NEWHeat – an initiative funded by One NorthEast to encourage businesses across the region to switch their heat energy supply to wood heat – teamed up with the Northumberland Lights festival last night (Wednesday 12th November) to offer cyclists the chance to experience a magical cycle ride at Kielder Water & Forest Park in a mission to highlight the benefits of wood heat.
The unique journey, entitled the Wood Rush, attracted teams of cyclists from across the region who rode the illuminated track from Kielder Castle to Leaplish Waterside Park and back, against the backdrop of the dark Northumberland night sky. The event was designed to highlight NEWHeat’s aim to change the energy cycle and drastically reduce carbon emissions – a philosophy shared by Northumberland Lights organisers, who use bio-diesel generators to fuel the festival programme.
John Farquhar of RDI and NEWHeat explains: “The north east is incredibly well-placed to champion wood heat as an alternative energy supply, as we have such rich sources of sustainable woodland, such as Kielder Forest, right on our doorstep. Holding the Wood Rush event at Kielder seemed a great way to highlight what we’re doing in the region and engage the public in our mission to change the energy cycle. It’s been great to see so many people taking part and hopefully learning something new about how wood can keep us warm, cut our bills and reduce our carbon footprint. Wood Heat is actually 96% carbon neutral, and as a form of biomass is a serious alternative to fossil fuels.”
For more information please follow the links below:
NEWHeat - North East Wood Heat
One NorthEast - The North East's Regional Development Agency
