Field Days with British Pasture Leather
Discover expert insights into the realities of regenerative agriculture, and the positive impacts of local food, farming and fibre systems.
We invite you to join us in the field this October –
scroll for dates and programme details…
Wednesday 8th October
For students, recent graduates and tutors
Tickets for this day have been generously subsidised by the Leathersellers’ Company, as part of its mission to support leather education in the UK.
Thursday 9th October
Open to all
We welcome anyone interested in regenerative agriculture, material supply chains, sustainable food systems, and leather production to join us on this day.
Friday 10th October
A day for BRiMM members
This day is for members of BRiMM, “a collective of brand founders, activists and innovators.”
Follow the link below for more information on becoming a BRiMM member to receive a discounted ticket price.
Our experiential daylong programme takes participants on a complete journey of what lies behind British Pasture Leather…
The morning starts at Weston Park Farms in Hertfordshire, exploring the fundamentals of grazing livestock, diverse pastures and healthy soils. We'll hear about the relationship between farming practices, increased biodiversity, improved animal health, and resilient ecosystems – and see how to interpret and measure "regenerative outcomes" in the field.
We will venture deeper into the hidden world beneath our feet, tuning into soil ecosystems via innovative new methods of bioacoustics.
A delicious lunch showcasing the farm’s own meat and produce (vegetarians welcome!) will continue the dialog about local food and fibre systems. We'll discuss the importance of small-scale and rural abattoirs and how innovation in the leather value chain can connect designers to regenerative outcomes on farms.
The afternoon session will take you through the journey of making British Pasture Leather. We’ll share our unique approach to making leather in the UK – from hides sourced from Pasture for Life-certified cattle to the creation of beautiful, characterful material. Along the way, we’ll introduce the principles that shape our work: local sourcing, minimal intervention, and traditional techniques.
Together, we’ll learn how leather can reflect the landscapes it comes from – and explore the role of design in supporting ecosystem restoration.
Led by co-founders Sara Grady and Alice Robinson, the day features expert guest speakers:
Renowned farmer John Cherry, who will explain how he has successfully implemented a regenerative approach on his family farm in Weston.
Farmer and researcher Nikki Yoxall, who will describe the positive impacts of pasture-fed cattle on soil and ecosystems.
The Regenerative Vet Claire Whittle, who will connect farm practices to animal health, and whose passion for dung beetles will inspire and entertain you.
Agroecologist Greer Manderson, who will demonstrate how farmers practice in-field observation to monitor key indicators of regenerative outcomes on the farm.
Meet the Expert Speakers
-
John Cherry
FARMER & FOUNDER
John has been farming in Weston for over 35 years, having successfully transitioned his family farm to a regenerative approach.
John is a founder of Groundswell, the annual festival for regenerative agriculture in the UK, and the Groundschool initiative, a new non-profit learning centre for the food and farming community, to share knowledge about regenerative systems of food production and teach the skills needed to make them happen.
-
Nikki Yoxall
FARMER & RESEARCHER
Nikki is the Technical Director of Pasture for Life, a national organisation that “champions the restorative power of grazing.”
Based in Northeast Scotland, Nikki co-runs Grampian Graziers, where she collaborates with local landowners to graze cattle for ecological and biodiversity benefits while providing 100% pasture and tree-fed beef to the local community.
-
Claire Whittle
FARMER & VETERINARIAN
Claire Whittle is a veterinarian who advocates for healthy livestock within healthy ecosystems as the Regenerative Vet.
Claire completed a Nuffield Farming scholarship exploring 'Can Regenerative Agriculture improve the health and welfare of livestock?', and she recently recently won the Russ Carrington Award, recognising her as a new entrant farmer of Caedicws Farm in North Wales.
-
Greer Manderson
AGROECOLOGY COACH & EDUCATOR
Greer Manderson is an agroecologist passionate about enabling farming that works from the soil up.
Greer completed the CREATE programme / Certificate in Agroecological Coaching, led by Nicole Masters, with experience in farmer-to-farmer learning and personal development coaching. She is currently working with farms / organisations such as Eastbrook Farm (Helen Browning’s Organics), Jamie’s Farm, and Soilmentor.
And we will listen to the soil…
We will be joined by Resonating Fields, a collective of ecologists and art practitioners exploring the hidden world beneath our feet via the sounds of soil.
Using soil bioacoustic technology, the vibrations and soundscapes of soil organisms are brought forward, drawing attention to the unseen layers of life in the subterranean world. Through immersive sound installations, this minimally invasive method offers new ways to understand, relate to and monitor soil, biodiversity, and vitality. The experience offers a sensory entry point into how we might tune in to soil ecosystems and reimagine our relationship with land, materials and the more-than-human world.
Previous attendees have said:
"The knowledge that is gained in this one day is equivalent to weeks of learning via meetings/courses, along with the enriching experience of being on the farms with the experts!
“This is the best way to get a true understanding of the benefits of regenerative agriculture.”
“This field trip immerses participants in a multi-sensory learning experience that leaves a deep and lasting impression. It was immensely valuable because it extends beyond theoretical knowledge, and fosters a sense of appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature, agriculture, and the fashion industry.”
“The fashion industry has the power to make a positive impact on nature, and learning experiences such as this will inspire industry stakeholders to cultivate innovative solutions that create a more harmonious relationship between fashion, the environment, and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.”
In the words of an attendee…
“Rethinking Leather” by Daisy Wingate-Saul
In this piece for the Gladstone / Hellen journal, photographer Daisy Wingate-Saul shares her Field Day experience:
“What if, instead of being part of the problem, leather could be part of the solution…
By supporting leather made from pasture-raised cattle and finished by skilled craftspeople, we’re not just buying a belt or bag; we’re investing in a better system. One that supports soil health, animal welfare, local economies and traditional skills that are at risk of being lost, despite being practices that actively contribute to ecological restoration.”
photos from Spring 2025 Field Days taken by Daisy Wingate-Saul
