The new biomass boiler replaces an aging oil-fired boiler and is part of the Hodgson’s drive to reduce the carbon emissions and energy costs of the farm. According to Sundong Energy, the new biomass heating system will not only significantly reduce the farm’s annual fuel bills but it will also earn the National Trust an attractive income. Under the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive scheme (RHI) the system will qualify for payments for all the heat it produces for the next 20 years -- comfortably paying for itself and then generating years of net profit.

The boiler and a substantial hopper, which stores and automatically feeds the wood pellet fuel, are discreetly located in the farm’s wash-house, with the flue passing through an existing chimney stack to minimise the visual impact. The state-of-the-art Palazzetti CT24 biomass boiler connects to the existing radiators and hot water tank, providing ample heat for the Grade II-listed 6 bedroom house, part of which dates back to 1629.

“We feel very privileged to live and farm in this wonderful piece of the Lake District, and we try to do this in as environmentally sensitive way as we can," said Sam Hodgson. "Our new biomass heating system has made a huge improvement; not only are we doing our bit to help protect the environment, but we will also make huge savings on our fuel bills”.

The National Trust's Shirley Pye called the biomass heating project at Glencoyne Farm a "prime example of the programme we are running to reduce the carbon emissions of our properties by cutting energy consumption and generating more of our heat and power from renewable sources.