“SRC Willow crops are the UK version of bamboo – but without a hole in the middle!”

What do we mean by this?

Tropical climes may have access to the fastest growing energy crops – bamboo can grow at the incredible rate of 10cms in a 24hr period. But what about growing energy crops in the colder UK environment? This is where willow comes in!
  • It’s fast growing
  • Dense structure (no wasted space)
  • Simple & Self Sustainable
    (once planted, it basically looks after itself)
  • Durable and Weather Resistant
    (Copes with all types of weather)

So why plant SRC Willow? We all know how important diversification strategy is for farmland. It’s important to note that SRC Willow is in no way intended to replace arable food crops or livestock for dairy/meat. Its ability to thrive on less-than-perfect ground means it’s an excellent choice for areas of your farm where traditional food crops may not be viable and it also combines well with livestock farming.

Energy Crops Consultancy are SRC Willow experts with years of experience in assisting growers in diversifying into SRC Willow alongside their livestock and arable farming. He has extensive knowledge & experience in developing, promoting, and establishing energy crops – as well as innovating and undertaking a broader range of work within the biomass energy sector.

SRC willow has a high biodiversity value, attracting 260+ positive bugs! This can be seen in the increased presence of insects such as Ladybird beetles and lacewings. These insects are especially important as they prey on the pests that farmers and gardeners alike despise, such as aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, thrips, mealybugs, and mites.

Read more here

Willow is a key part of carbon fixing and carbon cycling; one hectare of SRC willow produces the equivalent energy of 5,700 litres of oil. An average household can burn around 3000 litres of oil per year. Carbon fixation (through the stumps) is the conversion process of carbon dioxide to organic compounds by living organisms through photosynthesis.

Read more here

Willow is also excellent for Natural Flood Management which aims to store water in the landscape and slow the rate at which water runs off the landscape into rivers. We do this by implementing various measures that restore or mimic the natural functions of rivers, floodplains and the wider catchment area. There are 4 main points to NFM: slowing water, storing water, increasing soil infiltration and interception rainfall. 

Read more here

Harvested every 2-4 years, willow is a sustainable, short-rotation crop that requires little attention. Not only does willow grow your income, but it also boosts biodiversity with environmental advantages such as natural flood management and soil retention…

Read more here

SRC Willow wood chip can be sold to numerous End Markets. We will stay with you throughout the process of harvesting, ensuring your crop is of the very highest quality to attract the highest prices. Our work with you isn’t done after merely planting – our relationship with you is for the long haul.

Read more here

SRC Willow can be ready to harvest from the first year, but produces its best yields from year 3

SRC Willow can complement your food production

This is a 3 year old willow crop with thick stems ready for harvesting – excellent bark to wood ratio!

Planted with careful precision, SRC Willow can grow very densely, increasing your land’s profitability

“SRC Willow crops are the UK version of bamboo – but without a hole in the middle!”

What do we mean by this?

Tropical climes may have access to the fastest growing energy crops – bamboo can grow at the incredible rate of 10cms in a 24hr period. But what about growing energy crops in the colder UK environment? This is where willow comes in!
  • It’s fast growing
  • Dense structure (no wasted space)
  • Simple & Self Sustainable
    (once planted, it basically looks after itself)
  • Durable and Weather Resistant
    (Copes with all types of weather)

So why plant SRC Willow? We all know how important diversification strategy is for farmland. It’s important to note that SRC Willow is in no way intended to replace arable food crops or livestock for dairy/meat. Its ability to thrive on less-than-perfect ground means it’s an excellent choice for areas of your farm where traditional food crops may not be viable and it also combines well with livestock farming.

Energy Crops Consultancy Ltd are SRC Willow experts with years of experience in assisting growers in diversifying into SRC Willow alongside their livestock and arable farming. He has extensive knowledge & experience in developing, promoting, and establishing energy crops – as well as innovating and undertaking a broader range of work within the biomass energy sector.

SRC willow has a high biodiversity value, attracting 260+ positive bugs! This can be seen in the increased presence of insects such as Ladybird beetles and lacewings. These insects are especially important as they prey on the pests that farmers and gardeners alike despise, such as aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, thrips, mealybugs, and mites.

SRC Willow can be ready to harvest from the first year, but produces its best yields from year 3

Read more here

Willow is a key part of carbon fixing and carbon cycling; one hectare of SRC willow produces the equivalent energy of 5,700 litres of oil. An average household can burn around 3000 litres of oil per year. Carbon fixation (through the stumps) is the conversion process of carbon dioxide to organic compounds by living organisms through photosynthesis.

SRC Willow can complement your food production

Read more here

Willow is also excellent for Natural Flood Management which aims to store water in the landscape and slow the rate at which water runs off the landscape into rivers. We do this by implementing various measures that restore or mimic the natural functions of rivers, floodplains and the wider catchment area. There are 4 main points to NFM: slowing water, storing water, increasing soil infiltration and interception rainfall. 

This is a 5 year old willow crop with thick stems ready for harvesting – excellent bark to wood ratio!

Read more here

Harvested every 2-4 years, willow is a sustainable, short-rotation crop that requires little attention. Not only does willow grow your income, but it also boosts biodiversity with environmental advantages such as natural flood management and soil retention…

Planted with careful precision, SRC Willow can grow very densely, increasing your land’s profitability

Read more here

SRC Willow wood chip can be sold to numerous End Markets. We will stay with you throughout the process of harvesting, ensuring your crop is of the very highest quality to attract the highest prices. Our work with you isn’t done after merely planting – our relationship with you is for the long haul.

Read more here