Dig for Dirt

A new project with microbiologist Dr. Elze Hesse, where we'll be asking growers in the South West UK to get involved by sending in soil samples so we can understand how bacteria interact with mining pollution and crop growing/farming.

Soil is one of our most vital natural resources. In our area, mining has left behind toxic waste which now pollutes our soil. This damages soil health, putting local ecosystems and our health at risk. Naturally occurring bacteria in our soils interact with pollution from mine waste, and might help clean it up.

We'll be looking for anyone who grows their own food or farms livestock - in a garden, an allotment, a smallholding, or a commercial farm of any scale. You'll get a simple sampling pack from us (with the return post paid for), and either a beautiful printed photo of your own soil bacteria once it's been grown in the lab, or a voucher for some seeds.

The project launches in 2026, but if you're already keen then send us an email and we'll get you signed up!