Open Farm Sunday, managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), is one of the farming industry’s biggest success stories. Since the first Open Farm Sunday in 2006, over 2000 farmers across Britain have opened their gates and welcomed over 3.25 million people onto farms for farming’s annual open day.
It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, young and old, to discover at first hand what it means to be a farmer and the fabulous work they do producing our food, nurturing and all the goods and services farmers provide. Each event is unique based around the farm’s individual story. Activities during the day may include a farm walk, nature trail, tractor and trailer rides, demonstrations, pond dipping, activities for children, a mini farmers market or farm shop.
Open Farm Sunday provides a fantastic opportunity for visitors to learn more about farming, the countryside and soil!
We are seeking BSSS members who would like to volunteer and support with farming’s annual open day. Anyone from the Society can be part of this superb initiative, from an Early Career member in the midst of their studies through to a retired member with a wealth of experience to share. If you would like to volunteer, please express your interest and location to the BSSS Team via admin@soils.org.uk.
Learn More: https://soils.org.uk/news/support-your-local-farmer-at-open-farm-sunday/
Entering its ninth year, the Groundswell event provides a forum for farmers and anyone interested in food production or the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of Conservation Agriculture or regenerative systems, including no-till, cover crops and re-introducing livestock into the arable rotation, with a view to improving soil health.
Groundswell is a practical show aimed at anyone who wants to understand the farmer’s core asset, the soil, and make better informed decisions. It is a two-day event featuring talks, forums and discussions from leading international soil health experts, experienced arable and livestock farmers, agricultural policy experts, direct-drill demonstrations and AgTech innovators.
The Groundswell Festival provides a forum for farmers, growers, or anyone interested in food production and the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative farming systems.
The British Society of Soil Science will be exhibiting at the event and you can find us at Stand DF D33.
BSSS Soil Judging Competition
Taking place on 8-10 July at the University of Nottingham (Sutton Bonington Campus) and other sites in the area
We are excited to announce that the British Society of Soil Science’s upcoming Soil Judging event in Nottinghamshire, taking place on 8-10 July 2025, is open for bookings! This is the first event of its kind in the Society’s history and is something that is being pioneered by our Early Careers Committee.
ABOUT Soil Judging is a popular phenomenon in other parts of the world, so we are delighted to be able to offer this for our Early Career members. In fact, soil judging is an event that was started in America as a competition between colleges where students use their knowledge of soils to describe and classify a soil profile to the best of their ability.
HOW IT WORKS This event will take place over three days. The first two days will consist of classroom workshop training and in-field soil pit practicals, with professional soil scientists as your ‘coach’. They will teach you how to describe and classify soil profiles. When you are in the field, an information card will be provided at each soil pit with data you will use to help classify your soil, such as chemical and landscape information. Together with your soil profile in front of you, you will complete a ‘scorecard’ describing and classifying the soil pit. This scorecard will cover aspects of:
COMPETITION The final day will be a friendly ‘competition’ where you will put your training into practice by describing two soil pits within a time limit, one as an individual and one as part of a team (without your coaches this time!). This will be followed by a celebration and networking evening, where not only will the winners be announced, but you will be able to network with other Early Career members at the event and those who sponsored the event, over a dinner.
BASIS points will be awarded for this event. If you have any questions relating to this event, don’t hesitate to reach out to the BSSS Early Careers Committee Chair, Danni, at dannielle.roche@ceresresearch.com
The event is primarily aimed at Early Career professionals who will get priority booking to the event. We have now opened this up to all BSSS members and also non-members with respective ticket prices. If you are interested in BSSS membership and getting access to various benefits and exclusive discounts, please check out the website or email the BSSS team at admin@soils.org.uk
SPONSORS We are delighted to announce that ADAS are the platinum sponsors for the event. ADAS is the leading agricultural R&D and consultancy business in the UK, with over 80 specialisms including soil science, crop physiology, crop protection, nutrition, horticulture, sustainable supply chains, ecology, economics, policy, modelling, informatics, GIS and web/software development.
We are also pleased to have Ceres Rural onboard as a sponsor for the event.
GRANT FUNDING For those who require funding, there will be grants available via the Brian Chambers Soil Fund. To find out more about this, please email us at admin@soils.org.uk
Places are limited so book now to avoid missing out.
Food and drink will be provided. (Please specify any dietary requirements under the relevant section in the registration form.)
