A BIOMASS boiler has been installed at the Pinkery outdoor learning centre, near Simonsbath, as part of Exmoor National Park Authority’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral.

The innovative project, which has been funded by a Government grant through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, means Pinkery will be able to produce electricity from logs from the Exmoor’s sustainably managed woods.

The new boiler replaced outdated fossil fuel systems and will supply renewable heat and hot water for the whole site, including its classrooms and accommodation units.

National park chairman Andrea Davis said: “This is a real boost to Exmoor National Park Authority’s climate action plan and net zero commitments.

“Added to our switch to electric vehicles, and the existing solar panels and wind turbine at Pinkery, this will help us to continue to provide sustainable, inspirational, and well-being oriented activities.”

The project has been funded with £115,211 from the decarbonisation scheme, which is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and was administered by Salix Finance.

It will deliver 605 tonnes of CO2 savings over its lifetime, which is more than 30 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Ms Davis said: “I am so pleased that, with the help of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding to support our net-zero carbon commitment, we can continue the great work that happens at Pinkery, fostering a vital connection between our local landscape and generations now and into the future.”

Salix senior energy and carbon analyst Nadim El Bakri said: “Salix is delighted to support Exmoor National Park Authority and Pinkery Outdoor Learning Centre and join them in this journey of decarbonisation.

“This project has been inspirational because it looks not only at the carbon reduction, but at the wider environment and how the work impacts the whole community.

“The funding, as well as the support we offer at Salix, will mean that the park and the centre can become more eco-friendly, reduce carbon emissions, and support the net zero agenda.”

The biomass boiler, together with Pinkery’s electric vehicles, its on-site wind turbine, solar panels, and increased battery provision to power equipment, will push the park authority closer to its carbon neutral goals.