All you need to know: the SocEnv Soils and Stones project explained

What is the Soils and Stones project?

The Soils and Stones project is a cross-sector network of environmental professionals. The project is evidence-based, bringing together experts to share their knowledge, experience and solutions. All volunteers are committed to safeguarding soils and soil related material, for use and reuse (aka ‘Soils and Stones’).

The project has three key aims:

• Advocating for policies which recognise the value of soils and stones.

• Sharing good practice amongst practitioners.

• Making connections and finding solutions via collaboration.

When did the project begin?

The project was established in 2019 in response to growing calls from the SocEnv network for cross-sector knowledge sharing and collaboration relating to soil health and reuse. Just some of the sectors involved since the project’s beginnings have been construction, resource management, forestry, engineering, agriculture and land management.

The project’s first key outcome was our initial Soils and Stones report, published in 2021. Proving influential, the report gained the attention and support of policymakers, practitioners and professional bodies.

Who is involved?

Comprising of more than 40 volunteers mostly based in the UK, the project is led by an executive team of around 15 experts and is facilitated by SocEnv. To demonstrate proven expertise, all volunteers hold membership of an environmental related professional body. This includes one of SocEnv’s 27 Licensed Members or institutions with a closely tied remit such as the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS). The majority of the volunteers are also Chartered Environmentalists, with others involved aspiring to gain the registration in the next couple of years.

Just some of the volunteers involved in the project are pictured in this article, taken at various SocEnv events in 2023/ 24.

Where can I access the project’s output?

All the project’s output can be accessed via our dedicated Soils and Stones webpage. Here you will find our 2021 and 2024 reports, guidance documents, case studies, consultation responses, journal articles and more.

Alternatively, you can access the project’s key publications in flipbook style, via our Issuu platform.

Why should I get involved?

Now is a great time to join the Soils and Stones project. Just some of the reasons for joining us are:

• Make a difference. There is growing recognition of the value of soils and stones in the UK and the project has contributed to this awareness. This is demonstrated by our invitation to give evidence to the 2023 Soil Health Inquiry and many of our headline asks featuring in the eventual inquiry report recommendations. The project has also been approached by organisations to collaborate, deliver CPD webinars to their members and produce case studies with advice for others on influencing policymakers. By joining the project, you can share your expertise and contribute to the evidence base, with the aim of achieving tangible change for soils and stones.
• Be part of a community of experts. Share knowledge and network with likeminded professionals, all committed to the same vision of achieving optimum soil health and reuse in policy and practice. Ensure the knowledge and experience found in your industry/ sector is represented in the project.
• Expand your professional opportunities. Learn from the expertise of others working in different sectors, undertaking valuable CPD. For those not yet Chartered, getting involved can support progression to Chartered Environmentalist registration.

How can I get involved?

To express interest in joining the Soils and Stones project or enquire for further information, please get in touch via the link below.

We’re interested in hearing from all professionals with a passion for soils and stones who have membership of an environmental related professional body. We’d be particularly keen to hear from you if your expertise is in soil health in agriculture and/or you have knowledge of soil policy and practice in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, but engagement from any relevant sector is welcome.

Top of the page: Left image – photo, bottom right: taken by Jane Gilbert CEnv.