Our regenerative approach to conservation on Alderfen Marshes uses permaculture principles within our conservation strategy.  Nutrients gathered during seasonal conservation cutting on the sensitive wetland areas are traditionally seen as a waste product. Our regenerative approach captures these nutrients for different uses including food production, carbon sequestering and habitat management.

Sorting and combining the different by-products from the seasonal clearance allows us to create different mediums for growing, carbon sequestration and restoring wetland areas.  Willow scrub, green cuttings, dry reed, and  organic mud are processed and combined to form sustainable and valuable products.

Chipping, mulching, biocharring, pumping, mixing, aerating and composting are among a variety of processes used to repurpose the nutrients gathered from the marshes.  

Raised beds, filled with biochar enriched conservation compost, provide an ideal environment for food production, removing excess nutrients from the soil before returning it to the marshes, locking up the carbon.