Secrets of the Soil: Digging Deep for Nature's Recovery

Come and join us for this year's Local Environment Groups Conference, Secrets of the Soil: Digging Deep for Nature's Recovery hosted by Wild Oxfordshire. We have some exciting speakers confirmed already!

Speakers

David Knight - Nature’s Ploughshare: How earthworms can rewild our soils

It was none other than Charles Darwin who wrote about earthworms ‘It may be doubted whether there are many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world as have these lowly organised creatures’. We’ll explore the ecology of earthworms, the profound effect they have on soils and their role in healthy, nature-rich ecosystems.

Lesley Dunlop - Geology Of Oxfordshire – 200 million years of history

This talk will explore the changing nature of the county from north to south as the bedrock becomes younger and also how the surface topography has been affected by the Quaternary Ice Age effects.

Ivan Wright - ‘Miners and diggers’

The majority of bees and wasps really know their soils, as do most ants, numerous beetles and many other insects, to the extent that they can be very choosey about where to hang out. Some have surprising modifications to enable them to excavate soil and move it around. Understanding the type of soil at a site goes a long way to appreciating which specialising insects are likely, and their conservation needs.

4th speaker TBC

Optional visit to Oxford City Farm

Following the conference we will visit OCF to hear about the history of farm, how they approach soil management and composting onsite, no dig, composting veg and grounds with local roastry/care home, grass-lined swales for flood mitigation, hot composting in polytunnel and planned soil sampling through OxFarm2Fork. Places are limited. Please email jessica@wildoxfordshire.org.uk if you are attending the conference and would like to book a spot.

We will depart on foot from Rose Hill Community Centre at 15:15, or meet us there if you want to drive. There is on street parking on Cornwallis road and Campbell road. Please bring sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing if you would like to join us!

Food and drink

This event is catered so please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book your ticket. There will be tea and coffee available throughout the day.

Travel and parking

There is some free parking at the venue including cycle parking and two electric car charging points. There is ample on street parking within the area too(e.g. Ashhurst Way, The Oval) . You can register on https://liftshare.com/uk if you would like to offer or ask for a lift.

The number 3 bus stops at The Oval which is a 3 minute walk from the venue. The number 3a and ST1 bus stops (stop - Parade) an 8 minute walk from the venue. The number 3 and 3a bus operates from Oxford City Centre, Westgate. Bus route 3 and 3a. ST1 bus operates from Oxford City Centre, Broad Street. Bus route ST1.

To get to Oxford City Centre you can use Thornhill Park and Ride and get the 400 bus, or use Redbridge Park and Ride and get the 300 bus.

Photography

Wild Oxfordshire would love to capture the event and will be taking photographs throughout the day. If you would rather not be photographed or filmed, then please let us know at the start of the event.

We have a small number of free tickets available if cost is a barrier to your attending the event. Please contact jessica@wildoxfordshire.org.uk if you would like to request one.