The Groundswell Festival provides a forum for farmers, growers, or anyone interested in food production and the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative farming systems.  

This year, the CLA will be hosting an informal breakfast for CLA members and non-members on our CLA stand DF E30, on the second day, Thursday 2nd July. From 7.30am – 8.45am you can enjoy breakfast rolls and fresh tea and coffee. We will be joined by a CLA officer who will give a brief update and opportunity to ask any questions about policy. There will also be opportunity to hear from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee Chair and Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael.  

It is the perfect opportunity to network with others in the farming industry and enjoy a relaxed, informative start to your busy day. 
 
We will be at the show on both days. We will be at stand E 32. 

Please note, you will need to purchase your ticket separately for Groundswell. 
 
Please visit our Groundswell webpage for more information on our roundtables, breakfast and specialist advice sessions. 
 

If you have any questions or would like to book a ticket, please contact midlands@cla.org.uk or contact the Midlands office on 01785 337010 or your regional office.

We will be holding some session discussions on our stand during the show days. Details listed below. CLA Land Use Policy team will be available on our stand throughout the day should you have any questions. 

Find out the details below: 

 

Main tent session  

Nature Markets – location, date and time TBC 

Building on the successful sessions in 2024 and 2025 that attracted over 200 people, this session will provide an update on environmental funding from the government and nature markets. This year there will be a particular focus on how funding can support regenerative agriculture. Chaired by Susan Twining, CLA Chief Land Use Policy Adviser, joined by Lucy George from Carter Jonas and Will Lockhart from Defra. 

On our stand sessions (E32) 

Wednesday 1st July - 11:00 -12:00: Wildlife Farms and Estates 

The Wildlife Farms & Estates team joins the CLA at Groundswell for a discussion hosted by CLA Vice President Joe Evans. A panel of farmers, estate managers, ecologists, and assessors will share insights on building nature recovery into the business, and the benefits of independent, professional accreditation through Wildlife Farms and Estates. 

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Wednesday 1st July - 12:45 – 13:45: Ben Goldsmith 

Environmentalist, financier, philanthropist, former Defra Director, and leading UK voice on rewilding, Ben Goldsmith joins the CLA at Groundswell 2026 for a compelling discussion with CLA President Gavin Lane, on the future of land use, nature recovery, and the changing economics of the countryside, drawing on his work across conservation, natural capital, and policy. 

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Wednesday 1st July - 14:30 -15:30: Professor John Lawton 

The architect of bigger, better and more joined up land use for nature recovery, the CLA is joined by Professor John Lawton for his reflections on current policy and prospects for the future. 

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Thursday 2nd July - CLA Breakfast: 7:45 – 8:45 

MP and Chair of the EFRA committee, Alistair Carmichael will join the CLA for breakfast and provides his insights and opinions on government policy for farming and the environment. 

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Thursday 2nd July - Arla collaboration for nature: 11:00 – 12:00 

Collaboration with nature – Practical results from Arla’s 4-year Regenerative Pilot Network using science to understand farming practices.
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Meet the team 

Our CLA Policy and Advice teams will be available on the stand to discuss a range of matters with you throughout the two days. Exact times will be available closer to the event. 

Jack Chivers – SFI 

Matthew Doran – Water 

Graham Clark – Forestry and renewables 

There will be other events and roundtables on the CLA stand over the two days, which will be updated on this page in due course.