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, the event will draw on the experience of the Kilkerran Estate and highlight the practicalities of woodfuel production, supply and use.

Virginia Harden, 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.”

The event will include a site visit to the Estate’s district heating system and chipping and fuel storage facilities. There will also be talks on species selection  and woodland management for woodfuel production, funding and regulatory requirements as well as a question and answer session.

The event runs from 9am until 2pm and a full agenda and booking details area available atwww.usewoodfuel.co.uk/news,-events-woodfuel-forums/current-events/ayrshire-woodfuel-forum.aspx

Alternatively contact Virginia Harden at  or on 07919 263 190 to book a place.

The deadline for bookings is Tuesday 10 September.

Notes to Editors
1. Forestry Commission Scotland is part of the Scottish Government's Environment & Forestry Directorate www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.

2.  For news, events and recreation information log on to 
www.facebook.com/enjoyscotlandsforests For Twitter: www.twitter.com/fcscotland

3. The RHI is targeted at industrial, commercial and public sector. It aims to increase the number of renewable heating installations in these sectors by 7 times by 2020. It is worth £860m (UK wide) and is expected to increase green capital investment by £4.5 billion up to 2020, stimulating a new market in renewable heat.

4. For more information and advice on woodfuel and biomass as a business opportunity or as an alternative source of energy, visit www.usewoodfuel.co.uk