WHAT'S INCLUDED?The ticket price includes the training and practicals on Days 1 & 2, the competition on Day 3, equipment, transport between the main venue (University of Nottingham Bonington Campus) and main sites, an awards evening and meal on Day 3, as well as refreshments throughout the three days. This does NOT include accommodation or evening meals on Days 1 and 2.
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If you have booked but would like to cancel for whatever reason, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.
The British Society of Soil Science 79th Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 16 July from 4:00pm – 5:00pm (UK time) during the Natural England Soil Health Conference in Sheffield. The AGM is essential for conducting formal business of the Society. Without it, we are unable to elect your representatives, or carry out essential business such as approving our accounts and appointing auditors.
If you would like to register to attend the conference and the meeting in-person, please click here. Places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.
If you would like to attend the AGM but are not able to make it in person, the meeting will be broadcast via GoTo Webinar. To register to view the session online, click here.
Members are asked to vote on the resolutions in advance of the meeting. This will provide equity to all members who have the opportunity to vote, regardless of whether they will be able to attend the meeting.
The resolutions will be announced in due course and members will be able to cast their vote.
The EUROSOIL is the official meeting of the European Confederation of Soil Science Societies (ECSSS), it is among Europe’s most important Soil Sciences events and offers a fantastic opportunity for knowledge transfer among the Soil Sciences community.
The EUROSOIL is held every four years and attracts a large audience of over 2500 participants who present their findings through oral and poster presentations across up to 10 parallel sessions.
The event also features workshops and an exhibition of products and services aimed at raising awareness in society, facilitating the exchange of ideas and information and creating business opportunities.
Tickets and Abstract Submissions are now open.
Learn More: https://www.eurosoil2025.eu/EUROSOIL2025
An Introduction to Soil Classification
[Online Course]
This course is held over two days, and is aimed at researchers and others who want to gain a perspective of how their local field experimental sites and their results fit into the current picture of soil variation at UK and, in particular global scales. It includes introductory, technical and practical online sessions.
It is important that all delegates who wish to attend the course should be well versed in soil profile description, e.g. using the Soil Survey Field Handbook or have attended one of the BSSS ‘Practical Introduction to Soils in Great Britain’ training courses.
Delegates will receive a comprehensive course manual detailing the techniques for classifying soil types using a global classification system, copies of the Soil Survey Field Manual, and The Fragile Skin: Soil Landscapes of the UK, a X10 hand lens for magnifying soil features and soil classification recording cards for your future use.
The course is designed to give delegates:
It will provide the sound foundation you need to place the information gained from your local field studies or trials in their national and global contexts.
A Practical Introduction to the Role of Soils in Catchment Management
[Lancaster University]
This course covers two days and is targeted at people who want to improve their understanding of the role of soil in managing river quality and quantity. It includes introductory presentations on identifying key features of the soil, factors affecting water storage and run-off, identifying areas at risk of erosion, compaction and runoff, identifying key resources to help assess risks to water quality and quantity as well as field visits to demonstrate a range of soil management practices and mitigation measures.
You will be given a comprehensive course manual that details description techniques, copies of the Soil Survey Field Manual, a X10 hand lens for magnifying soil features and soil recording cards for you to use into the future.
You will leave the course having gained:
The course will provide you with the sound foundation you need to assess the interactions between soils and river flows and water quality.
Learning outcomes
A Practical Introduction to Soils in Great Britain
[Shuttleworth College, Bedfordshire]
This course covers two days and is targeted at people who want to improve their field soil description and identification skills. It includes introductory presentations, practical sessions on soil description techniques and then field visits to demonstrate a range of soil types and to hone your profile description skills.
You will be given a comprehensive course manual that details description techniques, copies of the Soil Survey Field Manual, and The Fragile Skin: Soil Landscapes of the UK, a X10 hand lens for magnifying soil features and soil recording cards for you to use into the future.
The course will provide you with the sound foundation you need to progress to becoming a confident field soil practitioner.
Introduction to Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)
[Wednesday 12 - Thursday 13 November, Cranfield University] [This is a 2-day, in-person training course.]
Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) has a formal role in the planning system in England and Wales and is designed to prevent the loss of our best and most versatile land in line with the principles of sustainable development.
This training course, designed and presented by agricultural land classification (ALC) experts, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the background and technical basis of the current ALC guidelines.
