Over the past few weeks, a series of successful demonstration events held across northern UK highlighted the promising opportunities that biomass crops like willow and Miscanthus offer for sustainable agriculture, carbon capture, and renewable energy. These events, hosted by key agricultural institutions—Myerscough College, Bishop Burton College, and SRUC Boghall Farm—brought together industry experts, researchers from the Biomass Connect and Perennial Biomass Crops for Greenhouse Gas Removal (PBC4GGR) projects, stakeholders, and new entrants interested in exploring the multifaceted benefits of perennial biomass crops.
Myerscough College Event: Willow in Focus
On 8th October, Myerscough College, near Preston, hosted a demonstration centred around its commercial and trial plots of willow. The event attracted a diverse audience, including 50 students studying agriculture and ecology in the morning session, and local stakeholders in the afternoon.
Mark Needham of Biomass Connect kicked off the event, discussing the potential role of biomass crops in helping the UK meet its Net Zero 2050 targets. He emphasised the need to scale up biomass crop production, particularly willow, which could contribute significantly to sustainable land use, ecosystem services, and alternative income streams for farmers.
Jamie Rickerby of Willow Energy delivered an engaging presentation on the commercial uses and markets for willow, while Will Macalpine from Rothamsted Research showcased advanced breeding techniques aimed at enhancing crop resilience and productivity. Professor Jeanette Whitaker of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) presented on the carbon capture potential of willow, offering insights into how cultivation can support the UK’s net-zero goals.
Jamie Rickerby – Willow Solutions Presentation
Jeanette Whitaker – Perennial Biomass Crops for Greenhouse Gas Removal Slides
The day concluded with outdoor demonstrations of planting and harvesting technologies. Experts from UKCEH and PBC4GGR provided live demonstrations of eddy covariance towers for monitoring carbon fluxes and led sessions on soil carbon testing and biodiversity monitoring. A networking session over tea and cakes allowed attendees to exchange ideas and explore collaboration opportunities.
Bishop Burton College: Spotlight on Miscanthus
On 9th October, a second event took place at Bishop Burton College near Beverley, with a focus on Miscanthus. Approximately 40 students, alongside farmers and stakeholders, participated in sessions highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of growing Miscanthus.
Mark Colemen of Terravesta presented the economic benefits and market potential of Miscanthus, while researchers shared practical insights into accelerated breeding programs and how they could influence future farming practices. Experts also discussed the pivotal role of perennial biomass crops, like Miscanthus, in decarbonising agriculture.
Participants visited Miscanthus and willow plot trials, where they observed live demonstrations of soil carbon measurements, biodiversity monitoring, and carbon balance assessments. The event also explored the use of Miscanthus as livestock bedding and its integration into existing farming systems.
SRUC Boghall Farm: Biomass Crops Demonstrator Hub
The final event of the series was held on 10th October at SRUC Boghall Farm in Edinburgh. This event, hosted by Kairsty Topp of SRUC and Mark Needham of Biomass Connect, focused on a wide variety of biomass crops and their role in Scottish agriculture.
Craig Bothwell of SAC Consulting discussed Scottish Government policy on Whole Farm Plans, and David Eadie presented on available forestry grants and the economic potential of biomass integration. Sarah Erbanova focused on industry upskilling and carbon literacy to address the challenges of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Craig Bothwell – Government Policy and Whole Farm Plans
David Eadie – Woodland Creation Forestry Grant Presentation Slides
Sarah Erbanova – Carbon Literacy Presentation Slides
Willow Planting Discussion
A crop tour followed, showcasing willow, Eucalyptus, and Miscanthus, with advice from experts like Jamie Rickerby (Willow Energy) and Bryan Elliot (Eucalyptus Renewables) on agronomy and harvesting techniques. A lively Q&A session allowed participants to further explore the economic viability and environmental benefits of biomass farming.
