DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (307/08) issued by
COI News Distribution Service. 17 September 2008
Around £1.5
million of funding for a three year research project to examine
the feasibility of short rotation forestry as a viable renewable
energy source was announced today by Defra.
The project will establish a number of sites where intensive
research will be carried out and operational-scale plots will be
planted. The species will include both native and naturalised
broadleaved trees along with other species with the potential to
be used for biomass, such as eucalyptus.
The plots will be monitored to establish the environmental
impacts and sustainability of short rotation forestry as a
renewable energy source. Forestry Commission England will work
closely with Defra to set up the project which will provide
ongoing monitoring and scientific data on hydrology, carbon
balance, economic viability, biodiversity, and possible
environmental risks such as the impact of the project on landscape
and biodiversity
Monitoring and evaluation will also be linked to the results of
short rotation forestry trials in Scotland which are currently
being established.
Notes for Editors
1. This research project is to consider the commercial
feasibility of fast growing tree species that are suitable for
harvesting at between 6-10 years old, rather than a 20 plus year
growth period for conventional forestry or 3-4 years for short
rotation coppice.
2. The Renewable Energy Strategy consultation document
specifically identifies the potential of short rotation forestry
for energy generation. This project takes forward the proposal
contained within the consultation document to work with the
industry to conduct the field-scale trials required in order to
assess the environmental impacts of short rotation forestry species.
3. Defra currently supports the cultivation of perennial energy
crops for heat and power use through the Energy Crops Scheme under
the Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013. Under the
scheme, growers receive support of 40% of the establishment costs
of miscanthus and short rotation coppice, primarily willow.
4. The Forestry Commission has stated that short rotation
forestry's contribution to the availability of biomass should
be set in the context of existing sustainability criteria,
forestry standards and policy objectives. Any trial should undergo
the same scrutiny at the inception stage to ensure appropriate
design and be compliant with the UK Forestry Standards. In
particular, Environmental Impact Assessment regulations would
apply. It also needs to comply with the 'principle'
given in the Government's Strategy for England's Trees,
Woods and Forests of 'the right tree in the right
place'. For further information, please refer to the
following links: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/PDF/fcfc001.pdf/$FILE/fcfc001.pdf.
and http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/rddteam/forestry.htm
5. Links Renewable Energy Strategy consultation UKFS: http://renewableconsultation.berr.gov.uk/consultation/consultation_summary
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on
our website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
To subscribe or unsubscribe to Defra's mailing list go to:
http://nds.coi.gov.uk
Once on the NDS website see Sign up
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Website
http://www.defra.gov.uk