News

New Woodfuel Woodland improvement grant available

27 June 2011

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The Forestry Commission is offering a new grant that supports the sustainable production of woodfuel and other timber products. Work needs to meet the UK Forest Standard but the basis for support is economic rather than environmental or social.

This grant will open for applications in Summer 2011

The grant offers 60% towards the cost of work, and doesn’t take account of the timber income that results. The following main operations are supported:

Roads, tracks and other infrastructure to assist the extraction of timber from woodland. Support will be based on 3 quotes and grant paid on the production of receipted invoices.

Woodland inventory and costs associated with managing harvesting contracts. Support for this work is based on standard costs.

For more information click here

Linking the Woodchain

27 June 2011

myForest is a free service for woodland owners, forestry businesses and wood users. The website aims to support owners in mapping their woodlands, to provide inventory tools for managing them sustainably, and to provide a platform for wood marketing.

Through myForest, the Sylva Foundation aims to gather woodland inventory information. This data will contribute to an understanding of the potential productivity of woodlands to supply wood fuel, alongside the increased production of quality homegrown timber.

For further information click here

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme

27 June 2011

On 10 March 2011, the Government announced the details of the Renewable Heat Incentive policy to revolutionise the way heat is generated and used in buildings and homes. This is the first financial support scheme for renewable heat of its kind in the world.

At a time when many problems can be seen with relying on a rapidly changing world and continuous reliance on oil and gas, it is proposed to put in place a key foundation stone of our energy future where both carbon reduction and energy security are assured.

The Renewable Heat Incentive(RHI) policy document, sets out the detailed arrangements for this scheme, which will provide long-term financial support to renewable heat installations to encourage the uptake of renewable heat. It is aimed that the regulations underpinning this scheme to be approved by Parliament in summer 2011. The scheme will be introduced shortly thereafter.

For further information click here