Spring 2026 SocEnv Policy Recap

Chartered Environmentalists voicing their expertise

Calling for a four-nation soil policy 

Photo above: our roundtable session at the Brownfield Regeneration Summit 2026, facilitated by Richard Moakes CEnv. Credit Environment Analyst.

With the support of the SocEnv Soils and Stones project committee, longstanding project volunteer Richard Moakes CEnv recently authored an article featured within June’s dedicated soils issue of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) ‘In Practice’ magazine. Addressing the question of how to address the UK’s fragmented soil governance, the article argues that a coherent four-nation soils policy is now urgently needed to reduce waste, support circular use of soils and improve environmental outcomes.

The same topic of a UK-wide soil policy formed the basis of a roundtable session we led at the Brownfield Regeneration Summit on the 18^th June. In the lead-up to the event, Richard spoke to the organisers Environment Analyst and his interview can be accessed below, alongside the ‘In Practice’ article.

Support for new UK Parliamentary Roundtable report

We are pleased to support the report of the UK Parliamentary Roundtable ‘Climate and Nature – Living Soils Deliver for Both’ and its call for soil-centric approaches.

The report aligns with the aims and efforts of the SocEnv Soils and Stones project, which brings together experts to share their knowledge, experience and solutions, to ensure soils are valued and protected.

You can view the report in full, including keynote speeches, contributions from participants and SocEnv’s supportive statement via the Sustainable Soils Alliance website.

Consultation response: sludge regulation

The Soils and Stones project also responded to the DEFRA consultation on the regulatory framework for sludge applied to agriculture. In our response, we focused on the direct impact of sewage sludge on soil health and the degree to which the proposed reforms align with the project’s aims. Among our arguments, we stress that any new regulations should align with soil health indicators, when they are finalised, and call for the creation of a national soils policy through which all soil-based regulation can be harmonised.

Calling for a systems thinking approach to climate change

Photo above: Soft Systems Approach in action. A wide range of stakeholders creating a causal diagram together – the yellow sticky notes are the elements in the system and the pink are potential intervention points. Credit – Dialogue Matters.  

Although World Environment Day may be over for another year, the message behind it and the need for action remains as urgent as ever.

For this year’s preview article, we asked four leading CEnv contributions for their thoughts on this year’s theme of climate change, and what emerged was the need for a systems thinking approach to the challenges we face – including from policymakers.

Collaborative activity

The Environmental Policy Forum Urges Publication of the Circular Economy Growth Plan

The Environmental Policy Forum (EPF) is a coalition of professional bodies and learned societies representing over 170,000 qualified professionals across a variety of different disciplines. Together we recently wrote to Emma Reynolds MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

In our letter, we urge the publication of the Circular Economy Growth Plan as soon as possible. We also ask to meet with the Secretary of State to discuss how we can support next steps, underpinned by the EPF’s extensive network of professionals and collective access to a wealth of expertise relevant to the successful transition to a circular economy.

SocEnv is secretariat of the EPF and has coordinated the development of this letter, as well as being one of 13 organisations signing up in support.

 A growing coalition

The EPF recently welcomed our newest member, the Arboricultural Association, the leading organisation in the UK for tree care professionals working across all areas of arboriculture and a SocEnv Member Body.

As noted by the EPF’s Chair, Professor William Pope FIEnvSci HonFSE CEnv CSci: “We are delighted to welcome the Arboricultural Association to the EPF, who will undoubtedly prove a great asset in our collective efforts to influence environmental policy. The EPF now has seventeen member organisations, all of whom bring the priorities and expertise of their members to the table. Covering a truly interdisciplinary scope across the natural and built environment, by sharing knowledge and collaborating we maximise our reach and impact on policymakers.”