DISCUSSION: Regenerative Pest Management and Farming

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Regenerative Pest Management and Farming

Join us for a well-informed discussion between two speakers who are helping to reduce pollution and support the ecosystems that we all depend upon so vitally.

Since the mid-20th century agriculture has gradually shifted towards intensive farming systems relying on the increased use and dependency on artificial fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides. We have all witnessed a maximisation in food production, but scientific evidence is now showing that these methods are increasingly unsustainable with profound consequences resulting in the detriment of soil health and of nature overall.

So, how do we help farmers increase their yields while protecting the environment?  Low input systems, including organic/regenerative farming, rely less on chemical inputs and more on natural/traditional methods of farm and soil management.  An approach that works with nature – not against it.

Richard Harding of Groundswell is a passionate agronomist who believes we need to go beyond sustainability to being truly regenerative. He views agriculture as an integral part of a circular economy – and for food producers this system starts with the soil. Richard grew up in Sidmouth, East Devon and attended Harper Adams where he studied agriculture. He works with innovative rural farm businesses across the South of England and beyond and is an advocate of future-proofing farming through knowledge transfer.

Sir Philip Colfox, owner of the Symondsbury Estate, is on a journey to promote eco-friendly technologies that would enable high productivity farming to be done with the lowest possible use of highly targeted chemicals. These innovations could potentially enable more organic farming making GM crops redundant.

The HOP talks are an initiative run by Philip Howse OBE (Professor Emeritus, University of Southampton) with Professor Sir Ghillean Prance FRS VMH CBE (former Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) with George Monbiot, Clive Farrell and Dr George McGavin. The project aims to inspire and inform individuals, families and local communities with real scientific information direct from the experts to help combat the effects of climate change and environmental degradation. The talks raise money for conservation charities chosen by the speaker.

A discussion: Richard Harding, Groundswell, and Sir Philip Colfox, Symondsbury Estate

Thursday 24 October 7pm (Doors 6pm hot supper and bar available)

Tickets: £12 (concessions £6)  Proceeds to Dorset Wildlife Trust

Please call 01308 459511 to reserve your tickets now.