Mélanie Élouise Bennet is a PhD student at the University of East Anglia studying the potential toxicity of biochar from the university's combined heat and power gasification unit on plant growth. The goal is to develop a pilot field trial in Norfolk and provide support to farmers and environmental managers. As chairman of UEA's Gardening Group, she hopes to develop biodiversity conservation and small biochar trials on the university's new campus allotment site. Previously as an undergraduate, she created a successful school allotment project called SAPlings that provided hands-on science learning and won awards for its community engagement and "green" developments at the school.

1. Mélanie Élouise Bennet PhD Student University of East Anglia, School of Biological Sciences John Innes Centre, Dept. Molecular Microbiology Chairman, UEA Gardening Group [email_address]

2. The gasification + combined heat and power generator at the University of East Anglia

3. I test the potential toxicity of biochar from the UEA combined heat and power gasification unit on plant growth. The aim is to ultimately develop a pilot field trial in Norkolk and begin delivering bespoke support to farmers and environmental/land managers. My work at UEA:

4. C Biomass C CO + H Syngas The On-Farm Carbon Cycle for biochar in agriculture CO 2 CO 2

6. My work at JIC Soil biodiversity – microbial community analysis

7. In May 2011, the university have opened the first campus allotment-type gardening scheme for staff and students. The site contains approx. 55 plots (5 m x 10 m), shaded polytunnels, industrial glasshouses as well a shed and kitchen facilities. We are all very excited about this new development! I am very excited about my new role as chairman of the UEA Gardening Group. I hope that we can develop biodiversity conservation, beekeeping and potentially small biochar trials on-site in the near future. UEA Gardening Club

8. In 2008, during my undergraduate studies, I wanted to do something that would really help my local community. I was regularly volunteering to teach science activities at Chapelbreak Infant School and felt the would benefit from developing this further by buidling a playground allotment. The school was very happy to start work on the project. We managed to get funding, build the allotment and win several Lord Mayor awards within the space of 8 months. The allotment provided opportunities for art-based learning in conjunction with community groups, and further “green” development of the school land. A biodiversity forest, several outdoor classrooms, duck enclosure and were created following the success of SAPlings. SAPling School Allotment Project

9. SAPling School Allotment Project

10. SAPling School Allotment Project