Science Communication & Citizen Engagement

Research & Partnerships

Integrating social innovation, community participation and behavioural change methodologies into institutional soil research frameworks.

EU Mission Collaboration

Integrating Citizen Engagement into Soil Research

We have developed a modular public engagement framework designed to complement proposals for regional Living Labs under the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, in alignment with the EU Mission 'A Soil Deal for Europe'.

Our framework, called CULTIVATE, is built to add the essential human and community dimension alongside farm-based research. By embedding trained volunteer facilitators to run I Am Soil Stories workshops alongside physical soil trials, we help consortia build the civic literacy and behavioural change necessary to support long-term soil health objectives.

We are keen to speak with research institutions, agricultural networks and lead coordinators who are developing a Living Lab proposal and want to add experiential public engagement and a citizen science component.

Our Framework

The Social Layer of Soil Science

Scientific data changes minds, but emotional connections shift habits. The EU Soil Mission estimates that 60 to 70% of soils in the European Union are unhealthy and the Joint Research Centre's soil health dashboard put the figure at 61% in 2023 (source).

To reverse this trend, technical findings must reach community culture. I Am Soil Stories acts as a translation layer, with a standardised workshop methodology, a live Global Gallery for co-designed citizen output and a network of educators.

Citizen science is part of the picture. Our work began with a call for a local citizen science soil-health monitoring pilot and engaging people in it remains central. Participants can add simple soil tests and biodiversity counts at green social prescribing sites and we are developing school soil-testing projects and Citizen Science Clubs.

Four nested circles. Feel is at the centre, then Respond, Learn and Change behaviour. Change behaviour Everyday care for soil Learn Hands in real earth, then the science Respond Make, write, draw, move, share Feel first

Feel first. Respond. Learn. Change behaviour.

Connecting citizens to soil science through experience and connection.

Peer Validation

Validating the Methodology

“I've studied soil science for many years, but this is a more holistic approach.”

Sally
Soil Scientist & Workshop Participant

Who you would work with

A volunteer team with education and funding experience

Cheryl Butterworth smiling on a windswept beach

Cheryl Butterworth

Founder and Director

Former teacher and teacher trainer with a BA (Hons) and a PGCE. Led a school RE and Philosophy department for 16 years and was an Associate Tutor on the University of Bristol PGCE. Won the prestigious Farmington Award for Outstanding Department, Farmington Institute, Manchester College, Oxford University. Co-authored a successful European funding bid for a soil project. Certified PADI and BSAC scuba instructor and has worked in marine conservation.

A group of people sitting together in a grassy circle on a farm

Our facilitators

A growing team of volunteer facilitators who run I Am Soil Stories workshops in person and online.

I Am the Universe emblem: the Earth held within a tree with roots and a golden spiral

Our status

A Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales (company number 17394034) and registered on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal (PIC 862664651).

Consortia Development

Collaborate With Us

To discuss a Living Lab proposal or a partnership, get in touch.

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cheryl@iamtheuniverse.earth