By the end of the course you will learn:
The course will include the opportunity to work within a group to undertake an ALC grading desk exercise to apply what you have learned. This course is designed for soil scientists who wish to extend their experience to (or refresh an existing awareness of) Agricultural Land Classification, those commissioning ALC surveys from specialists, and planners reviewing ALC reports.
Delegates are expected to have a level of competency with regards to soil sampling and classification; and these are topics which are covered on our practical Working with Soil training courses.
Food and drink will be provided.
[The Early Careers' Conference will be free of charge for BSSS Early Career members with one overnight stay included.]
We are pleased to announce that the next British Society of Soil Science Early Careers' Conference will be take place in Manchester on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December.
Venue: The Conference will be held at King's House Conference Centre, Manchester, M1 7HB
Abstract: The scientific committee is currently accepting oral and poster abstracts across five topics, linked to the conference theme, Resilient Soils for a Sustainable Future:
Oral abstract submissions will be open until Sunday 31 August. Poster abstract submissions will be open until Friday 24 October.
You can find out more about the abstract themes and how to submit via the BSSS website.
About the Conference: The Early Career conference will take place on 1-2 December (immediately before the BSSS Annual Conference) and will be free of charge for BSSS Early Career members. A wide range of Early Career members from Academia, Industry, and Policy will come together for a variety of themed sessions, including talks, posters, and workshops, with social activities including a Conference Dinner (on 1 December). The packed two-day event will provide delegates with a fantastic opportunity to see the latest research and developments within soil science.
Programme: The full programme will be released in due course. Given the significant changes to our EC committee this year, we’re taking this opportunity to warmly welcome our new members, share some exciting updates on our progress, and allow time for networking before diving into presentations. Across the two days, you’ll have the chance to hear the latest scientific developments in soil science through a range of oral and poster presentations from your peers. We’re also hosting several workshops aimed at enhancing your communication skills and helping you better translate your science for different audiences.
One of the highlights will be a panel session showcasing diverse career journeys in soil science and the skills required along the way. This year, we’re expanding our options with parallel workshop sessions, including an option focused on soil classification and description—perfect if practical soil skills is more your style. We’ll wrap up the event with abstract awards and a final roundup
We are delighted to be working partnership with Manchester Accommodation BID in the delivery of the event, and would like to thank them for their continued support and expertise.
The British Society of Soil Science 2025 Annual Conference will take place from Wednesday 3 – Friday 5 December in Manchester. The overall conference theme is Resilient Soils for a Sustainable Future. The packed multi-disciplinary event spanning the built, natural environment and agricultural sectors, set at King's House Conference Centre in Manchester, will provide delegates with a fantastic opportunity to see the latest research and developments within soil science.
About the conference: With the UK consultation on a new approach to land use highlighting the need to protect our most productive agricultural land and enhance food security, the role of soil health is more critical than ever. Across the world, there is growing recognition—from bodies such as the UK EFRA Committee—that soil health should be treated with the same priority as water and air. This conference will provide a platform to discuss these pressing issues, with a focus on:
Programme: The exciting and diverse programme will feature keynote speakers and experts across the 2 days. The full programme will be released in due course.
Tours: You can also choose to take part in a tour on Friday 5 December. Friday morning will provide an opportunity for delegates to visit a field site, near to Manchester, and learn about local soils projects. There will also be a local city walking tour that you can choose to do.
Gala Dinner: There will also be a Gala Dinner in the evening on Wednesday 3 December. This will consist of a drinks reception and 3 course meal, as well as entertainment and awards at Manchester Hall, providing an authentic experience for the conference. Tickets cost £78.00 and can be booked here - https://members.soils.org.uk/event-6210980
Sponsors: We have exciting sponsorship packages for our 2025 Annual Conference so if you are interested in supporting the Society and would like learn more, click here.
[The Gala Dinner is part of the BSSS Annual Conference.]
This will consist of a 3 course meal and a drinks reception, plus entertainment and awards in one of the most uniquely historic venues in Manchester, providing an authentic experience for the conference.
This is set to be a fabulous event and a great opportunity to sit down and network with other delegates. It will also be the perfect way to celebrate the work of the Society with a selection of awards and speeches over the course of the night.
Join us for a night to a remember in the elegant Goulburne Suite, whilst enjoying some of the finest local produce in Manchester.
To secure your place to this exclusive event, tickets are available at £65.00 + VAT
There are limited number of places so book now to avoid missing out.
[BSSS reserve the right to deny registration or entry to the Gala Dinner if the correct protocol is not followed.]