The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) is delighted to announce that Kate Humble is its new Patron.
Kate succeeds His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, who served as the Society’s Patron for eight years. Kate Humble is an award-winning broadcaster and writer who will be well-known to many. As a presenter of factual programmes for UK and international TV networks, she has built a strong reputation as a trusted and respected voice on nature and wildlife, the environment, and rural affairs.
The Society continues to grow and champion soil science both in the UK and internationally, and Kate will play a key role in raising awareness of the importance of soils to new audiences, including their role in combatting climate change.
Kate writes regularly for a number of publications on sustainable travel, rural issues, and nature-based solutions for mental health and well-being. She also lives on a smallholding in Wales and is keen to engage more deeply with the important topic of soil, which aligns with her work and values. Her appointment comes at a significant time for BSSS, as the Society continues to expand and strengthen its international presence, following its recent selection as a Civil Society Organisation panel member to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Kate Humble said:
“Healthy soil is the unsung hero of our environment – it supports life and connects us to the natural world. I’m thrilled to become Patron of the British Society of Soil Science and to help shine a light on this vital, yet often overlooked, resource.”
Professor Paul Hallett, BSSS President, said:
“We are delighted that Kate Humble has accepted the role of Patron of the British Society of Soil Science. When considering a successor to our former Patron, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, Kate was the clear and unanimous choice. Her exceptional talent for communicating science and nature to the public, her passionate advocacy for numerous charities, and her boundless enthusiasm for the importance of soils make her the perfect fit for this role.”
Notes for Press:
The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) is an established international membership organisation, with approximately 800 members, that is committed to the study of soil in its widest aspects. The Society brings together those working within academia, practitioners implementing soil science in industry and all those working with, or with an interest in soils.
BSSS promotes research and education, both academically and in practice, and build collaborative partnerships to help safeguard our soil for the future. The British Society of Soil Science is the UK’s leading body in the area of Soil Science with a global reach.
Our Mission is to support and promote the discovery of new knowledge of soils and their role in global sustainability. We will achieve our mission and vision by:
- promoting scientific study and discovery of new knowledge about soil and ensuring it is accessible to a wide audience,
- influencing policy and legislation through evidence-based advocacy,
- supporting our members to develop and continue professional and academic excellence.
Our Vision is to ensure sustainable soils for people and planet.
- BSSS was formed in 1947 by a number of eminent British soil scientists
- BSSS was formed with the aims: to advance the study of soil, and to be open to membership from all those with an interest in the study and uses of soil.
