A COMMUNITY-LED project exploring a new way of heating homes in a Forest of Dean hamlet has got off to an enthusiastic start, with residents attending their first information event this month.

The Belfry heat network feasibility project, led by Severn Wye Energy Agency, has been developed in direct response to local interest in moving away from traditional fossil-fuel heating systems.

Organisers say a shared heat network could also help overcome the practical and financial challenges that some households face when considering individual air source heat pump installations.

Residents from the small rural community of 27 homes gathered to learn more about how heat networks operate, with technical specialists from contractor Rendesco explaining the concept and answering questions.

The company is currently carrying out a detailed feasibility study to assess whether the site is suitable for a low-carbon communal heating system.

The project is being supported by Forest of Dean District Council and local landowner David Ardern, and is part of wider efforts to explore innovative, community-based solutions to reducing carbon emissions in rural areas.

Allison Cawley, Director of Energy Services at Severn Wye Energy Agency, said: “It was great to meet so many residents and share more details on the project and the benefits it could offer: it’s very much a collaboration with residents, and we’re delighted with the interest shown so far and the enthusiasm to get involved.”

She added that further technical work is now planned, including heat loss surveys across the properties in May. The full feasibility study is expected to be completed by July, after which residents will be given further updates on potential next steps.

The initiative is funded by Great British Energy and supported by the South West Net Zero Hub, which is backing local projects aimed at accelerating the transition to low-carbon heating solutions.