Richard Makepeace was successful in securing grant intervention through the first round of the RDPE bioeNErgy support programme along with four other rural businesses.

The aim of his application was to expand and develop both the forestry contracting and firewood supply elements of his business, through the purchase of a thinnings harvester, firewood processor and tipping trailer.

Richard already supplies domestic customers with firewood across the local area, from Gilsland to Shotley Bridge, and is hoping to double his firewood production within three years.

The business carries out the majority of forestry contracting work on small and undermanaged woodlands producing a high proportion of low grade timber. This is ideally suited for firewood and woodchip production, with increased demand as the woodfuel sector expands. The timber harvested is processed to supply a number of woodfuel users from local domestic customers and the local swimming pool to large biomass power stations.

"I'm delighted that my bid was successful.  Our new firewood processor makes the whole process so much quicker and easier - what would have taken three of us a full day using manual chopping techniques can now be done by one of us in just a few hours, so it will make a huge difference to the business.  The firewood market is strong and we're now in a better position to be able to meet demand."

For more information on Richard's firewood supply or contracting services please email richardslogs@aol.com