We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast, Soil Matters, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and real-world application.
Each episode will feature leading experts, researchers, and practitioners discussing the latest findings, innovations, and challenges in soil science. From exploring soil’s role in climate change mitigation to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity, Soil Matters aims to engage listeners with accessible, thought-provoking content that highlights the importance of soil in shaping our planet’s future. Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, or simply curious about the ground beneath your feet, this podcast offers something for everyone passionate about soil science.
We plan to host 6 episodes throughout the year covering new and current topics all about soil.
Background
The topic of soil and soil health is gaining prominence on the international and domestic agenda. Policy makers came together to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies during the United Nations COP events, and at the beginning of February 2025, the Government published its first paper on land use management. In all of these discussions, soil health is pivotal. Last month, the government announced changes to planning laws to promote growth, including a goal of 1.5 million new homes and a better use of brownfield sites with a new grade belt designation. So how we look after soil is essential in achieving government targets for building new homes and for achieving net zero.
The podcast will feature industry experts as we dig deeper into this vital natural resource, unearthing secrets of soil, and discovering why it is essential to the sustainable future of the planet. By exploring innovative projects, case studies and research, together we will understand why Soil Matters.
Episode 1
Our first episode features soil scientists Professor Fred Coulon and Professor Tony Gutierrez, speaking on behalf of the EBNet project, as they outline their current research and their plans for the future. We also hear from Professor Jack Hannam about the new art exhibition at London’s Somerset House.
In previous years, land contamination was seen as an impediment to making the most of a site. Groundbreaking new approaches to bioremediation have completely changed the approaches to reclaiming land and to realising its true worth. Speaking on behalf of the EBNet project, soil scientists Professor Fred Coulon and Professor Tony Gutierrez, outline their current research and their plans for the future.
At the heart of their work is the potential for using bioremediation for carbon capture, a topic that is also address in a new art exhibition at London’s Somerset House. British Society of Soil Science Past-President, Professor Jack Hannam, visited in the opening week and explains why this landmark exhibition offers an amazing opportunity to connecting the public to a scientific body of research and elevate the importance of soil science in tackling climate change and food security.
This episode is sponsored by the Environmental Biotechnology Network, or EBNet, a network in industrial biotechnology and bioenergy comprising a community of academics and industry dedicated to engineering microbio systems for environmental protection, bioremediation and resource recovery.
You can listen to the first episode here and the podcast will also be available on all the main streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon.
Podcast Host
The podcast is hosted by Paul Lincoln. Paul worked for the Landscape Institute, the chartered body for landscape architects for eighteen years. During this period, he was Director of Policy and Communications; Deputy Chief Executive; editor of the Institute’s journal – Landscape and host of the monthly podcast Talking Landscape. Paul is a City of London guide – leading tours on post-war architecture, landscape and urban design. Paul is also a printmaker based at East London Printmakers. He studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at New College, Oxford and has an MA in Cities, Design and Regeneration from London Metropolitan University.
Further details
If you would like further information, have an idea for an episode, or would even like to feature on the podcast, feel free to contact our team at admin@soils.org.uk
