SHOWCASE is hosting an interactive workshop - organised by LEAF - on 22 November 2024, at Manor Farm, Wilton, United Kingdom, to explore the benefits of cover crops for both biodiversity and agricultural productivity. This workshop aims to bring together researchers, farmers and industry experts to co-design practical cover crop interventions that enhance soil health, reduce erosion and boost biodiversity on farms.

The morning session will feature insights from pioneering farmers and academic researchers on cover crop species selection, management and termination. Talks from Harry Moffatt (Oakbank), Michael Kavanagh (The Green Farm Collective), Prof. Tom Sizmur (University of Reading) and SHOWCASE’s Dr. Amelia Hood (University of Reading) will offer practical advice on maximising the ecological and agricultural benefits of cover crops, including new research on frost-sensitive species. 

In the afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to actively engage with the Innovative Farmers Network and the University of Reading in co-designing cover crop trials for their farms. A farm walk led by David Lemon of Manor Farm will showcase real-world applications of these techniques and SHOWCASE’s Dr. Alice Mauchline (University of Reading) will introduce the potential for citizen science approaches to support biodiversity monitoring on farms to evaluate the impact of these innovations.

This hands-on event is designed for farmers seeking innovative, sustainable solutions that promote biodiversity while maintaining productivity.

Workshop Details:

- Date: 22 November, 2024  

- Time: 10:00 - 15:15  

- Location: Manor Farm, Wilton, Marlborough SN8 3SS, UK  

Register for the workshop here.