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Producing biochar from waste biomass in Wales

Producing biochar from waste biomass in Wales
Producing biochar from waste biomass in Wales
Producing biochar from waste biomass in Wales
Producing biochar from waste biomass in Wales
Producing biochar from waste biomass in Wales

Why support this project?

Hedgerow cuttings and park green waste are two streams of waste that are currently overlooked in the UK, typically left to biodegrade or be burned, resulting in carbon loss. Carbon Hill is changing that: using proprietary pyrolysis technology, it's the first UK operation to convert this feedstock into biochar, turning an overlooked waste problem into a lasting carbon solution.

What is biochar?

Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich material made by heating plant residues to 350-1000°C with little oxygen. It locks carbon into solid form long-term and boosts soil nutrients and plant productivity.

Project summary

Carbon Hill is a biochar company owned by the Jones family, located at Caebardd Farm, near Welshpool in mid-Wales, UK. Drawing on the family's long-standing farming background and mechanical engineering expertise, the company has diversified into biomass processing. Their engineering arm, Woodtek Engineering, designs and manufactures wood chip dryers and feed mechanisms, underpinning a proprietary pyrolysis system that produces biochar with minimal emissions.

The biochar is applied to agricultural land, including Carbon Hill’s own farm and nearby partner sites, improving soil quality and supporting regenerative practices. It is also supplied to academic partners for research trials, contributing to data generation and validating agronomic benefits.

Locations

Wales, United Kingdom

Timeline

Follow the latest milestones and updates from this project.

Jul 2026
Phase two of site upgrades led to rising biochar production rates of 2.5–3.0 tonnes per day

Phase two of site upgrades led to rising biochar production rates of 2.5–3.0 tonnes per day

During August and September 2025, the team completed the second major phase of the site upgrade. The original fuel preparation system was replaced with a fully integrated turnkey feedstock preparation line, including a top-loader fuel store and T4+ dryer, improving the consistency and reliability of biomass feedstock processing. The handling infrastructure was also upgraded by replacing the previous bagging line with a bulk biochar storage bunker system, enabling more efficient handling and storage of larger production volumes.

With these upgrades in place, the site achieved a substantial increase in operational throughput, with typical production rates rising to approximately 2.5–3.0 tonnes of biochar per day. This period also marked the commencement of EBC Feed Grade biochar production, expanding the range of certified biochar products manufactured at the site.

Apr 2026

Site upgrade marks transition to commercial-scale biochar production at 1.8 tonnes per day

In Phase one of site upgrades, Carbon Hill commissioned a new production system to replace the original research and development unit - “Betty”. While Betty had been invaluable for research and development, this phase marked the transition to a customer-ready production model, the C1000 system. As part of this upgrade, the team decommissioned Betty and installed the new biochar plant – nicknamed “Diana, the Biochar Princess of Wales.” Following commissioning, the plant began operating at an average production rate of approximately 1.8 tonnes of biochar per day, producing EBC Agro-grade biochar suitable for agricultural soil improvement.

Mar 2026

Hemp trials on degraded land demonstrates yield potential of biochar-based regenerative practices

Carbon Hill has continued its regenerative farming trials on-site. Last spring, hemp was planted on the lowest-performing field, with biochar-amended farmyard manure applied as the primary soil input. This trial evaluates the potential of biochar-based regenerative practices to improve soil health and enhance crop productivity. The trials produced excellent yields, demonstrating the significant potential of biochar-based regenerative practices to restore soil productivity while maintaining strong crop performance. Following the success of the trials, the team plans to expand hemp production in 2026 and aims to pursue UK record yields.

Mar 2026

Soil health indicators show improvements four years post-biochar application

In March 2025 the team conducted a Gold Soil Test, repeating the same comprehensive soil analysis originally carried out in 2021, prior to the application of biochar to the land. The test indicated exceptional improvements in soil health since 2021, including: - Soil pH improved: 6.6 → 7.1, now in an ideal and stable range - Total Exchange Capacity increased: 64% (10.79 → 17.68) - Organic Carbon increased: 5.28% → 7.10% - Calcium increased: 3256 → 5889 kg/ha, exceeding target levels - Phosphate increased: 132 → 219 kg/ha, without synthetic phosphorus inputs - Boron improved from deficient to optimal levels

Jul 2024

Ecologi Site visit

Our site visit expanded our knowledge of the process of creating biochar and how it’s used to enhance soil health and fertility!

See our site video here.

Benefits

Climate

Carbon Hill’s production of biochar plays a key role in carbon sequestration, locking carbon in a stable form that helps mitigate climate change. By using waste woody biomass, such as hedgerow cuttings and oversized green waste, Carbon Hill diverts these materials from biodegrading or burning, both of which would release harmful emissions. 

The audit confirmed no fossil fuels were used to initiate the pyrolysis process; ignition was electrical, applied to dry feedstock. It further verified two separate chambers (one for biochar, one for pyrolysis gas combustion), confirming no co-firing of fossil fuels and biomass occurred within the combustion chamber.

Nature

Biochar’s ability to improve soil health and water systems brings extensive benefits to the surrounding ecosystem. It increases soil fertility, improves water retention, and supports the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms, which create a thriving environment for plants. 

On the farm, biochar applications have revitalised a grove of ash trees suffering from dieback, showcasing its restorative potential for natural habitats. Additionally, the enhanced water quality from the biochar filtration system contributes to healthier ecosystems in and around the farm. These benefits support biodiversity and demonstrate biochar’s capacity to restore and sustain nature.

People

Mick, the owner and father, has pioneered innovative biochar production, driving transformative agricultural practices on his farm. By eliminating artificial fertilisers and relying on biochar, Mick has achieved significant increases in crop yields while reducing the environmental footprint of farming. The enhanced soil health and water filtration system he developed have improved both the quality and quantity of agricultural output.

Additionally, Mick and his family have created opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration, including selling their first C1000 machine to Sweden, further expanding the reach of their sustainable practices.

SDGs supported

Climate Action

Carbon Hill directly advances SDG 13 by converting two waste biomass streams (tree and hedgerow cuttings, and oversized green waste from parks and gardens) into a stable carbon sink.

Verification

These partners help deliver the project and verify its impact.