Short Rotation Coppice with willow (SRWC) is the best known energy crop having been grown in the UK since the 1970’s. Willow varieties have been bred for desirable energy production characteristics such as high yields, straight stems, frost tolerance and pest resistance. As a result there are hundreds of different ‘biomass willow’ varieties each with different qualities. Most plantations combine mixtures of varieties of different species hybrids to reduce yield losses through pest damage. SRC is planted mechanically during the early spring and can be cut back during the first winter to produce the coppice ‘stool’. Subsequently, the crop is harvested every three or four years during tree dormancy in winter. Once established the crop requires minimal inputs – pesticides, herbicides etc. Yields for SRWC in the UK have ranged between 12-18 tonnes of dry matter per hectare per year, although this varies with location and between sites depending on the varieties planted and management regime.

This section covers the basics on how SRWC is planted, managed and harvested. Case studies of willow biomass projects, grants and economic comparisons can be found in the “Why Biomass” section of the website.

Recommended Literature/Contacts

Growing Short Rotation Coppice – Best Practice Guidelines. DEFRA. www.defra.gov.uk
Forestry Commission - Range of leaflets, guidelines and regulations. www.forestry.gov.uk
Pesticide Safety Directorate. www.pesticides.gov.uk