Fenland SOIL

What is Fenland SOIL?

Fenland SOIL is a not-for-profit members’ organisation based in Cambridgeshire, working with farmers, researchers, and local stakeholders to inform and develop whole-farm land use policies in the Fens and beyond. Our work focuses on climate change mitigation through the establishment of agreed and credible greenhouse gas emission figures for deep, shallow, and wasted peat soils; this, in turn, supports biodiversity enhancement and helps ensure the Fens continue to play a vital role in UK food production. By putting farmers at the heart of the conversation, we aim to influence policy in ways that are evidence-based, fair, and practical for those who will implement it on the ground.

Why was Fenland SOIL established?

Fenland SOIL was established in 2021 as part of the work of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s Independent Commission on Climate, bringing together a dedicated, farmer-led team to address the climate challenges facing agriculture and peat soils in the Fens. By acting as a united and proactive voice, we aim to positively influence and help shape policy so that it is fair, realistic, and workable for those implementing it on the ground. As we like to put it, “the best defence for farming is to stop being so defensive.”

Who makes up Fenland SOIL?

Our organisation is chaired by John Shropshire (G’s Fresh, CPICC Commissioner) and operates across five workstreams, each led by a champion: Farmer’s Dialogue (Nick Allpress, Allpress Farms, LAPTF), Landscape Opportunity Mapping (Ian Holman, Cranfield University), Nature-Based Systems (Lynn Dicks, University of Cambridge), Measuring GHG Emissions (Chris Evans, UKCEH), and Economics & Social Impacts (Mat Smith, F Smith and Sons, NFU County Chairman).

Under these workstreams, Fenland SOIL brings together farmers and growers from across the Fens, academics, conservationists, and other key local stakeholders to address common issues in a holistic way.

How are we funded?

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has continuously supported our mission through annual awards that fund our work. We operate a paid farmer and grower membership scheme and welcome donations from corporate sponsors in the agricultural and retail sectors. In addition, we have secured project grants from Natural England, the Environment Agency, DEFRA, and other charitable and research institutions.