Analysis of the possibility to heat a field study centre and primate quarters with a mix of wood chip and animal bedding.  Funded by GreenHeat.

Sundance Renewables was invited to recommend a heating system using biomass from locally available sources for the farmhouse and primate quarters at Cefn-yr-Erw. The present system needs refurbishing to heat additional residential accommodation and the present use of electricity for heating is expensive. The owners have decided that they would like to install a wet heating system in the farmhouse and the purpose of this study is to assess the suitability of a biomass fired system.

At the moment, the animal bedding is being taken to landfill at a licensed tip site and the charge for this is due to increase. The availability of large amounts of shredded paper bedding used by the chimpanzees has led to an investigation into the use of this soiled material as a feedstock for a biomass heating system.  Equipment manufacturers, Talbott's Ltd are able to guarantee their systems for use with this unusual material and this study has focused on the installation of a Talbott's heating system.

Cefn-yr-Erw provides quality and specialised care to animals and primates in need, and offers field study facilities, residential accommodation and a recommended restaurant. The centre is a registered charity and as an educational establishment is very keen to teach and demonstrate environmental best practice.

When Penscynor Wildlife Park was forced to close in 1998, Jan and Graham rescued seven chimpanzees and built new cages, sleeping quarters, food stores, veterinary facilities and a viewing bay, to properly accommodate the animals. Recent new arrivals include a group of baboons from Northern Ireland.