Biochar: Reigniting the Past for a Sustainable Future

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 Plymouth

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 Plymouth
• 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 Plymouth students – Frank Foley, Flete Field Labs
• Preliminary research at the University of Plymouth on biochar water filtration – Dr Paul Lunt, University of Plymouth

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 Plymouth
• 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 Plymouth

18:00 | Finish and networking

Speakers

Carolyn Dare, Project Manager at Trimplants 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 Plymouth, specialising in living walls

Professor Mark Fitzsimons , Professor of Environmental Chemistry, University of Plymouth

Dr Paul Lunt , Associate Professor in Environmental Science, University of Plymouth

Dr Thomas Murphy , Lecturer in Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth

Tom Previte, Founder of Restord, a biochar producer based in Cornwall

Dr Natalie Whitehead, Co-Founder and Director of Exeter Science Centre, whose mission is to educate, motivate and empower the public to make a difference in the world

Frank Foley, Engineer at Flete Field Labs, 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.