Our Farms
Norfolk Seaweed is a company created by people who come from and live in North Norfolk, with a family background in growing and selling oysters and mussels. Our pilot farm produces sustainable, ethical seaweed used primarily in bio-fertilisers, but potentially for bioplastics, nutraceuticals and much more...
Our initial farm comprises a 5ha pilot project, which will grow to 25ha, with careful environmental monitoring at each stage of the project. The farm aids regeneration both off and onshore in our region. Seaweed farming does not need land, pesticide, fertilisers, or freshwater to grow – it has zero inputs and does not produce waste.
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We're not just farming seaweed to restore the health of our seas. By the end of 2027, we aim to have settled 4 million juvenile oysters under the sea farm on specially designed clay bricks, which will be left in place to restore the lost reef. Oysters are one of nature’s most powerful engineers. A single oyster can filter up to 200 litres of water per day, removing pollutants and excess nutrients. Oysters also create complex reef structures that provide shelter for hundreds of marine species, stabilise coastlines, and clean the water.
Our Vision
Build a regenerative, scalable blue economy that creates local employment, strengthens Norfolk’s coastal economy and unites communities in restoring the marine environment for future generations.
Produce sustainable seaweed for eco-friendly agricultural fertilisers and soil enhancers, developing profitable products that support climate change mitigation and more sustainable farming practices.
Regenerate native oyster reefs in the North Sea, restoring vital marine habitats, improving biodiversity and supporting the recovery of local fish stocks.
Benefits to marine life
The seaweed absorbs excess nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural and industrial run-off. It is a photosynthesising alga, which means that it absorbs carbon dioxide, and uses the sun’s energy to produce oxygen.
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The longlines also act as a nursery for juvenile fish species, and a refuge for larger fish from high energy seas. Once it has grown bigger, it becomes effective at absorbing wave energy, and its protection from the elements increases.
Benefits to agriculture
On land, a primary goal for Norfolk Seaweed is to create a circular economy in our region, returning nutrients to the degraded agricultural land in the region through locally produced bio-fertilizer, improving the quality of our soil and of our rivers.
One of the oldest uses of seaweed is in agriculture. Seaweed supplies macro- and micronutrients has liming properties, increases phosphorus availability, the phycocolloids improve soil structure, increases the water retention and cation-exchange capacities of soil, binds metals, boosts biological activity, and improves plant resistance to aggressive biotic and abiotic agents. These properties improve soil quality and allow seaweed to be used on any type of crop, whether organic or otherwise.
Combating climate change
On its own in the sea, seaweed is a huge contributor to combating climate change. By absorbing carbon emissions via photosynthesis phytoplankton and seaweed globally produce more than 50% of the earth’s oxygen.
Seaweed farms reduce ocean acidification by the fact that seaweed absorbs C02 from the seawater when they photosynthesize, which raises the pH to higher (less acidic) levels.
Seaweed soil improvers reduce use of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers, reducing the carbon footprint of our farm partners.
We've farmed oysters for many years, so combining seaweed with our traditional seafood business was a natural evolution.
We're developing new products, doing our bit for sustainability and providing opportunities for much-needed employment in Norfolk.
Willie Athill, Norfolk Seaweed
Our Collaborators
We are grateful to our collaborators and sponsors.
