This interactive session, chaired by pre-eminent scientist Prof Jack Hannam will explore effective soil use and management in the context of brownfield sites and construction.

Joined by a panel of expert speakers we will debate core principles of managing soil resource when considering the promotion of good soil health, its role and biodiversity net gain and managing these throughout the planning process.

We will question contextual perceptions of soil, it’s classification as a waste material and strategies to develop a legitimate soil trading regime which ensures that soils are properly valued, handled and placed in environments which sustain their inherent qualities.

We will also debate whether now is the time to establish legitimate soil protections, in order to preserve this critical national resource, central to plans to transition to Net Zero and vital to sustaining life and biodiversity.