Biochar: Reigniting the Past for a Sustainable Future

This hybrid event discovered the latest research and local innovations in biochar – a powerful material with ancient roots and modern applications

This event took place on 21 May 2025

Capturing carbon, enhancing soil health, improving water filtration and boosting building performance are only some of the benefits of using biochar!

Biochar is a charcoal-like substance produced through the heating of organic material in the absence of oxygen. It has been produced for thousands of years and has recently gained attention due to its multitude of uses.

This hybrid event included learning from leading academics and enterprises about the latest research, real-world applications, and emerging market activities for biochar in Devon and Cornwall.

In-person attendees were able to gain the opportunity to network with our expert speakers, share knowledge and take action to support a sustainable future.

Please note this event was recorded and published by the Net Zero Exchange network.

Agenda

15:30 | Tea/coffee/cake and networking

16:00 | Welcome and introduction to biochar – Dr Paul Lunt, University of 50�Ȼ�

16:10 | Theme: Carbon Capture
• Woodland management: Closing the carbon leak – Alasdair Barraclough, Thousand Year Trust
• Launching a biochar revolution in Cornwall – Tom Previte, Restord

16:30 | Theme: Soil Health
• Biochar improves fertility in waste derived manufactured soils – Professor Mark Fitzsimons, University of 50�Ȼ�
• Biochar in action at Trimplants: Local solutions for greener growing, cleaner water and regenerative farming – Carolyn Dare, Trimplants

16:50 | Theme: Water Filtration
• Flete Field Labs, field-based biochar projects with University of 50�Ȼ� students – Frank Foley, Flete Field Labs
• Preliminary research at the University of 50�Ȼ� on biochar water filtration – Dr Paul Lunt, University of 50�Ȼ�

17:10 | Theme: Building Performance
• The addition of biochar to improve the thermal performance of living wall systems – Dr Tom Murphy/Jack Morewood, University of 50�Ȼ�
• A practical application of biochar in living wall systems in Devon (live results) – Dr Natalie Whitehead, Exeter Science Centre

17:30 | Q&A

17:55 | Final thoughts – Dr Paul Lunt, University of 50�Ȼ�

18:00 | Finish and networking

Speakers

, Project Manager at and Blackdown Hills Eco Hub, which have been carrying out innovative trials around biochar for the past five years, using it in growing mediums across the Trimplants Wholesale Nursery, thermal green walls, community food growing trials and water filtration systems. They are also combining ancient techniques with modern research to enhance healthy living soils, boost plant yields, sequester valuable carbon and support sustainable land management.
Jack Morewood, Business Research Fellow – Built Environment, University of 50�Ȼ�, specialising in living walls
Professor Mark Fitzsimons , Professor of Environmental Chemistry, University of 50�Ȼ�
Dr Paul Lunt , Associate Professor in Environmental Science, University of 50�Ȼ�
Dr Thomas Murphy , Lecturer in Environmental Sciences, University of 50�Ȼ�
, Founder of , a biochar producer based in Cornwall
, Co-Founder and Director of , whose mission is to educate, motivate and empower the public to make a difference in the world
, Engineer at , an organisation which works with biochar and mycofiltration to capture carbon from the atmosphere and remove pollution from water. They work with landowners, farmers and communities to develop and test innovative, new, practical methods, and with academia to deliver validating science.