THE WORLD’S LEADING MISCANTHUS SPECIALIST
TERRAVESTA IS REPLACING THE GLOBAL DEPENDENCE ON FOSSIL FUELS WITH MISCANTHUS – A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION TO OUR PLANET’S ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS
WHY MISCANTHUS?
Carbon dioxide levels are at their highest for 650,000 years, sea levels are rising, polar ice is melting, and global temperatures are at a record high.
Terravesta is on a mission to manage the world’s natural resources responsibly, helping to replace the dependence on fossil fuels with a sustainable plant-based alternative – Miscanthus.
Miscanthus is a key player in the climate change revolution.
EVENTS
Field to furnace tours 2020
Register interest for autumn farm walks
2020 field to furnace tours
Information
If you'd like to get the whole Miscanthus picture from 'field to furnace', register your interest in one of our exclusive tours, launching in January 2020.
Register your interest and we will be in touch.
Register your interest and we will be in touch.
Format
The intimate tours take place throughout the year and we invite you to see a Miscanthus crop, learn about growing and harvesting it each year, you'll also tour a renewable energy power plant, and learn about growing markets for Miscanthus...plus lunch will be on us!
Miscanthus farm walks
Information
Interested in planting Miscanthus?
Register interest in our autumn farm walks, and we will be in touch with our schedule, so you can select a suitable date and location.
Register interest in our autumn farm walks, and we will be in touch with our schedule, so you can select a suitable date and location.
Format
You will have a chance to learn about planting, growing, harvesting and selling Miscanthus, speak to a grower and see a crop.
MEET THE TEAM
Hamish Bichan
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
William Cracroft-Eley
CHAIRMAN
George Robinson
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Nat Le Roux
NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Alex Robinson
GENERAL MANAGER
Dr Jason Kam
R&D MANAGER
Alison Fisher
OPERATIONS AND GROWER SUPPORT
Debbie Bringloe
OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS OFFICER
Tracy Devlin-Gray
HEAD OF ACCOUNTS
Simon Calder
PRODUCTION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Dr Michael Squance
HEAD OF IT DEVELOPMENT
Nicola Wozniak
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Andrzej Matyjewski
MANAGER OF POLAND & EASTERN EUROPE
Ben Booth
SALES MANAGER
Chloe Hunter
SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER
Sophie Wilesmith
COMMUNICATIONS
Pepper, Bessie, Orla & Dill
OFFICE PETS
Dr Jason Kam
R&D MANAGER
Jason is a scientist with a background steeped in academia. He’s spent his career specialising in the study of farmed crops and among his many scientific accolades is achieving a PhD looking at molecular responses to drought in wheat. Jason first worked on Miscanthus research in 2016 and is now relishing the opportunity to transfer scientific knowledge into practical uses for Miscanthus which benefit our environment.
To speak to Jason click here
Fun Facts
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
I am Australian
GUILTY PLEASURE
Gun-Fu movies
FAVOURITE FOOD
Mum's home cooked meals
Jason is a scientist with a background steeped in academia. He’s spent his career specialising in the study of farmed crops and among his many scientific accolades is achieving a PhD looking at molecular responses to drought in wheat. Jason first worked on Miscanthus research in 2016 and is now relishing the opportunity to transfer scientific knowledge into practical uses for Miscanthus which benefit our environment.
To speak to Jason click here
Fun Facts
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
I am Australian
GUILTY PLEASURE
Gun-Fu movies
FAVOURITE FOOD
Mum's home cooked meals
Hamish Bichan
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Hamish Bichan has enjoyed consultancy, advisory and executive management roles in agriculture for over 25 years. He is an active member of the Terravesta management team, assisting with strategy implementation, budget forecasting and reporting and helping to maintain an effective supply chain, from farmers right through to end users.To speak to Hamish click here
Hamish Bichan has enjoyed consultancy, advisory and executive management roles in agriculture for over 25 years. He is an active member of the Terravesta management team, assisting with strategy implementation, budget forecasting and reporting and helping to maintain an effective supply chain, from farmers right through to end users.
To speak to Hamish click here
To speak to Hamish click here
William Cracroft-Eley
CHAIRMAN
Since planting Miscanthus at home in 2006 and realising its excellent potential as a stable farm enterprise on difficult land, William has made it his mission to bring order and transparency to Miscanthus supply.William established Terravesta Ltd in 2012 to deliver a secure and reliable national contract-based supply chain and develop the market for Miscanthus as the UK's no.1 energy crop.
