By Dr Emma Pilgrim
Soil is one of the most overlooked wonders of our world and it lies literally beneath our feet. Out of sight, it’s out of our minds. Until it becomes wet, sticky, and clinging to our boots. We’ve forgotten that this hidden world plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. Soil isn’t just dirt—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that supports our food, wildlife, and even our climate.
Recognising its importance, the United Nations established World Soil Day in 2013, celebrated annually on December 5th. A date that marks the birthday of King Rama IX of Thailand, a dedicated advocate for soil conservation. He understood that healthy soils meant healthier food, thriving ecosystems, and ultimately, better lives for all, including humans.
The Importance of Protecting Our Soil
In our bid for ‘neat and tidy’ surroundings we often unintentionally damage this precious resource that has taken hundreds of years to form. Ideally, we need to tame ‘unruly’ plants that have outgrown their intended space to a height of 5cm above the earth. Bare soil is vulnerable to erosion by wind and rain, particularly on slopes (see photo). Its fate is to become an eyesore in our streets, roads & rivers.
But here’s something incredible: a single teaspoon of soil contains more living organisms than there are people on Earth—over 8 billion tiny creatures working together to keep our planet healthy! Even more astonishing, a quarter of all species on earth spend at least part of their lives in soil. That’s an entire hidden universe underneath us!
Simple Ways to Support Healthy Soil
We can make a difference! By adopting soil-friendly gardening techniques, we can help regenerate and protect soil for future generations. One effective method is lasagna gardening, a no-dig approach that involves layering organic materials (like leaves, and compost) to create an organic rich soil that supports life above and below ground.
There are a range of sustainable soil practices that can work at different scales, from our gardens to community growing spaces like the Sidmouth Community Food Forest, and even on larger farms.
Learn More at Sidmouth’s Eco Hub Events!
If you’re curious to learn more, Eco Hub Sidmouth is hosting a series of exciting events focused on soil health, local food, and sustainable living. This initiative is a collaboration between Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth (CAPS) and Sidmouth Town Council. I’m delighted to be part of these upcoming events:
February 22nd, 2025 | 11:00 am – 11:45 am Children’s Library, Sidmouth,
Super Soil: Discover the Secret World Beneath Our Feet!
Join me, Dr. Emma Pilgrim, FRSA—ecologist, mum, and soil enthusiast—for a family friendly and interactive session exploring the hidden wonders of soil. With the help of Roly Poly the pill woodlouse from The Science & Spectacle of Soil Life written by Sharada Keats and illustrated by JiaJiaHamner. Thanks to Sharada Keats for generously donating 10 copies of this beautifully illustrated book to Eco HubSidmouth.
February 22nd, 2025 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Main Library, Sidmouth – Drop by to chat about local food with IMBY (In My Back Yard) and discover ways to reduce food waste with Save Food Hub.
Inspiring Film Screenings at Radway Cinema
We’re bringing two thought-provoking documentariesshowcasing real-world solutions for regenerating soil and restoring nature:
March 2nd, 2025 | 7:00 pm – Six Inches of Soil
Back by popular demand, this powerful documentary explores how regenerative farming can heal our soils and combat climate change. Stay for a Q&A with local farmers & experts, including Fresh & Green Vegetables, Andy Gray (Elston Farm), and Harriet Bell (Riverford Organic Farmers).
June 8th, 2025 | 7:00 pm Wilding
Inspired by Isabella Tree’s bestselling book, this moving film tells the story of a once intensively farmed estate that was rewilded, allowing nature to bounce back. Join us afterward for a Q&A with local rewilders, including Vicky McLachlan (Rewilder) and Mish Kennaway (Rewilder, Escot House).
We look forward to seeing you there!
Image Credit: Strimmed bank by Emma Pilgrim
SVBG is a not for profit organisation dependant on volunteers, grants and donations. Without funding we cannot operate and many of our biodiversity projects will cease.
Even the smallest donation can make a difference to wildlife such as the kingfisher on our logo.
The easiest way to donate a small sum is to click here to Donate
lf you want to give a larger donation, or for a specific project please get in touch via our Contacts page
Related Posts:
