Agricology’s Top 10 Picks for Groundswell 2025

This week, while many eyes may be fixed on Worthy Farm in Somerset, another field is preparing to take centre stage. On the 2nd and 3rd of July, Lannock Manor Farm in Hertfordshire will once again host the iconic Groundswell Festival, an event affectionately known as the “Glastonbury of regenerative agriculture.” Now in its ninth year, Groundswell has become a cornerstone of the agroecological calendar. Founded by John and Paul Cherry, it brings together thousands of farmers, growers, landworkers, researchers and advocates to share knowledge, spark debate, and build a more sustainable future for food and farming. 

This year’s festival promises to be the biggest yet, with over 200 sessions taking place across two action-packed days. While Glastonbury may be graced by the likes of Olivia Rodrigo and The 1975, the Groundswell line-up is equally star-studded for those passionate about environmentally friendly food production. Speakers will include the chef, writer and campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Farmerama podcast host Abby Rose, and Wildfarmed co-founder Andy Cato. Also taking centre stage will be US regenerative farming pioneer and author of Dirt to Soil Gabe Brown, alongside numerous farmers we have worked with (all stars in our opinion!).

With so many brilliant speakers and activities on offer, covering everything from soil health, mob grazing and agroforestry to beavers, beetles and the revival of British wool, planning your Groundswell itinerary can feel like an impossible task. We thought we would give you a bit of a hand and have highlighted 10 sessions (below) we think you won’t want to miss!

If you are planning to attend, come and visit the Agricology stand (A9), located next to The Study, to chat and pick up some must-have reading material, including a copy of our Living Mulches Technical Guide and two brand new farmer profiles (hot off the press!). We will also be co-hosting a drinks reception in The Study on Wednesday at 6:30pm and would love to see you there. For those of you not able to make it, we will be posting highlights on our social media platforms, so you can follow all the action online. We will also share selected session recordings and reflections via our resources page and Blog after the event, so watch this space for updates. 

#Groundswell25

🌾 Breaking Free: Can Farming Ever Escape its Glyphosate Dependency?

Wednesday 2nd July, 14.00 – 14.55 SEMINAR TENT

With Andy Neal, Ian Wilkinson, and Tim Parton

“Ian Wilkinson and Tim Parton will discuss their personal approaches and experiences of using and reducing glyphosate applications at FarmED and Brewood Park Farm. Discussion will be illustrated by evidence collected from their soils of glyphosate persistence; the effects of ploughing or direct drilling on soil structure and nitrous oxide emission potential; and the effects of ploughing or glyphosate application upon soil microbial biomass and community stress markers. The session objective is to raise awareness of the consequences of management decisions and how they can be remedied effectively.”

🚜 Managing Perennial Weeds in Low Input Systems

Wednesday 2nd July, 15.15 – 15.45 THE STUDY

With Ella Bradfield, Andy Gray, and Lynn Tatnell

“Want to reduce herbicide usage? Aiming for a low input system? Worried about perennial weeds? Join us for this breakout session as we go over the key perennial weeds and how to best manage them in low input systems. From creeping thistle to docks and ground elder to bindweed, find out how to deal with them whilst using less herbicides.”

🍀 Living Mulches Step by Step Guide

Thursday, 3rd July, 10.15 – 10.45 THE STUDY

With Matt Smee and Matt England

“Join us for this breakout session on living mulches as we got through each step of the process and look at the different actions, considerations and risks that farmers need to weigh at each stage. A very practical session, perfect for any farmer that wants a framework for integrating the practice on their farm..”

🌳 Hedgerow Safari

Thursday, 3rd July, 12.00 – 12.55 SAFARI TENT

With Pippa Chapman, Megan Gimber and James Robinson

“Hedgerows provide significant benefits for farming, from reducing soil erosion to providing shelter for livestock. They are also crucial in supporting farmland biodiversity, and mitigating climate change and flooding. So join us for a practical session to view a recently laid hedge at the Groundswell site, and discuss and ask questions about hedges, including (i) practical solutions for planting and establishing new hedges, (ii) how to assess and record hedgerow condition, (iii) how to implement a management cycle that works for you, and (iv) the multiple benefits of hedgerows in agricultural landscapes.”

💐 Beyond Beauty: The Future of Agroecological Flower Farming

Thursday, 3rd July, 15.00 – 15.55 GRASS TENT

With Olivia Wilson, Anna Taylor, Calixta Killander, Jo Wright and Roisin Beck-Taylor

“Discover how flower farming is evolving from decorative field margins to a transformative force in agroecological practice. As climate challenges intensify, learn how strategic flower farming can support agricultural resilience through regenerative practices. Join pioneering farmers, researchers and practitioners to explore innovative approaches integrating flowers into resilient farming systems. The session combines presentations and expert panel discussion offering valuable insights into integrating flowers into today’s farming systems.”

All information above on Groundswell sesssions has been taken from the Groundswell website.

View the full line up of sessions here.

Associated Agricology Partner Organisation(s):