To speak to William click here
Since planting Miscanthus at home in 2006 and realising its excellent potential as a stable farm enterprise on difficult land, William has made it his mission to bring order and transparency to Miscanthus supply.
William established Terravesta Ltd in 2012 to deliver a secure and reliable national contract-based supply chain and develop the market for Miscanthus as the UK's no.1 energy crop.
To speak to William click here
William established Terravesta Ltd in 2012 to deliver a secure and reliable national contract-based supply chain and develop the market for Miscanthus as the UK's no.1 energy crop.
To speak to William click here
George Robinson
MANAGING DIRECTOR
With an enduring interest in the environment and sustainability, George brings extensive marketing and management expertise to Terravesta. He has over 20 years experience in owning and running major food and drink retail and manufacturing operations and has seamlessly transferred these skills to the agricultural sector. George has a natural pioneering spirit, unflinching tenacity and a strong belief in his cause, and these qualities have been a major driving force in the continued success of Terravesta.To speak to George click here
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE DRINK
Dambusters Ale
BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
I’m still alive!
HIDDEN TALENT
Harmonica
With an enduring interest in the environment and sustainability, George brings extensive marketing and management expertise to Terravesta. He has over 20 years experience in owning and running major food and drink retail and manufacturing operations and has seamlessly transferred these skills to the agricultural sector. George has a natural pioneering spirit, unflinching tenacity and a strong belief in his cause, and these qualities have been a major driving force in the continued success of Terravesta.
To speak to George click here
To speak to George click here
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE DRINK
Dambusters Ale
BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
I’m still alive!
HIDDEN TALENT
Harmonica
Nat Le Roux
NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nat joined the Terravesta team in September 2018 after investing in the business. He’s a financial whizz, having spent most of his career in financial markets and held the position of chief executive of IG Group as well as independent director of the London Metal Exchange. No stranger to the agricultural world, he now farms in East Suffolk and he joins the Terravesta board alongside positions of chairman for Scotgold Resources and strategy director of the Constitution Society, which he co-founded. Nat is highly experienced, and we’re pleased to have him on board as a driving force in shaping the Miscanthus bio-economy.Fun Facts
FAVOURITE FOOD
Artisan British cheese
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Carpe diem
FAVOURITE SONG
'Don't you want me' - Human League (1981)
Nat joined the Terravesta team in September 2018 after investing in the business. He’s a financial whizz, having spent most of his career in financial markets and held the position of chief executive of IG Group as well as independent director of the London Metal Exchange. No stranger to the agricultural world, he now farms in East Suffolk and he joins the Terravesta board alongside positions of chairman for Scotgold Resources and strategy director of the Constitution Society, which he co-founded. Nat is highly experienced, and we’re pleased to have him on board as a driving force in shaping the Miscanthus bio-economy.
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE FOOD
Artisan British cheese
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Carpe diem
FAVOURITE SONG
'Don't you want me' - Human League (1981)
Alex Robinson
GENERAL MANAGER
Alex plays a vital role in managing the diverse and growing Terravesta team. Having been with Terravesta since its inception, he's helped to establish a strong market position, ensuring Terravesta and Miscanthus remain at the forefront of the UK energy crops market. He's a clear, ambitious thinker and brings out the very best in his fantastic team.To speak to Alex click here
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE FOOD
Home made pasta
GUILTY PLEASURE
Gardeners' Question Time
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Never assume anything
Alex plays a vital role in managing the diverse and growing Terravesta team. Having been with Terravesta since its inception, he's helped to establish a strong market position, ensuring Terravesta and Miscanthus remain at the forefront of the UK energy crops market. He's a clear, ambitious thinker and brings out the very best in his fantastic team.
To speak to Alex click here
To speak to Alex click here
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE FOOD
Home made pasta
GUILTY PLEASURE
Gardeners' Question Time
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Never assume anything
Alison Fisher
OPERATIONS AND GROWER SUPPORT
Alison has now been managing and supporting Terravesta growers for 2 years, handling virtually all the contracts we produce and liaising daily with our processing plants. She is the first port of call for any grower or collection enquiry and is a vital cog within the operations team.To speak to Alison click here
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE DRINK
Dry white wine (can I have one now please?)
GUILTY PLEASURE
McDonalds
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME
I used to play the bagpipes when I was a teenager (wouldn’t have enough puff to play them now)
Alison has now been managing and supporting Terravesta growers for 2 years, handling virtually all the contracts we produce and liaising daily with our processing plants. She is the first port of call for any grower or collection enquiry and is a vital cog within the operations team.
