In addition to these, 5 of the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs also have a Miscanthus variety trial which itself has two plots, a 2023 planting and a 2024 planting. The 2024 plots are currently being planted now, so here are some photos of the IBERS team in action planting out the variety trials into the 2024 plot.

A selection of photos from the recent Miscanthus harvest at the IBERS Demonstrator Hub.

The Miscanthus x giganteus was cut in the middle of March and then baled earlier this week using a round-chopper baler.

The month of March proved to be a wet one once again for many of the Demonstrator Hubs, but the signs of Spring are evident at all of them. Willows are in leaf and catkin and attracting insects with their early crop of pollen. The alder and poplar have buds at most sites and the black locust ‘Turbo’ has some yellow flowers showing at some of the hubs. All demonstrator hubs have removed the black locust ‘Turbo Obelisk’ ready for re-planting.

A busy month at the Headley Hall site but the site is still pretty wet at the moment, there have been a few breaks in the weather but only long enough for things to dry out slightly efore the rain returns and makes everything wet again. 

All is looking good at Cockle Park Farm. There’s been lots of activity throughout March and we are looking forward to seeing the results of our labour now that Spring is here.

The BGI Demonstrator Hub in Chesham has experienced lots of rain this month. This has hampered efforts to get onto the plots for planting, preparations and treatments but the crops continue to grow and will soon be in full leaf.

Generally across the IBERS site things have been looking healthy whilst dormant over the winter. Conditions have been very wet except during cold snaps when it has been below freezing.

There has been some rabbit damage to certain crops and wind damage to others.

Generally across the North Wyke site things have been looking healthy despite the very wet weather. Access to the plots with machinery still isn’t possible due to the wet ground but we have been busy with other tasks as outlined in the Crop Diaries below.

The Boghall Demonstrator Hub has been very windy throughout March. The ground is still soft but is just about OK for machinery to access the land once again. Buds are appearing on many of the crops and most things are under control and ready for a flurry of activity once the weather improves and planting materials are received.