22 February 2006
Wood fuel Hots Up in South Devon
People interested in saving money on soaring energy bills whilst caring for the environment, are being targeted at a Wood Fuel Event taking place on Tuesday 28th February 2006 at Elfordleigh Hotel and Golf Club, near Plymouth.
The event, organised by South West Wood Fuels Ltd in association with Devon- based Working the Woods, is a great way to find out more about this very exciting alternative energy source. Used in Europe for decades, wood fuel is still relatively new to the UK, and one that has sparked much interest already.
The day will focus on providing information on wood heating systems at an ‘affordable’ scale. Aimed at anyone interested in wood fuel, the programme covers everything from installing a wood-fuelled boiler to sourcing the wood fuel itself, combining talks from industry experts, case studies and information on grants.
Crucially, wood fuel could help play a pivotal role in meeting the regions energy demands in the future, particularly in rural areas where there is a readily available fuel supply and wood fuel can compete with heating oil and LPG. It has the added advantage of helping to create and sustain local jobs, from forestry contractors through to heating engineers and installers.
Jacqui Orange from the Working the Woods said:
'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks are particularly interested in wood fuel because it provides an alternative market for wood, giving local woodland owners a much needed incentive to bring neglected woodlands back into sustainable management. Well managed woodlands are important because they encourage wildlife, help to shape the landscape and provide walking and biking opportunities for local people and visitors'.
Wood fuel is carbon neutral as trees lock up carbon as they grow, releasing it when the wood is used as a fuel. When wood fuel replaces fossil fuels such as oil and gas, much less carbon dioxide permanently remains in the atmosphere, making it a clean renewable energy source that makes a substantial contribution to the UK’s renewable energy targets and has a positive impact on climate change.
The workshop runs from 10am to 3pm. The cost of the event is if £10, which includes refreshments and lunch. Suitable outdoor clothing is recommended to view the wood boilers that will be on display in the grounds of the hotel and golf club.
For further information contact Jacqui Orange on (01579) 351316, email jorange@tamarvalley.org.uk or Roger English on 01803 861384 email roger.english@southams.gov.uk
Booking forms are available from South West Wood Fuels Ltd on (01398) 324558 email info@swwf.info or visit the website www.swwf.info (external link, opens new window).
Ends
For Further Information
Jacqui Orange, Project Manager, Working the Woods,
c/o Tamar Valley AONB Service, Cotehele Quay, Cotehele, St Dominick, Nr. Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA.
Tel: (01579) 351316, email jorange@tamarvalley.org.uk or visit www.tamarvalley.org.uk. (external link, opens new window)
For Further Information from Dartmoor National Park Authority
Rupert Lane, Head of Trees and Woodlands, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Notes for Editors
To arrange a photo opportunity please do not hesitate to contact Jacqui Orange
South West Wood Fuels Ltd are a wood fuel supply co-operative in the South West of England, dedicated to developing a sustainable approach to energy use. Their purpose is to increase economic activity associated with the production, processing, promotion, marketing and utilisation of wood fuels. For further information contact SW Wood Fuels Ltd, SCC Highway Depot, Station Road, Brushford, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9AD. Tel: (01398) 324559
Working the Woods is part of an exciting national pilot, one of only four across the UK highlighting the links between protected landscapes and woodland in the Tamar Valley AONB, South Devon AONB, and Dartmoor National Park.
Working the Woods stimulates the use of more locally derived timber by improving coordination within the woodland sector; promoting wood product marketing; raising public awareness of the benefits of woodlands; creating new partnerships and sharing good practice amongst woodland sector businesses.
SW Regional Wood Fuel Framework was published in 2005. The framework provides a focus for prioritising future action in the region relating to the development of a thriving wood fuel industry. For further information contact Rachel Pearce on 01626 890666 or email Rachel.pearce@forestry.gsi.gov.uk. The framework is also available at www.forestry.gov.uk.(external link,opens new window)
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This page last updated 22 February 2006
