Francesco Piattelli Palmarini

Thompson Farm, managed by Michael Kavanagh, is a leading example of regenerative agriculture in the UK.
‍

Situated at Church Farm in Boningale, near Wolverhampton, this 688-hectare estate is part of the Green Farm Collective—a network of British farmers dedicated to sustainable and nature-enhancing practices.
‍

Under Kavanagh's stewardship, Thompson Farm has transitioned from conventional methods to a regenerative model focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and reduced chemical inputs. Key practices include:​
‍

Minimal Tillage: Adoption of direct drilling techniques has improved soil structure and reduced fuel consumption.​
‍

Cover Cropping: Utilization of diverse cover crop mixtures to enhance soil fertility and provide forage for livestock.​
‍

Biological Inputs: Application of composts and biostimulants to support microbial activity and plant health.​
‍

These strategies have led to an increase in soil organic matter from below 2.5% to 3.25% over six years, enhancing water retention and resilience against drought.​
‍

As a founding member of the Green Farm Collective, Thompson Farm collaborates with other like-minded farmers to promote regenerative agriculture. The collective facilitates knowledge sharing, supports natural capital trading, and engages with businesses seeking to invest in sustainable farming practices .​

La Junquera is a pioneering regenerative farm located in the Altiplano region of Murcia, southeastern Spain.
‍

Spanning approximately 1,100 hectares, it stands as one of Europe’s largest regenerative agriculture projects, operating in one of the most desertified areas of the Iberian Peninsula. La Junquera transitioned to organic farming in 2010 and adopted regenerative practices in 2015. The farm's methods focus on restoring soil health, enhancing water retention, and boosting biodiversity. Key practices include:​
‍

Soil Regeneration: Utilizing cover crops, vermicomposting, and minimal tillage to improve soil fertility.​
‍

Water Management: Constructing swales, ponds, and sediment traps to capture and distribute rainfall efficiently.​
‍

Biodiversity Enhancement: Planting native species, establishing wildlife corridors, and integrating livestock like the endangered Murcian-Levantine cow to promote ecosystem balance.​
‍

These efforts have led to a significant increase in soil organic matter, from 2% to 6%, and the restoration of 2,500 hectares of degraded land.​
‍

Besides their farming efforts, La Junquera hosts the Regeneration Academy, led by Yanniek Schoonhoven, offering educational programs in agroecology, soil conservation, and sustainable farming.

Bernardus Golf, located in Cromvoirt, North Brabant, The Netherlands, is a premier 18-hole championship golf course renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
‍

Bernardus Golf has achieved the prestigious GEO Certified® status, a globally recognized distinction for environmental and social responsibility in golf. This certification reflects the club's dedication to sustainable practices across various aspects of its operations.​
‍

Key sustainability initiatives include:
‍

Eco-Friendly Turf Management: The course utilizes fescue grass species, which require less water and nutrients, reducing the need for irrigation and chemical inputs. This choice supports the creation of firm and fast playing surfaces, aligning with traditional golf playstyles.​
‍

Water Conservation: An advanced irrigation system, guided by moisture sensors, ensures water is applied only where necessary. This targeted approach minimizes water usage and promotes turf health.​
‍

Biodiversity Enhancement: Situated within a Natura 2000 site, Bernardus Golf collaborates with ecologists to monitor and promote local flora and fauna. Initiatives include creating habitats for native species and mapping biodiversity to guide conservation efforts