20 September

The UK government is planning to appoint the first special envoy for nature in an effort to put the UK at the centre of global efforts to tackle the world’s ecological crises. This announcement comes as the UK prepares to strengthen commitments on cutting greenhouse gas emissions at this year’s COP29 summit.

The European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA), a lobbying organisation of 70 European farmers, has called for farmers to join a fully funded Europe-wide soil health study. The study will assess satellite data of photosynthesis activity and ground cover and hopes to guide the redesign of agricultural policy across Europe.

The University of St Andrews has announced a 100-year partnership with Corrour peatlands in the Scottish Highlands aiming to develop nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. Peatlands are among the most critical ecosystems on earth, acting as natural carbon stores and providing biodiverse habitats

A recent study from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) shows that extreme soil moisture droughts, lasting over 90 days, are expected to occur more frequently in the UK due to climate change. This could have severe implications for soil health, water quality, and food availability.

Recent research has shown that there have been significant improvements in attitudes towards climate change action, including regenerative farming, over the past decade amongst the UK public. Rising public awareness will hopefully evolve into transformative action for soil health across the UK.

Anaerobic fermentation composting may be an effective way of improving urban soil health, says City Soil Lab founder Anthony Ussher. By introducing microbes, bacteria or fungi to kickstart the decomposition process, fermentation composting can turn large scraps such as bones and shells into soil-healthy compost.

John and Paul Cherry, regenerative farmers and founders of Groundswell Festival, have been nominated as Game Changers for the upcoming Farmers Weekly Awards. The Hertfordshire farmers were nominated for their efforts to promote regenerative farming through their annual festival, which now attracts over 8,000 visitors.