British Society of Soil Science upcoming events

Zoom into Soil: Using Long-Term Experiments (LTEs) (27 August 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The British Society of Soil Science is pleased to announce our next webinar will take place on Thursday 27 August from 12:00 - 1:00pm (UK time) and is free of charge to register. Join Prof. John Quinton and Dr. Robin Walker as they discuss long-term ecological field experiments (LTEs) and their use by soil scientists.

This webinar is organised in partnership with BSSS Corporate Member, the Ecological Continuity Trust (ECT) and you will hear more about their work from their Executive Director, Ben Sykes.

The webinar includes one hour BASIS and NRoSO CPD points.

We look forward to welcoming you on the webinar.

BES Soil Ecology in Practice Conference (08 September 2026)

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Soil Ecology in Practice is the first conference from the newly formed Soil Ecology Special Interest Group at the British Ecological Society. The aim of the conference is to connect policy and practice with cutting-edge soil ecology research, placing the practitioner at the heart of the focus. The overarching question that the conference will address is: How can we use our knowledge and networks to deliver on the major needs of soil ecology policy and practice in the next 3-5 years?

Program highlights

Keynote speakers: Kate Hanley, Roy Neilson and Nikki Baggaley will be sharing insights on the three session themes:

Degraded soils and restoration;
Soil agroecology for food and soil security;
Conservation and soil functional ecology at scale.

· Interactive workshops: delegates will have the choice to join one of two interactive workshops created in partnership with Journal of Applied Ecology. One track will focus on Policy-Driven Impact when working with senior academics to tackle urgent, real-world questions and another on sharpening your scientific toolkit with sessions designed to advance your career in Professional Skill-Building.

. Optional field trip Field trip to Dumyat hill, in the Ochil hill range, where we will enjoy a hike together to the two summits. We will be joined by local experts who will show us the local fungi and have a chance to discuss the local tree planting schemes. At the summit there will be a chance to picnic and enjoy the views across the Firth of Forth, before heading back to Stirling.

Important: Abstract submission closes on June 30.

The main goal of the conference is to connect those working in policy, or directly with practitioners, with soil ecology researchers. The conference is for everyone who has an interest in impactful soil ecology research, whether that is fundamental or applied research. We especially encourage early career researchers and those from less represented backgrounds to attend.

Soil Ecology in Practice - British Ecological Society

An Introduction to Soil Classification (16 September 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT

An Introduction to Soil Classification

[Online Course]

This online course is held over two days. It 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 on-line sessions.

It is suggested 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 the BSSS ‘Practical introduction to soils in Great Britain’ training course.

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:

1. An understanding of the strengths and weakness of soil classification and why it is linked to soil mapping.

2. An understanding of the structure of different classifications used in the UK and why the differ.

3. An understanding of the two systems used at the global level and why the FAO / IUSS World Reference Base (WRB) is most appropriate to correlate soils at the global level.

4. The ability and tools to identify the local WRB soil type in the field.

5. Knowledge of the different abilities of WRB UK soil types to support beneficial soil functions.

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.

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If you have booked but would like to cancel for whatever reason, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.

Soils in habitat creation, restoration and translocation to rebuild nature (23 September 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Soils in habitat creation, restoration and translocation to rebuild nature

[Cranfield University]

This new two-day course helps address a recognised national skills gap in soil habitat creation, translocation, and long term biodiversity improvement.

Developed with industry experts, participants will gain a better understanding of how to deliver high quality soil habitat relocation and meet the evolving requirements of biodiversity improvement across the UK. Participants will also develop their knowledge of soil surveys, habitat assessment, management planning, on site delivery and long term monitoring.

The course is designed for practitioners such as soil scientists, ecologists, planners and landscape architects, and more broadly those working within local authorities, environmental NGOs and infrastructure project teams.

To get the most from this course you should have as a minimum a broad understanding of soil properties, how soil characteristics are described and the importance of soils in relation to ecosystem services.

Key topics covered:

Effective cross sector and stakeholder engagement
Soil Surveys, testing and desk study information
Preparation of management plans
Interpretation and application to identify appropriate habitats
Successful delivery on site
Ongoing Soil habitat management and monitoring.

Learning Objectives:

Knowing how, when and why to engage with other sector professionals and stakeholders.
Understanding what and when soil information and soil biological, chemical, physical is needed for optimum soil habitat and relocation.
Understanding soils importance for ecosystem services
Understanding effective techniques of manipulating soil.
Understanding what type and the role of soil surveys in site assessment and planning.
Understanding of effective techniques to soil handling and the production of soil management plans.
Understanding the importance of consistency across habitat management and landscape management plans.
How to interpret soil characteristics and soil habitat environments.
Understanding the importance of getting right on site
Identify appropriate objectives on a site basis.

Food and drink will be provided. (Please specify any dietary requirements under the relevant section in the registration form.)

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If you have booked but would like to cancel for whatever reason, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.

A Practical Introduction to the Role of Soils in Catchment Management (Lancaster) (20 October 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT

A Practical Introduction to the Role of Soils in Catchment Management

This hands-on, two-day course is designed to fill key knowledge and skills gaps in the application of soil science for improving water quality and quantity outcomes.

Through a mix of presentations, fieldwork, and guided practice, participants will learn to move beyond problem diagnosis and towards practical, field-ready solutions that support landowners and farmers in implementing effective soil and water management strategies.

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.

What You Will Learn

How to identify those soil properties that determine key hydrological pathways identified in the HOST classification (Hydrology of Soil Types).
How to identify those soil types that are particularly susceptible to increased runoff, erosion, and compaction as a result of conventional agricultural practices.
How to diagnose field problems and propose practical mitigation measures using evidence-based approaches.
How to confidently undertake field investigations, including reading the landscape – examining soils and interpreting field evidence.
Use of on-line tools such as NVZ maps, A.L.E.R.T., and other resources to provide background information prior to field investigation.
The key hard copy and on-line data sources on UK soils.

By the End of This Course, You Will Be Able To:

Understand how soils affect water movement and quality using the HOST classification.
Evaluate both topsoil and subsoil conditions in the field.
Recommend realistic soil management strategies to reduce runoff, erosion, and compaction.
Conduct field investigations across a range of land uses and landscapes.
Confidently apply soil science in a more practical setting.

Food and drink will be provided. (Please specify any dietary requirements under the relevant section in the registration form.)

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If you have booked but would like to cancel for whatever reason, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.

Introduction to Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) (11 November 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)

[Wednesday 11 - Thursday 12 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:

how the ALC system has developed over time, its underlying principles and its role within the planning system – the WHAT, WHY and WHEN of ALC
all the details of how land is graded – the HOW of ALC
what a report should contain to be verified by the Natural England and Welsh Government statutory consultees on planning applications involving soils and agriculture.

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.

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If you have booked but would like to cancel for whatever reason, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.