Landscape and forestry: Russ gets the keys to a giant timber harvester

The Barnsley-based forestry contractor was one of a 10-strong delegation from South Yorkshire which spent a week in Austria learning how they are forging ahead using woodfuel to heat schools, factories, offices and homes.

The fact-finding mission, backed by the Forestry Commission, was funded by the European Union through a pioneering project called Activating Forest Owners.

Russ Ackroyd, from Kexborough, explained: “The trip opened my eyes and confirmed for me that it’s time to invest in our woods here at home. I’ve been involved in forestry work since leaving school, but now I’ve pushed the boat out and bought a state-of-the-art computer-controlled harvester.

“These machines can cut and process up to 100 trees each day, making harvesting more economical for owners. It’s an amazing bit of kit. With timber prices strengthening we have a good order book for our services from across South Yorkshire.”

South Yorkshire has 15,000 hectares (37,500 acres) of woodland – 9.7% of land area – but much of this remains an untapped resource, says the Forestry Commission, and is often neglected. Yet demand for woodfuel is soaring – the price has risen by approximately 20% in one year – kindled by escalating gas and oil prices, along with eco-concerns over global warming. The EU project aims to clear a major bottleneck by getting more local private woods producing timber.

Rudie Humphrey, from the Forestry Commission, said: “Having local contractors on hand with harvesting equipment means landowners don’t need to look far to buy in the expertise to manage their woods. We are starting out down the woodfuel road, but countries like Austria, which has over 8000 biomass boilers, are well ahead of us and operating on a much bigger scale. The potential in areas like South Yorkshire is enormous. That’s why the EU chose this area alone in the UK to invest €200,000 through the scheme.”

As well as forestry contractors; woodland owners and woodfuel suppliers were among those visiting Austria where they saw district heating schemes, watched machinery demonstrations and paid a call on one of Europe’s biggest sawmills.

In another boost, the Forestry Commission has unveiled a new grant scheme to help landowners build tracks and create better access into woods so timber can be more easily harvested, including for woodfuel.

To find out more contact the Forestry Commission on 01904 448778 or go to the Yorkshire and the Humber page at www.forestry.gov.uk