Here at Tide, our members are front and centre of everything we do, and our Member Spotlight series is no different! In this series, we share a little bit more about some of our brilliant members.
Today, we introduce you to Tom! Tom is the founder of Restord, a biochar project developer based in Cornwall.
Hi Tom, can you tell us a little bit about Restord?
Absolutely – at Restord, we focus on turning local, underutilised (or waste) biomass into biochar, carbon removal credits and energy.
You might be wondering – what is biochar? It’s the product of pyrolysing (super-heating) biomass. This process removes CO₂ from the atmosphere while producing renewable energy.
The biochar then goes back into the soil to boost fertility and lock away carbon – the carbon credits are bought by corporates who are on a net zero trajectory, and the energy is fed into local industrial or municipal processes. Think heating local swimming pools, district heating or powering sites like asphalt.
Essentially, here in Cornwall, we’re building a local, circular carbon removal business!
What inspired you to start the business?
A mix of climate urgency and practicality. I wanted to do something hands-on that cut emissions, supported farmers (I have family ties to agriculture here in Cornwall) and created value locally!
In your opinion, what role does biochar play in achieving net zero?
I may be biased, but it feels like a rare win-win: durable carbon removal, with co-benefits like better soils and renewable energy. Biochar stores carbon for centuries, improves water and nutrient retention, and can replace peat or synthetic inputs.
It won’t do everything, but it’s a solid solution to our net zero challenges that’s ready to scale today.
What has been your biggest challenge since launching Restord?
Doing a lot with a tiny team! Building our pilot site, supply logistics, certifications, and fundraising while keeping day-to-day ops moving. The work is varied – and relentless!
Outside of your work, how do you try to live more sustainably or reduce your personal carbon footprint?
Pretty simple stuff. We keep travel low and train-first (international conferences are a no-go for us), mostly veggie meals (apart from the odd Cornish Pasty!), buy used and repaired items, and so on.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved in carbon removal or sustainability, but doesn’t know where to start?
Pick one area you care about, and start small to build your core principles. If you want to break into this space, volunteer with a local project, start a blog, or even help a startup one day a week.
Don't wait to be an expert as this space is constantly on the move. Finally, marinate in the joyful uncertainty of it all!
Lastly, what’s next for Restord?
We have big expansion plans for 2026 – stay tuned!
