Deadline Extended for Willow Coppice Applications

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The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced that it is to extend the closing date for applications to its willow coppice energy scheme from 30 September 2004 to 10.00am on 29 November 2004 in this first year.

This scheme is operated as a challenge fund, which requires applicants to bid competitively for funding to establish coppice. The Department has received a good level of interest in the scheme and the extension of the closing date is in response to industry representation. For subsequent years the closing date will be 31 July and the scheme will remain open to July 2006.

Short rotation coppice (SRC) is a specialised form of forestry and involves growing high yielding trees, in this case willow, at close spacing and harvested every three years. The harvested crop is usually converted into chips which are used as a fuel to generate heat and energy.

Key aspects of the application include demonstrating that the site is suitable for growing SRC, drawing up a planting plan, completing a business plan which demonstrates the financial viability of the project, providing evidence of an energy end user and making a bid for funding. A judging panel will award grants to those projects which best meet the aims of the challenge.

1. The information booklet and application form can be viewed on the Forest Service website: www.forestserviceni.gov.uk

2. Further information can be obtained from Andrew Clark: Tel 028 2955 6000 or by contacting the Forest Service HQ, Private Woodlands and Plant Health Branch: Tel 028 9052 4466.

3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619.