To speak to Alison click here
To speak to Alison click here
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE DRINK
Dry white wine (can I have one now please?)
GUILTY PLEASURE
McDonalds
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME
I used to play the bagpipes when I was a teenager (wouldn’t have enough puff to play them now)
Debbie Bringloe
OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS OFFICER
Debbie manages the vital link between our growers, hauliers and end markets. She's pivotal in ensuring that the collection and delivery of bales from farm into energy plants and processing facilities runs smoothly and is all accounted for. Debbie also manages the growers and haulier's invoices and payments.To speak to Debbie click here
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE DRINK
Jack Daniels and diet coke (with ice please)
HIDDEN TALENT
I can touch my nose with my tongue
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Treat people as you wish to be treated yourself
Debbie manages the vital link between our growers, hauliers and end markets. She's pivotal in ensuring that the collection and delivery of bales from farm into energy plants and processing facilities runs smoothly and is all accounted for. Debbie also manages the growers and haulier's invoices and payments.
To speak to Debbie click here
To speak to Debbie click here
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE DRINK
Jack Daniels and diet coke (with ice please)
HIDDEN TALENT
I can touch my nose with my tongue
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Treat people as you wish to be treated yourself
Tracy Devlin-Gray
HEAD OF ACCOUNTS
Tracy has a keen eye for detail and is meticulous in her approach to accounting. With a diverse background in sales, marketing and strong accounting experience, she has a keen understanding of business workings. Tracy maintains a high standard of accounting methods and principals and provides invaluable support to the department.To speak to Tracy click here
Fun Facts
GUILTY PLEASURE
Cheese with salt and vinegar crisps
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Try to do something new everyday
I'M AFRAID OF
Team building days involving sailing
Tracy has a keen eye for detail and is meticulous in her approach to accounting. With a diverse background in sales, marketing and strong accounting experience, she has a keen understanding of business workings. Tracy maintains a high standard of accounting methods and principals and provides invaluable support to the department.
To speak to Tracy click here
To speak to Tracy click here
Fun Facts
GUILTY PLEASURE
Cheese with salt and vinegar crisps
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Try to do something new everyday
I'M AFRAID OF
Team building days involving sailing
Simon Calder
PRODUCTION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Simon is putting Miscanthus on the world stage. His job is to continue to advance the Miscanthus bio-economy by taking new varieties and upscaling them for a plethora of applications including bioenergy, biofuels and biomaterials. He has an impressive track record of establishing new markets and was pivotal in the development, scale up and commercialisation of beetroot juice under the “LoveBeets” brand, which is available in over 9.5 thousand retail outlets across North America today. His career has come full circle and he’s back in the renewable energy sector, having originally done his MBA at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, with a thesis focused on long term buyer-supplier relationships within the UK biomass industry.To speak to Simon click here
Fun Facts
GUILTY PLEASURE
A week’s fly-fishing in Scotland,
(my wife hates fly-fishing so this has to be my guilty pleasure)!
(my wife hates fly-fishing so this has to be my guilty pleasure)!
MOTTO TO LIVE BY
The cure for idleness is curiosity.
There is no cure for curiosity…
There is no cure for curiosity…
FAVOURITE BOOK
First Light by Geoffrey Wellum
Simon is putting Miscanthus on the world stage. His job is to continue to advance the Miscanthus bio-economy by taking new varieties and upscaling them for a plethora of applications including bioenergy, biofuels and biomaterials. He has an impressive track record of establishing new markets and was pivotal in the development, scale up and commercialisation of beetroot juice under the “LoveBeets” brand, which is available in over 9.5 thousand retail outlets across North America today. His career has come full circle and he’s back in the renewable energy sector, having originally done his MBA at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, with a thesis focused on long term buyer-supplier relationships within the UK biomass industry.
To speak to Simon click here
To speak to Simon click here
Fun Facts
GUILTY PLEASURE
A week’s fly-fishing in Scotland,
(my wife hates fly-fishing so this has to be my guilty pleasure)!
(my wife hates fly-fishing so this has to be my guilty pleasure)!
MOTTO TO LIVE BY
The cure for idleness is curiosity.
