News

The Welsh Government has launched a new Agricultural Diversification and Horticulture Scheme designed to support farmers and land managers in diversifying their agricultural activities. This initiative provides significant opportunities for those interested […]

Issue #7 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.

"This firmed up Tim’s view that the Biomass Connect hub sites are “world class” and “world leading”. I think we all had a smile on our faces when he said that."

The Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs across the UK have shown varying progress as winter approaches, reflecting both the resilience of certain crops and regional differences in weather conditions. Across the sites, senescence is a dominant theme, with many perennial crops entering dormancy while some continue to show growth in favourable conditions.

The Royal Welsh Winter Fair proved to be a success for the Biomass Connect Team, who spent two busy days engaging with visitors intrigued by the diverse display of biomass grasses and trees showcased as part of the project. The event highlighted the growing enthusiasm in Wales for biomass crops as a means to bolster farm resilience and environmental sustainability in our targets for Net Zero

The dust has finally settled after the Biomass Connect Showcase event in Warwick earlier this month. It was a busy and rewarding few days, filled with innovation, networking, and plenty of inspiration for what lies ahead in biomass.

Progress across the Biomass Connect sites demonstrates encouraging growth and development as crops transition into the autumn season.

At the Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub, crops are progressing through seasonal transitions. SRF species like alder and black locust are well into senescence, with Eucalyptus growth steady and above guards after replanting. Miscanthus giganteus and Athena both demonstrate strong growth, with Athena showing slightly more lodging. SRC willow has largely senesced, displaying visible allelopathy effects reducing weed growth beneath the canopy, while clover thrives at plot edges. Maintenance activities included autumn phenotyping, mowing, and targeted herbicide applications to manage weeds in select plots. Some species like Sida and Reed Canary Grass show slower growth, with Switchgrass plots requiring further evaluation.

At the Aberystwyth Demonstrator Hub, crops show steady progress with seasonal changes. SRF species, including alder and black locust, are dropping leaves, with Eucalyptus demonstrating significant active growth. Miscanthus giganteus is thriving at around 2m tall, with some flowering, while grass weeds in Miscanthus Athena plots remain manageable. SRC willow and variety trials display mixed stages of leaf loss and limited signs of insect damage. Maintenance, such as mowing to control broadleaf weeds in reed canary grass and switchgrass plots, is ongoing to support crop healt