2023

The GWCT is delighted that the headline of the EFRA report following its soil health inquiry is that government should take soil health as seriously as it does our other critical assets of water and air.

‘Regenerative’ agriculture is seen by some as perhaps only the latest buzzword in a long line of farming systems: organic; conventional; conservation; sustainable intensification; agroecological.

Using the term ‘killing’ rather than ‘management’ would not be my choice when discussing the merits of removing one species to protect another. But I chose it here as it refers to the headings of two recent articles in the Guardian that demonstrate the value of control. Both epitomise the challenge that conservation has in addressing public values and attitudes towards the management of pests, invasive species and native predators.

In a world grappling with the urgent need to combat climate change, the agricultural sector is stepping up to the challenge with innovative ideas and collaborative efforts. One example of this is the Climate Neutral Farms project.

When you think of the GWCT, images of pheasants, partridges, and maybe even lapwings come to mind. But there’s something we deeply care about that might surprise you: soil.