The "Planning and biomass" expert seminar is addressed to the planning and sustainability officers, planning consultants and other professionals involved or interested in the planning issues related to biomass projects.

The seminar comprises of seven thematic sessions on subjects relevant to planning of a bioenergy project:

Rural Development Initiatives have organised the award winning Forestry Area at the Turriff Show for the past 4 years. The 2010 stand is a partnership between Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspectorate Directive (SGRPID), who are collectively known as SEARS (Scotland’s Environmental and Rural Services).

Aimed at tree, existing and fledgling firewood businesses.  This course will cover; Firewood as a renewable fuel; Sources of timber for firewood; Equipment to handle, produce and deliver firewood; Markets for firewood; Economics of firewood supply.

To see a breakdown of the course content please click here

The Woodfuel Quality Standards course is designed to give woodfuel suppliers and large scale end users a better understanding of the various standards and regulations applied to solid biofuels.  It includes practical sessions on sampling and measurement

Cost: £90 + VAT with LandSkills funding, £180 + VAT without (price includes all course material, refreshments and lunch).

The Managing Woodlands for Woodfuel course is aimed at woodland owners and farm-foresters looking to manage small woodlands for their own fuel supply or for sale.  It covers the whole process from measuring and selection to harvesting and marketing.

Cost: £75 + VAT with LandSkills funding, £150 + VAT without. (Price includes all course materials, refreshments and lunch).

This three day course is the UK’s only accredited woodfuel supply chain training course and provides a comprehensive introduction to woodfuel production and essential background to the market.  The three day ‘original’ course consists of four modules (Setting the Scene; The Woodfuel Resource; Woodfuel Systems; Woodfuel Technology) and includes a visit to a woodfuel installation and short written assessment.  Upon successful completion of the course you will receive a Lantra Awards Technical Certificate.

Working Week in the Forest is being run by RDI’s Northwoods office and is an opportunity to find out what it’s like to work in the Forest Industry.  It provides an introduction to careers and employers and offers essential experience of all aspects of the sector – from planting, growing and managing trees to harvesting and timber processing. Of course, all this sits alongside the important aspects of nature conservation and amenity, and the role our forests are playing in helping to adapt to climate change.

This week long programme of activities includes:

This 3 day Lantra certified woodfuel supply chain course provides knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of wood fuel production and supply.  It is suitable for anyone interested in becoming a woodfuel supplier or getting a better knowledge of processing technologies, biomass boiler systems and markets.  For full course content click here.

This 3 day Lantra certified woodfuel supply chain course provides knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of wood fuel production and supply.  It is suitable for anyone interested in becoming a woodfuel supplier or getting a better knowledge of processing technologies, biomass boiler systems and markets.  For full course content click here

This one day seminar is designed to introduce those working with farms and estates to the opportunities provided by woodfuel for self-supply from woodland and forest resources and the chance to look beyond estate boundaries to other opportunities in the renewable energy sector. The seminar introduces the concept of renewable energy and looks in more detail at the opportunities afforded by woodfuel including woodfuel heating technologies and woodfuel processing and handling equipment. The seminar also involves a visit to a working woodfuel boiler system.