Sustaining Soils

MEEN’s Sustaining Soils project was designed to support school communities and their pupils to understand the importance of soil to the on-going health and well-being of the planet. The aim has been to check the quality of each schools' soil and to find ways of improving it using organic and, if possible, self-sustaining methods.

It is not uncommon for an innercity school to be built on the rubble of old housing, historic industrial sites or waste sites and to have had a layer of introduced soil to cap what lies beneath. However, covering this up with tarmac and paving, with all-weather pitches and plastic grass, is not likely to improve the health of the soil or of the community living with in it and around it.

The aim of this project is to test the soil's health and to explore different ways of improving human and soil relations. The pupils first learn about soils, then explore the context of their school. They examine historical maps, do an archaeological dig if appropriate, are invited into a soil laboratory to test the school's soil, and then take action to improve it. They may start to compost and collect leaf mold, they may renew soils in old growing beds, build new ones or find ways to build soil health. They grow green fertilisers, use wood chip as a mulch and try to increase the biodiversity in the school soil.

The pupils are then encouraged to share their learning within the school community, the MEEN network and the wider community building their confidence as soil whisperers.

If you would like to read more we will be adding case studies below telling the story of the project as it emerged in each school setting.

Plymouth Grove Primary
St Augustine's CoE Primary

We would like to thank the schools for working with us and especially the Heritage Lottery Fund who made this project possible.