Earlier this month, members of our climate and highways teams visited the Blackdown Hills Eco Hub near Honiton to learn about the environmental benefits of biochar.
The Blackdown Hills Eco Hub is a partnership between the Blackdown Hills Transition Group, Climate Action Taunton and Trimplants whose mission is to build community and ecosystem resilience locally.
Biochar is a type of charcoal made from organic waste, such as wood and hedge trimmings, that can be used as a soil improver lasting for up to 2,000 years in the soil, or can used in road surfacing materials and as a water filter. Biochar can improve soil health, acting like a sponge to retain water and nutrients, and by increasing the soil's ability to withstand drought and flooding. It can also help reduce soil acidity, which is difficult for most plants to grow in.
Our team met with Trimplants owners Terry and Carolyn who are passionate about the benefits of biochar. They started researching and experimenting with it in their plant nursery four years ago when they were looking for a sustainable peat-free compost. Since then, they have worked closely with Plymouth University and Low Carbon Devon Partnership to understand its potential. Our team is also keen to understand the potential of using biochar within some of the council’s services. Potential options other than to replace peat use and improve soil conditions is to use biochar as an additive in road surfaces and Sustainable Urban Drainage systems to reduce carbon and remove pollution and particulates from roadsides before getting into verges.
The benefits of biochar include:
Soil regeneration - by increasing soil fertility, water retention, plant growth, yield and resilience.
Interested in learning more? Check out the Blackdown Hills Eco Hub Facebook page or visit the Trimplants webpage for opportunities to learn, volunteer, join events and workshops, and order biochar products. You can even have a go at making your own biochar, in a mini Tawi biochar stove.
Watch a roundup of the climate team visit. Just click on the image below.
And see for yourself at the upcoming eco event.
Hear from Dr. Compost (Nicky): A master composter and educator whose expertise is transforming our approach to waste and regenerative cycles and Dave: An expert in aquaponics and hydroponics, who has recently been incorporating biochar into his systems.
Additionally, there will be a brief introduction to an upcoming video and workshop series on understanding healthy soils and how livestock can enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity. James has kindly offered to cook delicious food using produce from the Eco Hub and Fabian is organising music for the party that will follow in the evening! Everyone welcome! Just bring some food to share and a bottle! We'll set up the Tawi and a BBQ (using own homemade charcoal of course).
More information at Eco Fest | Facebook