Couple are chipping in to solve oil crisis
Last updated 11:40, Monday, 30 June 2008
A CUMBRIAN couple are pioneering an industry which could profoundly change the way we all live.
Richard Fern and Ann Kendrick’s Fern Tree Services company, based at their Roweltown farm, produces wood chip for biomass boilers.
They believe the business could help solve the world’s oil crisis, reduce carbon emissions, guarantee energy security and save millions of pounds for homeowners and businesses.
The company provides woodland maintenance, coppice clearance, tree surgery and chipping and delivery.
“Just this week I turned the radio on and they were reporting that gas and electricity bills will go up by 40 per cent this year,” said Richard. “If that’s not a reason to consider converting to a woodchip boiler, I don’t know what is.”
The modern woodchip boiler is a model of simple efficiency.
Chip or pellets are delivered to a store within the home or business. The chip is then fed through to the boiler, where it is burnt to produce energy. The only waste is a small amount of ash, which is fed on to an ash box. The contents can be composted.
Any type of wood can be used, including off-cuts from trees overhanging roads or ‘arisings’ from tree surgery.
That means wood is diverted from landfill to a more useful purpose.
For more information call Richard or Ann on 016977 48481 or email annc.kendrick@hotmail.co.uk
