The atmosphere buzzed with over 300 speakers and 8,000 attendees, all passionately discussing how to protect and restore nature while producing quality food, both in the UK and globally. 

The standout theme this year was ‘collaboration’ - not just among farmers, but also with researchers and related industries. At Kent Wildlife Trust, we have built on five years of developing farmer cluster groups and are now leading on a unique regenerative farming research trial in collaboration with Reading University and Bockhanger Farms Ltd. This partnership lays the groundwork for more innovative regenerative farming practices and better landscape-scale nature restoration projects. 

The future of UK farming policy was another hot topic. Many speakers agreed that the first 100 days of the new government are crucial for putting farming and food policy at the top of the agenda and ensuring nature-friendly farming is properly funded. To me, this highlighted how we, as constituents, can all press our MPs to champion ambitious farming and environmental policies. 

I left Groundswell brimming with inspiration from the incredible work being done across the UK and beyond. I’m eager to share and develop these ideas here in Kent while building on our pioneering innovations in green finance and farm advice services. 

I also discovered a few new books to add to the reading list: 

• Ravenous – Henry Dimbleby  
• Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer 
• The Happy Hedgerow – Elena Mannion & Erin Brown