Tom Heap interviews James Brown for his new book

James Brown, CEO of Lapwing and founder of the Reverse Coal project, has been featured in Land Smart, a new book by Countryfile presenter Tom Heap exploring the major challenges and solutions shaping the future of the British countryside.

In the interview, James shared insights into the role of farming innovation in tackling climate change, restoring degraded landscapes, and improving food and water resilience. He highlighted how Reverse Coal—a pioneering project combining peatland rewetting, biomass cultivation, and biochar carbon removal—offers a new model for regenerative land use that delivers both environmental and economic value.

“We can’t solve climate and food challenges by taking land out of production,” James told Heap. “We have to rethink how land works for us—stacking outcomes like carbon storage, clean water, and healthy food from the same acre.”

Check out Tom Heap’s new book Land Smart https://www.amazon.co.uk/Land-Smart-People-Nature-Thrive/dp/1838953388