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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

A chance to reform the planning system

We welcomed last month’s report from the Raynsford Review of Planning, which aims to transform the current planning system. The review echoes our views that planning is currently too focused on delivering high quantities of new houses, with little or no consideration for where they should be built, the quality of their design, and whether they are genuinely affordable. It outlines 24 recommendations that would completely reform the planning system and make it fit for purpose.

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The power of trees

The character of many of our most iconic English landscapes are defined by the presence or absence of trees; the dappled shade of the New Forest, the windswept moors of the Peak District, or the wooded denes of the Surrey Hills. One year on from the launch of the Tree Charter, which looks to place trees at the centre of national decision-making and back at the heart of our lives and communities, let's celebrate the power of trees.

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All we want for Christmas… is a decent Environment Bill

One thing that has to happen before Christmas – apart from your Christmas shopping, of course – is the publication of the first part of a draft Environment Bill, outlining the Government’s approach to environmental principles and governance. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to raise the bar on crucial issues, such as improving habitats for wildlife or tackling plastic waste – so we must make sure we get it right.

Our ambition for the Environment Act

Let’s kick bottles and cans out of our countryside

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to walk through your favourite park or country lane without seeing discarded drinks cans and bottles? Our best chance to make this a reality is for England’s deposit return scheme to be able to capture all types and sizes of drinks containers – not a limited version favoured by the big drinks manufacturers, large retailers and packaging brands. So, we need your help for the final big push! Please consider making a donation to support our campaign today:

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