A pioneering partnership between Coleg Cambria Llysfasi and carbon removals company BionerG is helping turn forestry waste into a powerful tool for sustainability, soil enrichment, and carbon sequestration in Wales.
The college has teamed up with Llangollen-based BionerG in what’s being hailed as a “groundbreaking collaboration” to assess whether tree brash – typically discarded branches and foliage from forestry work or storm damage – can become a key resource in carbon removal efforts.
Coleg Cambria is supplying the brash, which BionerG then processes through an innovative system of branch logging and drying in state-of-the-art pyrolysis units at their ECKO (Ecology Carbon Knowledge Outreach) Centre in Denbighshire. The centre is dedicated to biochar production and environmental education.
Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced via pyrolysis (heating biomass in the absence of oxygen), is known for its ability to improve soil health by retaining water and nutrients while locking away carbon.
Dewi Jones, Farm Manager at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, emphasized the long-term benefits of this approach, both for land management and student learning.
“We are in the early stages but long-term we will definitely see the benefits, as once the wood is turned into biochar it will have a positive impact on carbon neutrality and in nourishing the soil,” said Dewi.
“They are a very forward-thinking company, and this is another example of Llysfasi embracing new, sustainable techniques focused on the environment and innovation.”
To further showcase the potential of this work, BionerG will host open events titled ‘How to Future-Proof Your Farm’ on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19. The events aim to attract young people and recent graduates exploring careers in agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Reflecting on the partnership, BionerG director Chris Clarke said their technology helps overcome major logistical challenges involved in collecting and processing tree brash.
“This could unlock new economic and ecological potential, turning a forestry by-product into a central component of circular, restorative agricultural practices,” he said.
“Our preliminary studies found you can use half as much fertiliser if you mix it with biochar, so there are huge financial and environmental benefits according to our early testing.
“No other business in this sector is working in the way we are with the team at Llysfasi, which as it continues to develop will prove fruitful for both parties.
“They use the biochar for their land, and it is an educational tool, while from our side – and the open events will delve into this further – there are incentives for current and future farmers and landowners to capitalise on this process and the technology.”
Encouraging graduates to attend the upcoming sessions, Chris added:
“We are hearing regularly that children from farming families, after they graduate, are looking to run efficient and sustainable businesses including investigating opportunities to diversify income as well as reduce costs.
“We can help with that as there are grants available if these farms show they are moving towards becoming more sustainable, using significantly less fertiliser will put them in a very strong position – we encourage people to get in touch to find out more and come along and see it for themselves.”