After a busy summer of face-to-face events, we were ready for a well-earned breather…but when we heard that Dan Evans from Cranfield University was taking his ‘Talking Soil Bench’ to the RHS Sandringham Flower Show, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to get involved.
Our sister company, Baker Consultants, worked with Dan in 2024 to incorporate some of the first ever recordings of soil biology into his Talking Soil Benches. The project was showcased at the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) Annual Conference and featured on BBC Three Counties Radio.
The concept is simple but fascinating: visitors are invited to sit down, tune in and listen to the hidden world beneath their feet. The benches share fascinating soil facts alongside ecoacoustic recordings that reveal the incredible activity happening below ground.
Dan is taking two benches to the Sandringham Estate this week, and the Soil Acoustics team will be joining him to capture some special recordings before the show opens. We’re hoping visitors, and perhaps even a few special guests, will have the chance to sit down and listen to the sounds of the soils beneath their feet.
The Talking Soil Bench forms part of Cranfield University’s Soil Fest exhibit at the show, sponsored by Mindful Chef and supported by the BSSS. The exhibit invites visitors to explore a “buffet of soils”, comparing their colours, textures and structures while discovering why healthy soils are so important for gardens, food production, wildlife and our climate. Alongside the benches, visitors will be able to take part in interactive activities, meet soil scientists and ask questions about the soils beneath their own homes and gardens.
Soil Acoustics is a pioneering approach to measuring and monitoring soil health through the proxy of sound. Beyond its scientific applications in areas such as regenerative agriculture and the food supply chain, it is also proving to be a powerful tool for helping people connect with, and appreciate, this often overlooked ecosystem.
The Soil Acoustics listening station will be part of the wider soil learning experience, alongside soil science loan boxes and a range of other interactive exhibits.
Follow our trip to Sandringham via LinkedIn and Instagram as we bring the hidden sounds of soil to life.
Contact Us
If you’d like to arrange a time to chat with us at Cereals 2026 or have any questions about our Soil Acoustic Meter and how it can support your land management practices, get in touch with us via info@soilacoustics.com or call +44 (0)1629 593 958.
