James Brown, CEO of Lapwing Estate, took to the stage at the 2024 Lincolnshire Farming Conference to present his pioneering Reverse Coal project — an ambitious initiative that aims to turn the carbon challenge of farming on lowland peat into a climate solution.

Speaking to an audience of farmers, researchers and policymakers, James outlined how the Reverse Coal process harnesses short-rotation coppice willow grown on rewetted peatland to capture atmospheric carbon. The biomass is then converted into biochar through pyrolysis, locking away carbon for over a thousand years while producing renewable energy.

In his presentation, James highlighted the project’s role in restoring degraded peat, generating clean electricity, and enabling year-round food production. He also emphasised the importance of integrating traditional farming knowledge with cutting-edge environmental technology.

Reverse Coal continues to attract national attention as a potential blueprint for regenerative land management and carbon removal in the UK.

Watch James’ presentation here