VOLUNTEERS are needed to try out a new eco- friendly way to heat their homes. The Stove Shop in Liskeard is giving away bags of miscanthus to 30 customers as part of a world first trail. Miscanthus is a type of grass, native to regions of Africa and southern Asia, which is being grown in parts of the Westcountry. It is currently mixed with coal to be used to burn in power stations. However, after attending a lecture on miscanthus Alan Gregory, of the Stove Shop, decided that the grass could also be used for domestic purposes in a wood burning stove. He approached Bical, a company that buys miscanthus, with the idea. The firm has decided to run a trial and has given bags of the grass, to the Stove Shop, for its customers to try. All they have to do is fill out a survey about the results. Alan said the trial should last about a month and if successful will not only benefit customers by offering cheaper fuel but will also benefit the region's farmers by increasing demand for the product.