There is no cure for curiosity…
There is no cure for curiosity…
FAVOURITE BOOK
First Light by Geoffrey Wellum
Dr Michael Squance
HEAD OF IT DEVELOPMENT
Affectionately known to the Terravesta team as ‘Squancey’, Michael is an IT genius who overcomes any technical challenge we throw at him. He has a vital role in overseeing our internal management systems, our newsletter, the website and our data. He’s also heavily involved with our plant breeding research and records real harvest and crop handling information. Michael not only brings IT expertise, but has an in-depth understanding of Miscanthus, having formerly worked on the 'GIANT LINK' seed breeding project we ran with Aberystwyth University.To speak to Michael click here
Fun Facts
I’M AFRAID OF
The internet going down at Terravesta
HIDDEN TALENT
Playing the keyboard and cornet
GUILTY PLEASURE
Table top gaming
Affectionately known to the Terravesta team as ‘Squancey’, Michael is an IT genius who overcomes any technical challenge we throw at him. He has a vital role in overseeing our internal management systems, our newsletter, the website and our data. He’s also heavily involved with our plant breeding research and records real harvest and crop handling information. Michael not only brings IT expertise, but has an in-depth understanding of Miscanthus, having formerly worked on the 'GIANT LINK' seed breeding project we ran with Aberystwyth University.
To speak to Michael click here
To speak to Michael click here
Fun Facts
I’M AFRAID OF
The internet going down at Terravesta
HIDDEN TALENT
Playing the keyboard and cornet
GUILTY PLEASURE
Table top gaming
Nicola Wozniak
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Nicola is a creative force at Terravesta, managing our brand, the website design, and the 'user' side of our complex new software, which organises extensive Miscanthus research data. She's highly experienced in design and is full of practical, inspired ideas. Nicola has a degree in product design from Lincoln University, and previous practical experience in web design.To speak to Nicola click here
Fun Facts
GUILTY PLEASURE
Sweets
FAVOURITE DRINK
Cider
FAVOURITE BOOK
Anything by Martina Cole
Nicola is a creative force at Terravesta, managing our brand, the website design, and the 'user' side of our complex new software, which organises extensive Miscanthus research data. She's highly experienced in design and is full of practical, inspired ideas. Nicola has a degree in product design from Lincoln University, and previous practical experience in web design.
To speak to Nicola click here
To speak to Nicola click here
Fun Facts
GUILTY PLEASURE
Sweets
FAVOURITE DRINK
Cider
FAVOURITE BOOK
Anything by Martina Cole
Andrzej Matyjewski
MANAGER OF POLAND & EASTERN EUROPE
Andrzej has worked in the agricultural biofuels sector for over ten years and has a strong background in biotechnical engineering. Based in Poland but frequently in the UK, his role is to deliver high quality, sustainable and completely traceable feedstocks and maintain a robust miscanthus supply chain between Eastern Europe and the UK.To speak to Andrzej click here
Fun Facts
GUILTY PLEASURE
Don’t feel guilty about pleasures!
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Use common sense!
I'M AFRAID OF
Stupidity
Andrzej has worked in the agricultural biofuels sector for over ten years and has a strong background in biotechnical engineering. Based in Poland but frequently in the UK, his role is to deliver high quality, sustainable and completely traceable feedstocks and maintain a robust miscanthus supply chain between Eastern Europe and the UK.
To speak to Andrzej click here
To speak to Andrzej click here
Fun Facts
GUILTY PLEASURE
Don’t feel guilty about pleasures!
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Use common sense!
I'M AFRAID OF
Stupidity
Ben Booth
SALES MANAGER
Ben’s role at Terravesta is dedicated to increasing Miscanthus sales to meet growing market demand. His background is rooted in agriculture, although his diverse experience brings a unique skillset to the position. Six years in the Navy in his 20’s has encouraged a resourcefulness and a strong team-player mentality. A stint at Harper Adams studying rural enterprise and land management and managing the Woodhall Spa home farm caravan park diversification means he’s a dynamic out of the box thinker who understands the challenges farmers face.To speak to Ben click here
Fun Facts
HIDDEN TALENT
Tree felling
BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Children
MOTO TO LIVE BY
Nothing is insurmountable
Ben’s role at Terravesta is dedicated to increasing Miscanthus sales to meet growing market demand. His background is rooted in agriculture, although his diverse experience brings a unique skillset to the position. Six years in the Navy in his 20’s has encouraged a resourcefulness and a strong team-player mentality. A stint at Harper Adams studying rural enterprise and land management and managing the Woodhall Spa home farm caravan park diversification means he’s a dynamic out of the box thinker who understands the challenges farmers face.
