Strathspey has been the focus of a two-day event which has demonstrated how material such as cut rushes – often regarded as problematic agricultural material – can be converted into briquettes which can be burned in a boiler or log burner. Guests at the event also learnt that rushes can be added to an anaerobic digester producing methane which can be converted into both heat and electricity. The event took place at the RSPB's Insh Marshes nature reserve.

Among those present was RSPB site manager Karen Birkby. She said, “Cutting and disposing of rush is a major task at Insh Marshes and I know that many local farmers are faced with the same challenge. However the innovative approach demonstrated at the event showed that it may be possible to convert cut rush and other wetland vegetation into a useable form which may actually give it an economic value. That could make a real positive difference to many people managing land in Strathspey.”

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