LEARNING how to manage woodlands to deliver a new income stream from woodfuel is the focus of a free event being staged at Baddingsgill, West Linton next month.

The event, taking place on November 5, is open to woodland owners who are keen to plan and manage their farm or estate woodland to maximise its economic and environmental potential - and anyone with an interest in the use of renewable wood-fuelled heating systems.

Organised in partnership with Borders Machinery Ring, the event will draw on the experience of Treeline Woodlands and Baddingsgill Farm and highlight the practicalities of woodfuel production, supply and use.

Virginia Harden Scott, who is organising the event for Rural Development Initiatives Ltd, on behalf of Forestry Commission Scotland said: “Estate and farm woodlands are frequently seen as difficult and uneconomic to manage.

“However, managed well, they have the potential to provide new business opportunities to owners and deliver multiple benefits, including a sustainable fuel supply, valuable timber products and environmental services.

“When utilised for woodfuel, there is also the possibility of accessing financial support via the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive scheme which supports renewable heat production and use.

“This event will be of interest to any woodland owner looking to diversify their business and anyone interested in the use of renewable wood-fuelled heating systems on farms or estates and in commercial business premises but as places are limited, early booking is essential.” There will be a demonstration of small and medium scale woodland management techniques, (including horse logging) firewood processing and a wood fuel boiler system and a number of talks.

Topics include woodland management and creation, native woodland creation and Borders Machinery Ring’s “Promotion of Farm Woodland Management “ project.

A case study of changing approaches to woodland management production at Baddinsgill Farm will also feature, as well as a question and answer session.

The event runs from 9.30am until 3.30pm and a full agenda and booking details are available at http://www.usewoodfuel.co.uk/news,-events-woodfuel-forums/current-events/borders-woodfuel-forumchanging-approaches-to-woodland-management-for-woodfuel.aspx Alternatively contact Virginia Harden Scott at virginia.harden@ruraldevelopment.org.uk or on 07919 263 190 to book a place.

The deadline for bookings is Tuesday 29 October.