FOREST chiefs believe rising oil and gas prices will see more people turn to wood to heat their buildings.

A survey by the Forestry Commission and Treeworld Ltd found Yorkshire and the Humber has more than 200 eco-friendly woodfuel boilers installed – the majority in North Yorkshire.

They include units heating hotels such as Swinton Park, near Masham, offices, churches, schools and a monastery near Helmsley.

The details will be unveiled at an event on Wednesday, January 26, aimed at increasing awareness of woodfuel.

It takes place at the new £2m Duffield’s Wood Pellet mill, at Melmerby, near Ripon, the first facility of its kind in the county.

Rudie Humphrey, woodfuel officer with the Forestry Commission, said: “We will explain how the new Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, set to be launched by the Department of Energy Climate Change, will make using wood as a fuel even more financially compelling.”

The scheme will provide financial support for those who install renewable heating systems.

Details from Rudie Humphrey on 01904-382317, email rudie.

humphrey@forestry.gsi.gov.uk