Biochar Making (charcoal)

This course covers the relevance of biochar making for making immediate results in the art of food production.

This new kind of burner runs at a smokeless level when fully running emitting only CO2 and water vapour.

You can use the resultant charcoal for

• B-B-Q fuel
• water filters
• artists charcoal
• fertility preservation

Temperatures of 450*C will be achieved within the burner

You can use the burner simultaneously for

• making biochar
• an oven 
• a hot plate
• a water heater
• a space heater that lasts 22 hrs                                                                  for a barn and now a large tent

Collecting the fuel to charge the burner from our mature woodlands
Or  using three other sources If weather is wet
Preparing the feedstock to be charred and filling the burner
Lighting the burner from the top to burn downwards
Removing the char from the burner (not on this course)

Fracturing the char                                                                                                     Crushing the char to get maximum surface area from previous burn

Different addition rates to finished compost to preserve fertility

The End Product has to be inoculated with something to be effective       – adding to compost – as newly formed “char” is inert

Course cost £70 each and includes v/v lunch and refreshments and issuitable for anyone over the age of 16

Location: The Well End Micro-farm is situated on the edge of Well End Village parallel to the A1, on the north side of London.                                   For  booking details please email Richard on

rhiggins@suaglon.co.uk