Soil Workshop with Symbiosis Soil Lab

This is the first 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.

Farm Walk: Will and Tanya Luke of Porsham Farm will show us around their working family dairy farm and share their reasons for adopting a more regenerative approach.

To support the herd health at Porsham Farm, please bring clean wellies, drive through the wheelwash, and dip your wellies on arrival in the disinfectant provided.

Will is also a tutor for the Apricot Centre CIC and 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.

This workshop is hosted in collaboration with the Apricot Centre CIC, a 67-acre mixed farm in South Devon providing biodynamic/organic food to 300 households through a box scheme and regular market stall. Their aim is to inspire by providing opportunities for free training and business support for land workers and farms with a yearly student cohort of 180+ students.

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.

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.