Soil Workshop with Symbiosis Soil Lab

This is part of 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.

Biochar talk and demonstration: With Nick Waitz of Treverbyn Community Trust.

Farm Walk: Chris Jones will show us about Woodland Valley Farm. Woodland Valley Farm has been in the Jones family since 1960. Chris Jones has been running the farm agro-ecologically since 2003. He was one of the founders of the Pasture Fed Livestock Association and has covered 60% of the farm in agroforestry. Chris much prefers Applied Ecology to Applied Chemistry.

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.

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.

Timings 

10:00-10:30 – Arrival and Registration

10:30-10:45 – Introduction to Woodland Valley Farm

10:45-11:15 – Introduction to Soil Microbiology and the Symbiosis Soil Lab

11:15-13:15 – Farm Walk and Live Soil Analysis

13:15-14:15 – Lunch

14:15-15:15 – The Chemistry of Soil; information and practical demonstrations of ramial woodchips and biochar

15:15-15:30 – Q&A and Event End

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.