Farmers considering growing willow for biomass will be able to learn more about growing the crop at an open day in Scotland this week, according to organisers, Renewable Fuels (RFL).

The event, which takes place next to E.ON UK’s Steven’s Croft power station at Lockerbie, will give growers the chance to see how the crop is grown and meet with representatives from the power station.

“We’ll be demonstrating how a mixed variety of willow coppice is planted using a twin row step planter in a field right next to the Steven’s Croft site,” said Pernilla Tweddle, from RFL.

The 44MW power station, which is currently under construction, will require around 4,000ha of willow coppice as well as locally produced forestry residue once it is in commercial operation – expected to be by December 2007.

The free open day takes place on 18 May between 10am and 3pm (weather permitting). For further information see the latest news on www.renewablefuels.co.uk