Biochar: Reigniting the Past for a Sustainable Future

Discover the latest research and local innovations in biochar – a powerful material with ancient roots and modern applications
Biochar

  • In person (Sustainability Hub Forum, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ) and online

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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.
If you want to learn from leading academics and enterprises about the latest research, real-world applications, and emerging market activities for biochar in Devon and Cornwall, this event is for you!
All are welcome to attend this free hybrid event, whether you are in business, a researcher, student or simply intrigued by the pioneering approaches of using biochar!
If you are able to attend in person, you'll also gain the opportunity to network with our expert speakers, share knowledge and take action to support a sustainable future.
Please note this event will be recorded and published by the Net Zero Exchange network. In-person attendance is limited and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that in-person tickets are now sold out but online attendance can still be booked via the above link.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact the Net Zero Exchange team: nzx@plymouth.ac.uk
A full agenda, joining link and instructions will be sent via email to registered attendees.
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Agenda

15:30 | Tea/coffee/cake and networking
16:00 | Welcome and introduction to biochar – Dr Paul Lunt, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
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, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
• 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 ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ students – Frank Foley, Flete Field Labs
• Preliminary research at the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ on biochar water filtration – Dr Paul Lunt, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
17:10 | Theme: Building Performance
• The addition of biochar to improve the thermal performance of living wall systems – Dr Tom Murphy/Jack Morewood, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
• 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, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
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, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, specialising in living walls
  • Professor Mark Fitzsimons , Professor of Environmental Chemistry, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
  • Dr Paul Lunt , Associate Professor in Environmental Science, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
  • Dr Thomas Murphy , Lecturer in Environmental Sciences, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ
  • , 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.
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Event photography and video

Please be aware that some of the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ's public events (both online and offline) may be attended by University staff, photographers and videographers, for capturing content to be used in University online and offline marketing and promotional materials, for example webpages, brochures or leaflets. If you, or a member of your group, do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please let a member of staff know.