Biomass Connect Demo: Willow for biomass production

You are invited to join us for an afternoon Demo Event: “Willow for biomass production: Unlocking Opportunities for Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity Enhancement”.

This demo event brings together experts and stakeholders to explore the multifaceted benefits of growing willow. The event will delve into the economic opportunities, the latest innovations in breeding and agronomy, and the role of carbon capture in our fight against climate change.

The location for the event is Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, near Preston.

We will start at 1.30pm with refreshments, after which Biomass Connect and PBC4GGR project will highlight the importance of their work and the development of robust information platforms for this emerging industry.

Why grow willow?

Jamie Rickerby from Willow Energy will present on the end use, markets and new developments in planting and harvesting willow.

Willow breeding and monitoring for the future:

Will Macalpine from Rothamsted Research will share insights into advanced breeding techniques, aiming to enhance the plant’s resilience and productivity.

Carbon and Land Use:

Professor Jeanette Whitaker  from the  UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), Lancaster will give an overview of the key terms, measurements involved in carbon and the path to Net Zero in agriculture.

Outdoor Demonstrations:

After the talks we will head out to the farm where there will be outdoor demonstrations on the commercial plantations. We will cover the following areas:

• New technology to reduce labour requirements (Willow Energy Planters and Harvesters).
• Experts from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) and PBC4GGR Plant-soil-atmosphere carbon fluxes: Discussion of why eddy covariance towers are being used to monitor the carbon balance of the crop.
• Soil carbon testing demonstration with results explained from local sites.
• Why biodiversity is important and on farm techniques to measure it by Dr Rebecca Rowe from UKCEH.

Networking:

We will conclude the session with tea and cakes, providing an opportunity to network and discuss insights from the day’s presentations and demonstrations.