Soil. A whole living world beneath our feet. The most important feature for a healthy planet – with healthy soil comes healthy plants, happy animals and thriving people.

But how can we ensure our soils remain at their best whilst trying to grow a commercially viable annual crop and feed our communities?

This was the message we explored with the world renowned soil health educator Joel Williams. A big thanks to Anglian Water for sponsoring Joel’s attendance. Holding such an exciting event was the beautiful Bintree Mill (with thanks to the team for hosting us). After some lecture and discussion time in the grain store we went out into a standing crop of rape, the wildflower meadow and a permanent (never ploughed) pasture which is occasionally grazed by sheep. The difference between the soils, even metres from each other, was clear to see (and smell!)

Exploring the concept of Roots over Shoots, the idea that the root systems of our annual and perirenal crops had the starring role in ensure the microbiology within our soils continued to thrive, was a new notion to some of the group.

Another of the take home messages from Joel’s talk was the vital importance of integrating livestock into an arable rotation. The benefits of their manure, their footfall and the rest that the soil will have to stabilise the carbon were all listed as positives. Here in Norfolk, known as the Bread Basket of the UK, livestock isn’t as common as it is in other parts of the country, so it was a thought provoking message for some of our predominately arable farmers.

Following the fascinating discussion we were treated to a delicious spread of venison skewers and beef burgers from our very own grazier (with thanks to the Savory Beef team) and some tasty salads (with thanks to my very own mum!)

Overall, a wonderful event with many take home messages, lots of socialising and catching up with old friends in a stunning river Wensum setting of one of the last remaining mills.