IBI Biochar Study Tour: Wales, UK

August 20–22, 2025 | Hosted by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) and Woodtek Biochar.

Wales is a land of deep-rooted agricultural traditions, ancient woodlands, and a growing wave of climate innovation. From its rolling green hills and pasturelands to community-led sustainability initiatives, the Welsh countryside offers a compelling backdrop for exploring biochar’s potential.

This region is home to forward-thinking producers, researchers, and environmental organizations working at the intersection of land stewardship, renewable energy, and carbon removal. During the Study Tour, participants will visit operational biochar production sites, observe live field demonstrations, and engage with practitioners leading the way in composting, soil regeneration, forestry applications, and waste valorization.

From rural farms to small-scale pyrolysis hubs, the Study Tour in Wales will spotlight how local leadership and global expertise converge to advance climate solutions, and how biochar is becoming a key part of that story.

Biochar is a powerful tool for regenerative agriculture, capable of:

• Enhancing soil fertility by improving its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Sequestering carbon and contributing to climate change mitigation.
• Boosting crop resilience and supporting productivity.
• Improving water retention, soil structure, and nutrient cycling.
• Supporting circular systems through the reuse of organic waste.

At this event, you’ll experience firsthand how biochar is shaping innovative climate solutions across Wales and the wider UK, with applications in agriculture, forestry, and ecosystem restoration.

The IBI Biochar Study Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to:

• Field-based visits to operational biochar facilities using PYREG, Pyrocore, and Woodtek systems with the option of visiting either Nellie Technologies (algae biochar production) or
• A mini UK Biochar Festival at Woodtek, including live equipment demos (small and large scale), industry talks, artisan zones, and hands-on activities
• Thematic presentations from leading voices in the UK and international biochar sectors
• Learning tracks tailored to areas of interest, such as composting, clean cooking, carbon markets, or specific production methods
• Networking opportunities with peers across science, policy, research, and industry

You’ll explore how biochar is helping address key environmental challenges—from climate change and soil degradation to circular resource use—while supporting agricultural productivity and local economies.

Your registration includes:

• Lodging for 2 nights
• Transportation between program sites
• All meals from lunch on August 20 through lunch on August 22
• Presentations by regional and international biochar experts
• On-site demonstrations of small- and large-scale biochar systems
• Guided visits to innovative biochar production and application sites
• Networking sessions with global peers across research, policy, and industry

Limited spots available—secure your place now to be part of this transformative event.

Email aW5mbyB8IGJpb2NoYXItaW50ZXJuYXRpb25hbCAhIG9yZw== to request an invoice.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that participants purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may require cancellation.

Transfers: If you wish to transfer your registration to another person, please contact us at aW5mbyB8IGJpb2NoYXItaW50ZXJuYXRpb25hbCAhIG9yZw== at least 3 weeks before the tour date.

Accessibility Notice: Please note that due to the nature of the tour sites and transportation logistics, this Study Tour may not be fully accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs or require mobility assistance. We are committed to inclusivity and want all participants to feel informed, if you have accessibility needs or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us before registering.

For any questions or further assistance, please contact aW5mbyB8IGJpb2NoYXItaW50ZXJuYXRpb25hbCAhIG9yZw==.

This policy applies to all participants/attendees of the Study Tour organized by the IBI and Woodtek Biochar, and helps the not-for-profit organization keep the funds invested in organizing this event.   

Cancellation Deadlines and Refunds:

Cancellations before July 12, 2025:

Participants who cancel their registration on or before July 12, 2025 will receive a 75% refund of the total ticket price.

Cancellations on or after July 12, 2025:

No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after July 12, 2025.

Transfers to another participant are allowed up to August 1, 2025.

The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) reserves the right to cancel the Study Tour up to 30 days before the event. In the unlikely event that IBI must cancel, all registered participants will receive a full refund. Please note that IBI is not responsible for any travel-related costs incurred by participants.

We recommend that all participants purchase travel insurance to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.

Cancellation Process: 

To cancel your participation, please follow these steps:

1. Submit a written cancellation request to aW5mbyB8IGJpb2NoYXItaW50ZXJuYXRpb25hbCAhIG9yZw==
2. Include your full name, contact details, and reason for cancellation.
3. You will receive a confirmation of your cancellation request within 7 days.

Info: Start the day at Black Bull Biochar (Radcliffe, Manchester), showcasing a live operation of the Pyreg BBB System and integrated energy systems using woodchip residues.

Info: Continue to Mersey Biochar (Severn Wye), where the Pyrocore pyrolysis system supports local energy and circular economy initiatives.

Info: Visit Woodtek Engineering, home of Biodynamic Carbon and the council-owned C1000 biochar plant.

Explore full-scale pyrolysis systems in action: Woodtek C1000.

Join the mini UK Biochar Festival, featuring:

Live small and mobile kiln demos,

Farm walks with “The Biochar Farmer” Mick Jones,

Clean cooking demonstrations,

Hemp as a rotational crop for biochar,

A swim in a biochar-filtered runoff pool (optional!),

Presentations from producers, researchers, and end-users,

Food, drink, and informal networking.

Info: TerrAffix has been producing and using biochar in a growing number of different applications for many years. A discussion on biochar use in erosion control and embankments, along highways and wildlife crossings for microplastic remediation and much more will be presented as well as a walk through their labs. More information on TerrAffix here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EjSOIEfZF15ohvBl4LTl47U_cpz2qhjc/edit Attendees will be transported back to London airport after the visit.

Info: Nellie Technologies (Aberystwyth, Wales) is a 2025 EarthShot nominee pioneering microalgae carbonization to produce a nutrient dense biochar from fast growing biomass. More information on Nellie here: https://www.nellie.tech Attendees will be transported back to Manchester airport after the visit.

Info: Brodie Biomass is producing and selling biochar into the gardening and agricultural sector. The Brodie family has deep roots in farming as well as wood recycling with biochar being a natural fit for both of these interests. More information here: https://www.brodiebiomass.co.uk Attendees will be transported back to London airport after the visit.

Info: The Woodtek site will remain open with ongoing festival programming, demonstrations, and discussions for those that would like more UK networking time. No additional transport to airports is scheduled as this is primarily focused on regional attendees.

Also check out other Festivals in Radcliffe, Sports events in Radcliffe, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Radcliffe.