Agroforestry Through the Elements - People
Agricology Podcast
This is the last episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. This episode dives into the human element of agroforestry. Wallace Currie welcomes , and who focus on the educational and social dimensions that shape how agroforestry is understood and adopted. We explore the importance of co-design, community...
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Agroforestry Through the Elements - Air
Agricology Podcast
This is the penulitmate episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. In this episode we take a detailed look at the theme of ‘Air’ - an ethereal element with very tangible impacts for farmers, growers and livestock. Wallace Currie is joined by founder and world-renowned forest gardener Martin Crawford,...
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Agroforestry Through the Elements - Earth
Agricology Podcast
This is the third episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. This episode investigates how trees improve soil biology, structure and fertility. Wallace Currie is joined by Lincolnshire farmer Thomas Gent and Professor Paul Burgess to explore how agroforestry systems can play a fundamental role in supporting...
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Agroforestry Through the Elements - Fire
Agricology Podcast
This the second episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. This episode focuses on the element of ‘fire.' Guest host Wallace Currie is joined by Northumberland-based farmer and "hedge geek" from . They dive into the role of energy in agroforestry systems; from firewood and biomass to nutrient...
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Agroforestry Through the Elements - Water
Agricology Podcast
This is the first episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. 'Water' includes exploring how trees impact flood risk, rainfall, and soil moisture. Guest podcaster Wallace Currie is joined by , Head of Agroforestry at the and co-organiser of the Agroforestry Show, who brings about using trees...
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To Till or Not to Till - In Conversation with Jonathan Storkey
Agricology Podcast
In the last episode of the series, plant ecologist Jonathan Storkey treats us to fascinating insights on biodiversity in production systems and soil microbial communities, emphasising how context is crucial when choosing your tillage approach. He shares his journey from birdwatching ecologist to leading weed scientist at Rothamsted Reseach, where he has been studying tillage and biodiversity interactions for over two decades. He dives into the concept of “functional biodiversity"- pollinators, predators, and microbes that support food production, and how tillage impacts those delicate...
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To Till or Not to Till - In Conversation with John Pawsey
Agricology Podcast
In this episode with farmer , we talk about the role of tillage in organic systems, balancing weed and pest pressures, how regenerative overlaps with organic, and how diversity drives success. John shares his journey from conventional spraying to organic, mixed farming (over 25 years ago). He explains why he ploughs selectively (once or twice in a six-year rotation) and how organic farming pushes innovation through the limits of its standards. His approach is rooted in observation, adaptability, and profitability. We explore how he adjusts tillage depth based on weed type and the importance of...
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To Till or Not to Till - In Conversation with Julia Cooper
Agricology Podcast
The third episode of the series welcomes the ’s Julia Cooper who shares her expertise as a soil scientist. We look at soil health from a scientific perspective, focusing on nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and the nuanced role of tillage across different soil types and farming systems. Julia explains how soil health is context-specific, emphasising the importance of balancing biology, water management, and soil structure, rather than seeking one-size-fits-all solutions. We dive into how tillage affects water retention, soil productivity and microbial life, and discuss trade-offs...
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To Till or Not to Till - In Conversation with Mark Measures
Agricology Podcast
This second episode with explores the role of tillage in organic systems, the misunderstood relationship between tillage and soil carbon, the balance between weed control and nutrient cycling, and how tillage fits into wider farming systems. Mark reflects on 40 years in organic advice, with deep roots in research, education, and farmer engagement. He argues that tillage, especially shallow and strategic, plays a crucial role in organic farming; not only for weed control and seedbed preperation, but also for stimulating nutrient release and building long-term stable carbon. He explores...
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To Till or Not to Till - In Conversation with Tom Martin
Agricology Podcast
The first episode of our latest series introduces both Wallace Currie, guest podcaster from the Isle of Arran (search ), who will be chatting to guests throughout the series, and Cambridgeshire farmer . They discuss transitioning to no-till, the emotional and practical side of regenerative farming, redefining success through mistakes, and the value of community and biodiversity in agroecological systems. Tom shares his life journey from Universal Pictures to working back on the family farm, explaining how those soft skills transferred to his role as a regenerative farming advocate. The farm...
info_outlineThis the second episode of a new series exploring agroforestry, in which we use the elements as a framework to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions around trees on farms. The overarching aim is to explore how trees on farms contribute to more than just individual functions, holding the ability to transform whole landscapes and ecosystems. This episode focuses on the element of ‘fire.' Guest host Wallace Currie is joined by Northumberland-based farmer Tom Fairfax and "hedge geek" Megan Gimber from People’s Trust for Endangered Species. They dive into the role of energy in agroforestry systems; from firewood and biomass to nutrient cycling and carbon flow. They chat passionately about how trees and hedgerows can play a major role in creating low-input, circular systems that support life above and below ground, providing lasting returns for the farm and farmer.
Show notes: Find out more about the series here. Explore the Agricology Agroforestry Hub here. Explore these other useful resources: Hedgerow Masterclass with James Robinson and Megan Gimber and Productive Hedges.