Farm Field Day at Tin Dragon Cottages
Saturday 29th April 2023: 10am to 3pm
Come along to learn and share about Biochar. In this hands-on workshop with Christina Giudici we will demonstrate how you can use one of the low-tech, no-cost methods for making biochar in a pit kiln, using prunings or fallen branches.
Where is the biochar workshop?
Tin Dragon Cottages in Branxholm in the heart of North East Tasmania is a beautiful natural setting for an outdoor field activity. The day will start with an information session in our purpose-built workshop space. Then, there is a short walk to the location of the pre-constructed pit kiln for the demonstation.
Who can attend the biochar wokshop?
The five-hour workshop is suitable for anyone 18 years or older.To ensure a personal experience, there are just ten places available.
Please wear long sleeves, long pants, sturdy shoes or boots. Bring wet weather gear and sunhats etc, and gardening gloves if you have them.
What is provided for the biochar workshop?
- pit kiln and all materials for making biochar
- educational materials
- drinks (non-alcoholic), tea and coffee and BBQ lunch
- demonstation and tuition
What is the cost for the biochar workshop?
The cost for the day is $100 per person. However, if you wish to book a group from six to ten persons, please contact us for a discounted rate. When you have your group organised (or if you are coming on your own), you can book and pay for your place in the the workshop by making an enquiry (button below).
For people wishing to stay overnight at Tin Dragon Cottages we have a specially discounted rate. Please ask us!
Of course, you are also most welcome to contact us directly (stay@tindragontrailcottages.com.au; 040 750 1137). You can then pay on invoice.
If you are not ready to book, you may like to send us your contact details, so that you can stay informed about available places in the workshop.
Your tutors: Christina and Bodie
Christina is an agricultural scientis interested in Regenerative Agriculture. Many years ago, she also became interested in the potential benefits of using biochar in home gardening. So, the opportunity to sequester carbon from waste streams, while providing soil and plant (and human) health benefits led her to making biochar in pit kilns for use in her own garden and with customers.
Bodie is a mechanical engineer who owns a sustainability-driven sawmill operation. He mills second grade timber to make cabins, garden beds and chicken coops. But he was also looking for ways to close-the-loop by using the timber waste for drying his timber. So, making biochar not only satisfies his ethos of circular economy systems, but presents an interesting technical challenge with rewards for endless tinkering.
The new black biochar
You can read more about how Christina and Bodie along with process engineer, James Fox have established their business, The New Black in Southern Tasmania.