Soil is everywhere, yet we often under appreciate its worth. But today is #WorldSoilDay, a chance to talk about how vital the Earth beneath our feet is to a healthy planet and countryside. To mark the occasion, our new report ‘Back to the land: rethinking our approach to soil’ delves into the state of UK soils, ideas on how to switch to more soil-friendly farming practices, and what’s needed to give soils – and us - a more sustainable future.

Why we need to #SaveOurSoils

A massive 95% of our food production relies on rain falling on a thin layer of soil, often only a few centimetres thick. This thin layer of soil covering the Earth's surface is the difference between survival and extinction for most terrestrial life. Despite this, one-third of UK soils are thought to be degraded, with an area of farmland the size of Yorkshire at risk of erosion.

How has this happened and what can we do?

Years of continuous cultivation, synthetic fertilisers and toxic pesticides have taken their toll on the soil. Add to that the increase in greenfield development plus the need to tackle the ever more immediate threat of climate change, and it’s clear that something has to give to ensure that farming, and our soils, prosper. We’ve spoken to select farmers who have adopted innovative solutions to help regenerate the soil that underpins our ecosystems and food supply.

Summary of our research and solutions