A LAKE District farm is getting a two-fold fuel benefit thanks to the installation of state-of-the-art biomass heating.

Not only will the boiler cut the Ullswater holding’s fuel bills, it will earn its owner, the National Trust, an ‘attractive’ income into the bargain.

The 24kw heating system, which runs on wood pellets, has been installed at Glencoyne Farm, Glenridding, by Sundog Energy.

It replaces an ageing and inefficient oil-fired boiler and qualifies for payments under the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

Powered by a Palazzetti CT24 biomass boiler installed in the farm’s wash-house, the system has a hopper which stores and automatically feeds in the wood pellet fuel. The boiler connects to the existing radiators and hot water tank, providing ample heat for the Grade II-listed, six-bedroom house, part of which dates back to 1629.

Farmer Sam Hodgson, who runs Glencoyne with his wife Candida, said: “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. That challenge isn’t limited to how we manage the land and our livestock but also how we heat and power the farm buildings.

“Our new biomass heating system has made a huge improvement and we are delighted with it.”

Shirley Pye, of the National Trust, said: “The system will also earn quarterly payments from the RHI scheme for every unit of heat it generates.

“So, in addition to helping the environment, this project means that we will have more money to spend on conserving our precious properties and let estate.”