To speak to Ben click here
To speak to Ben click here
Fun Facts
HIDDEN TALENT
Tree felling
BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Children
MOTO TO LIVE BY
Nothing is insurmountable
Chloe Hunter
SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER
Chloe has an impressive track record for someone who graduated with a degree in business management in 2017. Her last post was at Cargill where she looked after the trading and merchandising for UK soybean and rapeseed oil, before this she was active in management roles within various graduate schemes. Chloe is highly organised, ambitious and full of inspired ideas. Her role at Terravesta is dedicated to engaging farmers interested in planting Miscanthus and managing our agricultural marketing and events.To speak to Chloe click here
Fun Facts
HIDDEN TALENT
Baking amazing cakes!
BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Completing a graduate management scheme while still in my second year of university
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
My middle name is Alanis, after Alanis Morisette
Chloe has an impressive track record for someone who graduated with a degree in business management in 2017. Her last post was at Cargill where she looked after the trading and merchandising for UK soybean and rapeseed oil, before this she was active in management roles within various graduate schemes. Chloe is highly organised, ambitious and full of inspired ideas. Her role at Terravesta is dedicated to engaging farmers interested in planting Miscanthus and managing our agricultural marketing and events.
To speak to Chloe click here
To speak to Chloe click here
Fun Facts
HIDDEN TALENT
Baking amazing cakes!
BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Completing a graduate management scheme while still in my second year of university
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
My middle name is Alanis, after Alanis Morisette
Sophie Wilesmith
COMMUNICATIONS
Sophie is mad about writing, the environment and agriculture, which is the perfect mix for her role as ‘the voice of Terravesta’. Her background is in agricultural marketing and PR and before joining our team she worked for a leading agricultural PR agency. Sophie writes our newsletters, our news features in the press, our marketing literature and manages the social media, in fact she pretty much has a handle on most of the stuff we put out to the world!To speak to Sophie click here
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE DRINK
G&T with lemon and lime
HIDDEN TALENT
I bake a good loaf
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving
Sophie is mad about writing, the environment and agriculture, which is the perfect mix for her role as ‘the voice of Terravesta’. Her background is in agricultural marketing and PR and before joining our team she worked for a leading agricultural PR agency. Sophie writes our newsletters, our news features in the press, our marketing literature and manages the social media, in fact she pretty much has a handle on most of the stuff we put out to the world!
To speak to Sophie click here
To speak to Sophie click here
Fun Facts
FAVOURITE DRINK
G&T with lemon and lime
HIDDEN TALENT
I bake a good loaf
MOTTO I LIVE BY
Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving
Pepper, Bessie, Orla & Dill
OFFICE PETS
We love pets and have regular visits from our canine and feline favourites. Pepper is an easy going Parson Russell Terrier and a wise old girl with the right idea about how to spend her day. She mostly chills out with the girls in the accounts office, where she reclines in peace with the occasional bit of fuss (and ham). Dill the golden Cocker is less wise, thanklessly bounding around to find food, or looking for Orla, her apprentice. Orla, the Terrier pup is the youngest and she and Dill are as thick as thieves. Bessie used to be more of an office regular before Orla and Dill arrived, now seldom seen, she can be found hunting in the long grass.Fun Facts
PEPPER
Parsons Russell Terrier, 12 years old, leader of the pack
DILL
Cocker Spaniel, 1 year old, the underdog
ORLA
Mix of Border, Lakeland, Jack Russell & Yorkie Terrier, 6 months old, Dill's understudy
BESSIE
Semi feral cat, 12 years old, not a team player
We love pets and have regular visits from our canine and feline favourites. Pepper is an easy going Parson Russell Terrier and a wise old girl with the right idea about how to spend her day. She mostly chills out with the girls in the accounts office, where she reclines in peace with the occasional bit of fuss (and ham). Dill the golden Cocker is less wise, thanklessly bounding around to find food, or looking for Orla, her apprentice. Orla, the Terrier pup is the youngest and she and Dill are as thick as thieves. Bessie used to be more of an office regular before Orla and Dill arrived, now seldom seen, she can be found hunting in the long grass.
Fun Facts
PEPPER
Parsons Russell Terrier, 12 years old, leader of the pack
DILL
Cocker Spaniel, 1 year old, the underdog
ORLA
Mix of Border, Lakeland, Jack Russell & Yorkie Terrier, 6 months old, Dill's understudy
BESSIE
Semi feral cat, 12 years old, not a team player