This is the second in a series of specialist soil workshops that will introduce farmers and landowners to the basics of soil microbiology, and the practical steps that you can take to improve soil health. The workshop will include an on-farm walk, live soil sample analysis, and discussions on the science behind soil health.
Soil Workshop: Led by Symbiosis Soil Lab, an innovative mobile laboratory, this workshop will introduce you to soil microbiology and the benefits of soil biodiversity. Symbiosis Soil Lab operates the only known Soil Microbiology Food Web Mobile Lab and they specialise in regenerating life into soils.
Will Luke from the Apricot Centre CIC, will be leading a session on the basics of soil microbiology: explaining how microbes evolve and their relationships to each other, and the help we can give them by creating an environment where they can thrive.
Farm Walk: Al and Mariana will show us around Trigon Farm. Started in 2020, Trigon Farm uses permaculture principles, no-dig and regenerative practices to grow vegetables and flowers. Al and Mariana will share their reasons for adopting a no-dig approach to improve soil health and their vision to create a stable, biodiverse ecosystem.
Updates on Latest Research and Policy Changes
The Future Farming Resilience team will also provide updates on the latest reports, policy changes, and where to access resources to support you to improve the soil health on your farm.
Timings
10:00-10:30 – Arrival and Registration
10:30-10:45 – Introduction to Trigon Farm
10:45-11:15 – Introduction to Soil Microbes by the Apricot Centre
11:15-11:45 – Talk by Symbiosis Soil Lab
11:45-13:45 – Farm Walk & Live Soil Analysis
13:45-14:45 – Lunch
14:45-15:45 – Soil Management in Practice – updates in policy & research, funding, and agricultural support
15:15-15:30 – Q&A and Event End
1:1 Soil Consultancy with Symbiosis Soil Lab
Attendees will have the opportunity to apply for a fully funded 1:1 consultancy with Symbiosis Soil Lab following the completion of an Expression of Interest Form which will be provided at the workshop and an electric copy emailed following attendance.
Eligibility
This workshop is available to any farmer or land manager in Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Cornwall, or the Isles of Scilly currently in receipt of BPS payments.
To be eligible to participate in the Future Farming Resilience project and receive subsequent 1:1 support or attend further workshops, you will be required to complete a Monitoring Information form. Forms will be provided by your advisor, at a workshop, or emailed to you after an online workshop. Please ensure forms are completed swiftly. Please be aware that BIP may limit further access to specialist workshops or 1:1 advice, if the form is not completed.
If you have any questions please call us on 01837 659 059 or email team@businessinfopoint.co.uk. Please check our privacy policy and Devon County Council’s privacy policy to see how we store and manage your submitted data.