Soils and Stones Project

Summary of the project

Background 

Since 2019, the SocEnv Soils and Stones project has brought together experts from across a diverse range of sectors. These include: regulation, water, construction, land development, resource management, forestry, engineering, and agricultural/land management.

Key aims

The project has three key aims, bringing Chartered Environmentalists (and those pursuing the registration) together to lead the way and deliver change, through:

• Sharing good practice on soils use/re-use.
• Advocating for policies which recognise the value of these hugely valuable resources.
• Making connections and finding solutions via collaboration.

Outcomes 

The project’s first key outcome was our Soils and Stones report (2021) which has been hugely well-received by decision-makers including DEFRA. Demonstrating this impact, we were invited to give evidence to the Soil Health Inquiry in March 2023, with the inquiry report making reference to our evidence, including our key asks.

Further output has included “The Ten Principles of Good Soils and Stones Management” – providing an overarching Soils and Stones framework as recommended in our report.  The Ten Principles provide a clear, straightforward guide of how to protect, use and re-use these vital resources. Together, they provide a framework against which existing legislation and regulation can be reviewed and improved. We have also got our message across via articles in leading journals (see examples here and here) and presentations at key events.

Join the project

Would you like to contribute to our project and collaborate with other experts?

Please note: the project is open to those with membership of an environmental related professional body. For example, one of our Licensed Members, or Institutions with a closely tied remit such as the British Society of Soil Science. Ideally volunteers should also hold Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) registration, though this isn’t essential. Indeed, involvement could support progression to CEnv registration through one’s respective professional body.

If you would like to express interest in getting involved, please get in touch with Sarah via the link below.

Image credit: © Christina Vartanova from Getty Images Pro via Canva.com