Sustainable Energy Resilience!

31 March 2026

A neat woodpile in the Larch Wood, visible from the Poetry Path

Sustainability and energy resilience take many forms. In addition to modern technology such as the photovoltaic solar panels recently installed, old traditions provide a useful backup for winter days!

Collecting firewood from "wind-blow" trees, felled by winter storms, provide meaningful work for residents in the Estate Workshop. Tasks such as filling wheelbarrows, wheeling them to the wood-stack, and stacking the wood provide a fulfilling day of outdoor work. The beautiful woodpiles are practical, allowing the wood to dry ready for use next winter.

Whilst not the main source of community heat, firewood provides a useful, renewable supplement with far fewer carbon miles than fuel oil. Meanwhile, each tree lost is replaced by a new sapling.

New storage tanks installed for Drumour Lodge

The existing heating and hot water at the Drumour Lodge still relies on fuel oil for the coldest months. Replacing the whole system would be a major project. However the old storage tanks were reaching their end of life and have now been replaced. The new tanks provide resilience against supply delays, and ensures reliable heating and hot water.