In this special two part edition of Soil Matters, host Paul Lincoln explores how centuries of Indigenous knowledge are shaping modern approaches to soil health and sustainable land management across Africa.

In part 1, joined by three inspiring guests—Divine Ntiokam (Global Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network), Jemimah Kutata (Maasai disability rights advocate and community leader), and Dr Awdenegest Moges (Hawassa University, Ethiopia)—the conversation spans youth-led climate-smart agriculture, grassroots empowerment, and community driven soil restoration.

Together, they reveal how traditional practices complement modern soil science, strengthen resilience against desertification and drought, and connect local stewardship to global agendas on food security and climate justice. From Kenya’s Indigenous governance of land resources to Ethiopia’s Rift Valley restoration projects, this episode highlights the vital role of indigenous communities in safeguarding the future of our soils.

Subscribe now to hear how “old knowledge” offers fresh solutions for today’s soil challenges and why listening to Indigenous voices is key to building climate resilience worldwide.

For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters

What does it really mean to farm with nature, not against it? In this episode of Soil Matters, we dive deep into regenerative agriculture — exploring its principles, challenges, and potential to reshape the future of farming.

Host, Paul Lincoln, is joined by broadcaster and BSSS Patron Kate Humble, farmer, Wildfarmed co-founder and musician Andy Cato, and soil scientist and BSSS President-Elect Dr. Lizzie Sagoo. Together, they share personal journeys from smallholdings to large-scale projects, reflect on what it takes to bring degraded soils back to life, and unpack the realities behind the “regen ag” movement.

From cover crops and companion planting to biodiversity and building resilient food systems, this conversation bridges science, practice, and passion. Whether you’re a farmer, grower, researcher, or simply someone who cares about what’s on your plate, this episode offers fresh insight into how soil health underpins a sustainable future.

For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters

In this special on-location episode of Soil Matters, host Paul Lincoln and the British Society of Soil Science with the Ecological Continuity Trust (ECT) visits Colt Park Meadows an experiment supported by ECT, situated within the heart of the Yorkshire Dales to explore one of the UK’s longest-running ecological experiments. Joined by Professor Richard Bardgett (Lancaster University) and Ben Sykes (ECT), the episode delves into the vital role of funding for long-term ecological field experiments in understanding soil health, biodiversity, and resilience to climate extremes. Together, they unpack over three decades of data, from red clover's surprising impact on carbon sequestration to the value of "do nothing" control plots. The conversation highlights how slow, subtle changes in soil and vegetation can carry powerful lessons for land managers, policymakers, and scientists alike.

Discover why long-term perspective matters, how research informs real-world practice, and how a humble meadow is helping shape the future of sustainable land use.

For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters