RSPB encourages people to go green this weekend

Jun 12 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

DOING your bit for the planet can seem like a daunting task, but a trip to RSPB Mersehead this Saturday, could provide you with all the inspiration you need to go green.

In an event being organised as part of the Scottish Renewables Festival, the Solway Coast nature reserve will be showing off its renewable energy sources, including the solar panels and wood-powered biomass system used to provide heating and hot water to its buildings.

The renewable technologies that will be on display are an important aspect of the recently opened Sulwath Centre at Mersehead, a building that houses facilities for education, training and residential volunteering.

These technologies were funded almost entirely by the UK Government’s Low Carbon Building Programme, and by the Scottish Power Green Energy Trust.

The Scottish Renewables Festival runs over the weekend of June 13 and 14, and sees for the first time, a wide range of projects, including wind farms, hydro power schemes and wood fuel power stations, open their doors to the public across the country.

Other local events in the festival include a demonstration of ground source heat pump technology and the opening of the Stevens Croft biomass power station, which both require advance booking.

Dave Fairlamb, RSPB Scotland Reserves Manager of Mersehead, said: “The renewable energy technologies that we’ve installed at the reserve, make a tremendous contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of our buildings, particularly the Sulwath Centre.

“We’re very proud to be able to show what’s been achieved, and hope that people will come along and feel inspired to do something similar at their homes or businesses.”

Jason Ormiston, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, the green energy trade body, said: “The biomass boiler and solar panel at RSPB Scotland’s Mersehead Reserve is a great example of renewable energy in action because it demonstrates precisely the kind of thing we can all do to help tackle climate change and keep energy bills down whilst ensuring a reliable source of heat.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to visit this fascinating place.”

Another local site opening its doors as part of the festival is Dormont Estate, which has installed heat pumps in two of its buildings, saving around £400 annually on fuel bills.

The project at Leafield Cottage West, Dalton, near Lockerbie, will be open on both days of the festival between 11am and 3pm. Booking is essential.

The event at Mersehead is on Saturday between 10.30 am and 5pm. Booking is not required to view the Sulwath Centre, but guided walks will also be taking place during the day, for which booking is recommended. Phone 01387 780 579 for more information.

To find out about all the events taking place across the country, visit: www.renewablesfestival.com/events.

Steven’s Croft biomass power plant is to be featured on a popular television pre-school science programme next week.

The E.ON UK carbon neutral wood burning power station will appear on the Cbeebies channel on Thursday, June 18, in an episode of “Nina and the Neurons Go Inventing.”

Nina and the Neurons has been a huge success since it was launched in 2007 and stars Gatehouse-of-Fleet actress Katrina Bryan as the neuroscientist who enlists the help of her Neurons (five animated characters representing the senses) in her brain to answer a scientific question posed by children.