Bridget Gaskill, Agricultural Advice Project Manager outlines the key themes and highlights anticipated during our presence at Groundswell, 22nd and 23rd June 2022.
Following our inaugural presence at Groundswell last year, RSPB and the Farm Wildlife Partnership will be back this year for what will hopefully be an equally exciting and upbeat event. The success of the Groundswell event is rooted in the fact that it provides a forum for farmers and food producers with an interest in the environment to discover and share more about regenerative agriculture systems. The priorities include no-till, cover crops and livestock in the farmed landscape. All aspects of the bigger picture to improve soil health and making farming systems more resilient.
This year, our main theme and key messaging will be surrounding ‘nature underpinning food production and soil health’. Groundswell has been growing in influence and popularity over the last six years and is now very much respected as a go-to place for practical and innovative ideas about regenerative agriculture. The opportunity to benefit from knowledge sharing amongst farmers is also a key benefit of the two-day conference and show. It is therefore a privilege for us to be able to attend Groundswell as both delegates and exhibitors.
Image (c) Groundswell 2021
Our stand will be situated next to the NFFN stand, very close to the main entrance, and we will have staff able to talk about Fair to Nature, the Farm Wildlife Partnership, Hope Farm, RSPB policy positions and RSPB advice. There will be plenty of opportunity to come along and ask us questions. We will also be running demonstrations for how to carry out simple Pollinator Monitoring Scheme surveys in a nearby demonstration field containing a flower-rich herbal ley. These free demonstrations will be an opportunity for delegates to learn how to survey pollinators on their own farms.
Groundswell goes beyond being just a farming conference, by addressing what agro-ecological changes our society needs to restore biodiversity and to ensure that we pass on a healthier planet to future generations. We are very much looking forward to being involved again this year. Please come and find us on Stand PF B2, we look forward to seeing you there.