It is that time of year again. As we look ahead to the 1st and 2nd of July, anticipation for Groundswell 2026 is building. What began in 2016 as a modest gathering of 500 farmers in a barn at Lannock Manor Farm has evolved into the UK’s flagship event for regenerative agriculture. Born out of the Cherry family’s frustration that no summer show catered to the no-till movement, Groundswell has grown into a vibrant “Festival of Ideas” that now attracts thousands of farmers, scientists, policymakers, and food system innovators.
Over the years, Direct Driller has proudly chronicled this remarkable journey. We have watched the conversation expand from the mechanics of direct drills and cover crops to encompass the entire food system. Recent years have seen the agenda broaden to tackle critical issues such as the nutrient density of our food, the integration of AI in agriculture and the profound connection between soil health and human health. As one attendee aptly noted, Groundswell is “not just about methods; it’s about mindsets.”
Yet, despite its exponential growth and the presence of high-profile keynote speakers, the core ethos remains unchanged. It is still a show “for farmers, by farmers”. It remains a place where the community can gather in the Earthworm Arms to share hard-won knowledge, debate the future of farming over a pint, and find inspiration in the successes and failures of their peers. It is a space where experimentation, critique and curiosity are alive.
In this special Groundswell preview section, we draw on the rich history of the event to set the stage for 2026. Whether you have attended since it was “two blokes and a spaniel” or are planning your first visit, we hope these pages capture the spirit of what to expect and the community that makes Groundswell the highlight of the regenerative farming calendar. We look forward to seeing you in Hertfordshire this July.
