Coates English Willow are working with Laburnum Farm who farm a low impact herd of suckler cows across around 200 hectares on West Sedgemoor and Curry Moor. The trials will help to determine best practice for planting and harvesting different willow varieties on various peatland soils. This will include looking at water management, together with impacts on nutrient stripping and biodiversity. Work will also investigate the market potential for the production of kindling wood and look at possibilities for production of activated charcoal widely used as an ingredient in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Low-impact willow growing as a paludiculture crop
Nicola Coate
Project Overview
Coates English Willow is partnering with Laburnum Farm, which manages a low-impact suckler cow herd across 200 hectares on West Sedgemoor and Curry Moor. The trials aim to establish best practices for planting and harvesting willow on peat soils, focusing on water management, nutrient removal, and biodiversity. The project will also assess market opportunities for kindling wood and explore the potential for producing activated charcoal for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications and other novel products.
Key research areas:
The project aims to use willow to create sustainable, renewable products while protecting peat on West Sedgemoor. Building on centuries of expertise, it will develop new science and technology for efficient planting with reduced herbicide use, improved harvesting practices, and high-value products that support farm business resilience.
Planting efficiency was improved by adapting a specialist planter, which was further refined after first-year trials to enhance ergonomics, accuracy, and speed. Weed competition remains the biggest challenge for willow establishment, often causing severe growth loss and high mortality if unmanaged. The project is developing innovative, low-pesticide solutions to control weeds. Although early results show a marked improvement in productivity compared to untreated plots, other challenges have become apparent and need to be over come. The weather, particularly wet weather is a challenge and has had significant impact on the project.
Progress summary:
Establishment:
The new planter in operation, marking a significant step forward in mechanised willow planting
Harvest:
The old harvesting machine in action in challenging wet conditions, and our new harvester outside the engineering workshop.
Challenges and next steps
Challenges Faced
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While we are accustomed to working in wet conditions, the 2023/24 flood events were exceptionally challenging—almost comparable to those of 2013/14. Strong winds also posed difficulties, as the weed-suppressing film frequently tore and lifted.
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Collaboration with some partners, particularly the engineering company responsible for developing the planting and harvesting machines, was hindered by severe staffing issues. They lost several skilled and knowledgeable team members who were difficult to replace, resulting in significant delays.
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Completed Work
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Activated Charcoal: Fully tested, with its properties confirmed.
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Scientific Baseline Study: Despite initial setbacks caused by flooding, Plymouth University successfully gathered sufficient data to produce a comprehensive report. This report provides valuable insights into the environmental impact of willow cultivation, including phosphate uptake and carbon sequestration.
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Future Priorities
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Harvester Testing:
Conduct thorough trials of the modified harvester. This winter, it is expected to handle the majority of harvesting operations.
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Planting Machine Trials:
Continue testing and refining the planting machine.
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Market Development:
Expand the market for kindling wood and explore new willow-based products, including activated charcoal, by-products from current processing methods, and packaging-related innovations.
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Landowner Engagement:
Strengthen relationships with suitable landowners to establish additional willow plantations, supported by robust and sustainable business plans.
Project partners
