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The spectacular new £45 million National Botanic Garden of Wales is making itself self sufficient in energy by planting areas of coppice dedicated to fuelling the 568 acre site.
Trials in coppicing eucalyptus and nothofagus - instead of the normally grown willow and poplar - will begin on a three to seven year rotation on a field next to the Biomass buildings. Every stage of the operation will be seen by the Gardens¹ visitors. Says their horticultural director Ivor Stokes: ³ When they see the Biomass boiler, perhaps they¹ll consider using timber as a fuel themselves. After sunlight, wind and water, it is one of the most environmentally-friendly energy sources.² Compared with fossil fuels, wood burning is relatively clean, producing low emissions of nitrous oxides, sulphur dioxides and other pollutants. Carbon dioxide generated during combustion will be absorbed by the re-growth of the plants in the botanic garden. The garden will require up to 270 tonnes of timber per year. The Garden¹s directors are also currently in discussions with the local landfill operators to see whether use can be made of a potentially large source of waste timber. Ivor Stokes |
The wood will be harvested, chipped and fed to a Biomass furnace - providing hot water for the great glasshouse, office complex, retail outlets and catering facilities.| |