Episode 2: Location, Location, Location

So far in this series, against my better judgment, I’ve decided to launch a biochar startup in the UK. I’ve visited a couple of farmers turned biochar producers in Wales and committed to documenting the journey via a podcast (and now blog)…

"That's a lot of wood…" Richard Tamblin, Farmer.

Setting the Stage

Indeed, starting a biochar business involves significant logistical challenges, especially when it comes to sourcing and storing the required feedstock, in our case, waste wood (more on that later). Blog 2 focuses on the critical task of finding the right location for my biochar operation.

Lessons from Wales

My visit to Mick and Darren Jones’ farm in Wales was a turning point. Their success with biochar motivated me to pursue my project with renewed vigour. The next question was, where should I get set up? Mick and Darren had established their biochar operation in Wales, but I didn’t want to step on their turf nor did I have any link to Wales, other than the muddy remnants on my running shoes.

The search begins

Finding a suitable location meant identifying a place with ample space for equipment, feedstock, and biochar storage. I’m a Londoner, however urban centres were out of the question due to high land costs and logistical constraints. The prospect of transporting hundreds of tonnes of wood and biochar in and out of zone 2 didn't fill me with joy. A rural setting was best, but it had to be strategically chosen​.

Insights from the Biochar Demonstrator

I spoke with Genevieve Hodgins, who at the time worked at The Biochar Demonstrator and is an all round authority on biochar. She emphasised the importance of proximity to the feedstock source to minimise transportation emissions. The feedstock should be sustainably sourced, reliable, and not overly wet to reduce the energy required for drying during pyrolysis​.

Side note - The closer the feedstock, the more carbon-efficient the process, as transportation adds to the carbon footprint​ of the project lifecycle.

Genevieve highlighted that different types of organic matter also have varying water content, which affects the energy needed for pyrolysis. Ideally, the feedstock should be low cost or freely available and not have alternate uses that could make it expensive​.

Landing on Cornwall

Cornwall emerged as a practical and personal choice. My family has a small farm which offered the space needed, and I had a deep-rooted connection to the area. However, justifying this decision required thorough consideration of all the aforementioned practical, financial and environmental hurdles.

A drone shot of Bokenna farm

The Impact of Biochar in Different Geographies

As long as you are using the same feedstock and removing it in the same way, one tonne removed in the UK has the same impact on our atmosphere as one tonne removed anywhere else (some technical caveats notwithstanding). But additional benefits like soil improvement vary. In the UK, where soil quality is relatively good in comparison to the rest of the world, the impact on crop yields might be less pronounced. However, with significant portions of soil at risk of compaction and erosion, biochar could still offer valuable benefits​​.

Exploring Bokenna Farm

I found myself exploring Bokenna Farm with my grandpa in early spring 2024. We assessed various potential sites for a pyrolysis machine (the kit we need to turn waste biomass into biochar). The courtyard next to the farmhouse, initially seemed ideal. However, other locations on the farm, such as the plot with an old Nissen hut (an old WW2 structure), offered better prospects​.

The existing hut and the concrete base where another had stood could be perfect for our needs, provided the site could accommodate the machine and biochar production volume​.

Exploring one of the potential (somewhat overgrown) sites for our biochar project.

Engaging Local Farmers

Collaborating with local farmers was next on my list. Richard Tamblin, a local farmer, expressed interest in participating in a trial project. His mixed-use farm provided a variety of opportunities for the pilot project​​.

Richard's willingness to provide some unused biomass from his farm was also a significant step towards achieving circularity in the biochar process. Using local feedstock to produce biochar that would benefit the same land was something I and the local community could get behind.

Moving Forward

With a promising location and the support of local farmers, the next step was to secure the necessary equipment for the biochar project, aka a big old pyrolysis machine.

This pilot project in Cornwall not only promised to be a practical business venture but also a meaningful one, rooted in personal connections and aimed at making a positive environmental impact. Stay tuned for next week’s edition.

If you want to listen to Episode 2, click the link below (It’ll be the best 30 minutes of your week…)

Follow the podcast to hear Tom’s journey over the following weeks, or visit restord.earth to learn more about the project.

Thank you to the guests who featured in the full podcast episode, including:

• Genevieve Hodgins – Project Manager, The Biochar Demonstrator

• Mick and Darren Jones – Woodtek Biochar

• Alex Hume – Senior Associate, Finance Earth

• Richard Tamblin - Farmer