Our Story...

We are a dedicated team of environmental consultants, entrepreneurs and researchers working with our academic partners to develop sustainable solutions for diffuse pollution.

In 2023, we began collaborating with Biochar Innovations Limited to further develop their patent-pending biochar based fertiliser granule. Recognising its potential, we focused on optimizing its formulation for enhanced nutrient capture and retention.

Over a six-month research project at the University of Aberystwyth, we developed and tested 23 different formulations. The top four were selected for further field trials and testing.

Our work is being supported by a £483,000 grant from the Innovate UK Farming Futures Nutrient Management Phase 1 Feasibility competition. Partnering with Harper Adams University, we are undertaking a two-year research project to assess a number of soil and water applications, ensuring our solutions are rigorously tested and meet the highest scientific standards.

Engineering design work for water applications as well as further formulation and laboratory testing is already underway.

We expect to bring our initial water solution to the market early in 2026.

Our Team

Sarah Belton
Co-founder and Director

Sarah has been involved with nutrients and water quality for over 17 years. She founded Nutrient Neutral in 2021 and co-founded Blue Earth Biochar in 2023. Previously she worked in a hydrogeological environmental consultancy gaining extensive experience in surface water and groundwater management; where she specialised in water quality and agriculture earning the title of a self-confessed ‘nutrient nerd’. She has a passion for problem solving, nature-based solutions, cyclical economies, intelligent resource use and natural capital.

She sits on the British Standard Institute Advisory Group for Flex 701 and 704 Nature Markets, the Constructed Wetland Association committee and on the Institution for Environmental Scientists Water Environment & Ecosystem Services Technical Panel.

She grew up in East Anglia on a small farm and has a good understanding of agricultural production and the difficulties faced today in balancing income and sustainability.

When not working Sarah can be found, commonly in wellies (even in Summer), surround by her animals and children or tinkering with the veggie patch.

John Hall
Co-founder and Director

John is a Chartered Accountant and licensed Insolvency Practitioner who built Invocas Group to become the leading independent insolvency business in Scotland, culminating in a successful AIM float in March 2006. He is an experienced business leader and Business Angel who has a proven track record of taking technology innovations to market by building collaborative networks composed of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Through his consultancy vehicle, IROS Consulting, John provides strategic and governance advice to a range of clients, as well as acting in executive and non-executive capacities on a number of Boards.

John brings his extensive commercial experience to Blue Earth Biochar and will drive the Company’s commercialisation strategy as our products come to market.

In his spare time you can usually find John on the golf course. He travels widely carrying out course reviews for both Golfweek magazine and Leading Courses, as well as being the Chief Marshal at the Genesis Scottish Open.

Mike Highley
Technical Project Manager

With a background in environmental and earth sciences, Mike spent 30 years driving innovation at Mars, latterly running European R & D teams for Mars’ pet care businesses. A dedicated Gaian, he is passionate about exploring scientific solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leading him to investigate the potential of biochar in climate science.

Recognising both the environmental impact and mitigation opportunities within agriculture, Mike envisioned a carbon-free fertilizer that not only nourishes crops but also sequesters carbon. Working closely with academics and farmers has led him to develop a deep expertise in biochar, culminating in the design, development, and successful field-testing of a patented carbon negative fertiliser, supported by IUK grant funding. Now ready for commercial adoption, this innovation supports sustainable agriculture while actively contributing to climate solutions.

Mike is the science lead on our current project, overseeing our research activities and leading collaborations with Harper Adams University and our external consultants and supply chain partners.

In his spare time Mike is a keen organic gardener and likes to be out in nature, especially if there’s a chance of collecting a new specimen for his fossil collection.

Simon Longworth
Research & Development Lead

Simon is a specialist biochar researcher. He graduated from the Department of Geography & Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University in 2023, where he conducted award-winning original research in sustainable synthesis of modified-biochar composites for increased nutrient affinities. Simon is Research & Development Lead on our current project, responsible for undertaking all experimentation and research at Harper Adams University. He has a passion for driving nature-based solutions to address environmental pollution concerns and is currently undertaking a PhD at Harper Adams University in conjunction with our project, specifically investigating biochar-surface mineral interactions and carbon structure development.

In his spare time, Simon enjoys engaging in voluntary conservation projects such as peatland restoration and freshwater quality analysis, to support wider awareness of these issues. He is regularly out in nature, either exploring or sat under a tree with a good book!