Charcoal and Biochar Making Workshop

Charcoal and Biochar Making Workshop

Join us for an engaging and practical one-day workshop exploring the traditional and sustainable art of charcoal and biochar production. This hands-on course is designed for small woodland owners, community woodland groups, conservation groups, allotment holders, gardeners and anyone interested in producing charcoal on a small scale.

Throughout the day, you will gain practical experience and an understanding of the techniques involved in producing high-quality charcoal using both ring and retort kilns. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the process, explaining how different methods work and how to achieve consistent results.

You will also discover how to construct your own simple, cost-effective charcoal kiln using 45-gallon oil drums. This practical approach provides an accessible way to produce charcoal on a small scale using readily available materials.

The workshop also introduces the fascinating world of biochar and how charcoal can be transformed into a valuable soil amendment. You will learn about different feedstocks, preparation techniques and activation methods, as well as how biochar can be incorporated into your soil to support healthier and more productive growing.

For those interested in making charcoal for barbecues, we will explore the characteristics of good-quality barbecue charcoal, including suitable types of wood, burning techniques and how to produce charcoal that burns efficiently and provides excellent heat.

We will also look at the commercial possibilities of small-scale charcoal production, including how to package, label and market your charcoal. You will learn about different packaging options and ways of selling your product locally to friends, neighbours, community groups and local markets.

The Benefits of Biochar

Biochar has a fascinating range of applications within gardening, horticulture and land management. When incorporated into soil, its porous structure can help improve soil condition, water retention and nutrient availability while supporting aeration and healthy root development.

As a stable form of carbon, biochar can remain in soil for long periods, making it an interesting tool for carbon sequestration and more sustainable land management. Producing biochar from garden, woodland and forestry waste can also provide a useful way of turning organic material into a valuable resource rather than treating it as waste.

Biochar can provide a habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms, helping to support a diverse and healthy soil ecosystem. By improving soil health and potentially reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers, it can also form part of a more sustainable approach to gardening and horticulture.

This course combines traditional skills, practical knowledge and sustainable thinking, giving you the opportunity to learn how to transform organic materials into useful products for your garden, woodland or small-scale enterprise.

Whether you are a gardener, allotment holder, woodland owner, conservation enthusiast or simply interested in sustainable living, you will leave with practical knowledge and new skills that you can put into practice.

Course Details

Location: Woodland site near Warminster, Wiltshire

Duration: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, including a half-hour lunch break

Course Fee: £75. A small booking fee may be added by Eventbrite.

Refreshments: The kettle will be on throughout the day, with tea, coffee and biscuits available for you to enjoy throughout the workshop.

We are based near Warminster in the heart of Wiltshire, Southwest England, with convenient access from Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, Southampton, Chippenham, Swindon and London. Warminster railway station is approximately a 10-minute drive from our woodland site.