miscanthus.
It you are interested in producing willow for fodder, compost or ramial woodchips or gaining benefit from using willow as a crop for flood mitigation, water quality and carbon farming then this is a great opportunity to see a fantastic plantation and compare with the other types of biomass crops. The demonstrator hub includes the Biomass Connect willow variety trial – this is one of 5 trial sites around the UK showcasing the 30 best varieties in Europe. Will and I bred many of these and our knowledge on the willow taxonomy and uses is second to none.
Weather and soil conditions permitting, we are hoping to demonstrate machine harvesting of the SRC willow crop.
If you have any questons on crop agronomy, carbon storage benefits, harvesting and uses then our team of experts will have the answer.
We hope to see you there!
Event details:Date: 14 April 2026
Location: Nigel Bertram Visitor Centre, University of Leeds, Paradise Way, Bramham, Tadcaster LS24 9GF
Time: 9.30am – 2.00pm
Cost: FREE (includes refreshments and lunch)
Sign up: HERE
