On a soggy and cold late January evening, 220 people gathered in the warm and inviting Olivier Theatre at Bedales School near Petersfield to view British film Six Inches of Soil, and to join a fascinating discussion about soil health and our food choices.

The event was a successful collaboration between Petersfield Climate Action Network, who organised the event, and Bedales, who managed the technicalities, ran a bar, and very generously provided the venue free of charge.

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Six Inches of Soil tells the inspiring story of British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food – to heal the soil, benefit our health and provide for local communities. Our soils are in a precarious state, but restoration can take only 3-7 years using regenerative practices. The aim of the film is to inspire farmers with the confidence to shift to a more regenerative mindset and approach; to give consumers the impetus and information to rethink their food choices; and ultimately create a groundswell of public opinion to help British regenerative farming become mainstream.

The screening was followed by a discussion with a panel of local experts: William Benson, founder of Seedleaves at Applegarth Farm; Albert Hess, arable manager at Rotherfield Farms, part of Selborne Landscape Partnership; Chris Huskins, director and head grower at Hampshire Market Garden CiC; and Peter Moss, CEO of Downforce Technologies. The discussion was chaired by local ecologist and PeCAN Trustee for Nature Recovery Melanie Oxley.

Six Inches (1)

Panellists shared their feelings about the film, and then fielded a variety of questions from the audience. These included concerns about regenerative certification, the power of supermarkets, the challenge of employing 'regen' practices as a producer, and how to make the connection between local producers and consumers. It was clear that those of us who are keen to source nature-friendly, locally grown produce are confused about where to start – and with no clear ‘regeneratively farmed’ accreditation, this is a challenge.

We discussed looking out for Soil Association and organic accreditations, and Albert identified the Wild Farmed label as indicating the only route to market, at present, offering a premium to farmers for regeneratively farmed produce. William suggested that the Farms to Feed Us database of small-scale sustainable producers could be helpful for both consumers and stockists. Chris was keen to point out that consistency, for producer, wholesaler, and customer, is key. He outlined the Community Supported Agriculture model, which directly connects farmers and customers in a mutually beneficial partnership.

Although the current food system presents enormous challenges for small-scale producers, and meaningful investment in a shift to regenerative practices is yet to materialise, Peter was keen to point out that supermarkets are taking the issue seriously and recognise the need for change.

For the farmers and producers in the room, the message was clear, that the journey into regenerative agriculture isn’t an easy one; it’s a case of trial and error and figuring out what works for you, on your land. The process was described as a ‘seat of your pants’ experience, with no hard and fast rules. However, the regenerative farming community are proudly mutually supportive and keen to collaborate by sharing experiences and expertise.

In spite of the seemingly overwhelming challenge ahead of us, the overall message was one of positivity and hope for the future.  

Please find a list of resources below.

Useful links

Some local suppliers:

Hampshire Market Garden (organic vegetables grown at Rushmere Farm, Hambledon) 

Seedleaves (beyond-organic microgreens and fresh fungi grown at Applegarth Farm, Grayshott) 

Juniper Sustainable Goods (organic produce, local free-range eggs and bread, Petersfield)

Durleighmarsh Farm Shop (seasonal freshly picked fruit and vegetables near Petersfield) 

Cowdray Farm Shop (Cowdray eggs, milk, kefir and honey, plus other local produce, Midhurst) 

Bowtell’s Farm Shop (free-range home reared meat, East Tisted) 01420 588418

Stansted Park Farm Shop (seasonal, locally produced fruit, veg and meat, Rowland’s Castle)

Slow Grown Farm (organic cheese, meat and charcuterie, Petworth)