The “Biochar in UK Agriculture: Insights from Farmers and Scientists” online event held on Tuesday, 27th January 2026, brought together 133 attendees to explore the use of biochar in UK agriculture. The morning was structured around a series of sessions designed to share research, experiences, and practical insights.

The morning opened with an introduction to biochar, setting the stage for the event by explaining what biochar is and providing an overview of the broader UK biochar ecosystem. Attendees then learnt more about the Biochar Demonstrator project, and its aims and scope. 

The event continued with a people and perspectives session delivered by the Biochar Demonstrator’s social science researchers. This session was dedicated to understanding what biochar means to farmers, and explored the perspectives of those working the land, highlighting both the opportunities and concerns associated with producing and using biochar. Attendees also had the chance to share their own experiences and questions during a question-and-answer segment. 

The following session shifted to soil science research, with the Biochar Demonstrator’s soil scientists discussing the effects of biochar application within UK arable systems. This session covered the Biochar Demonstrator farm field trials, and the impacts of biochar application on nutrient availability, soil moisture, and cereal yields. A further question-and answer segment allowed participants to probe the data and clarify scientific findings.

After a short break, attention turned to practical experiences. One farmer involved in the Biochar Demonstrator project shared first-hand experience of participating in the farm field trials, detailing the process, impacts, and lessons learned. A second farmer outlined how they produce biochar on their own farm, describing the set-up, production process, and the ways biochar has contributed to their farming enterprise. This session concluded with a question-and answer segment, enabling deeper exploration of practical challenges and successes.

In the final session, the Biochar Demonstrator team sought to actively engage attendees by inviting them to share their personal views on the use of biochar in agriculture. This was facilitated through two interactive poll questions. The first poll prompted participants to reflect on and identify what they consider to be the greatest opportunity for biochar in agriculture. The second poll encouraged them to consider the biggest concern or challenge for biochar in agriculture. 

The event offered an exploration of biochar in UK agriculture, blending research findings with real-world farming experiences. Participants gained a greater appreciation for the opportunities and challenges that biochar presents within the UK agricultural landscape. As one attendee remarked, “Wow! How interesting! Very well put together and informative. Answered a lot of the myths around biochar.” Another participant commented, “It was a fascinating few hours and it has crystallised several questions for me.”

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