Founders
Professor Andy Neal
Andy’s research explores the apparent close coupling between soil organic matter, pore architecture, and microbial metabolism, with the aim of understanding soil as a self-assembling, complex biological system. To date, he has published over eighty peer-reviewed papers, twenty of which are ranked as “extremely highly cited”; his published research has received over 5,000 citations. In 2020, he and his colleagues proposed the concept of soil as an extended composite phenotype of the soil metagenome, which explains how soil functions as a dynamical system. Andy is respected as an effective communicator of the importance of soils as living systems to policymakers, farmers and the wider public. With global connections in agricultural research, he brings credibility, networks, and scientific excellence to lead the centre from its outset. FULL PROFILE
Director of Research
Andy is a Devon farmer and experimental agriculturalist dedicated to transforming the impact of farming on our environment. Integrating regenerative practices across his diverse portfolio, he leads innovative trials on his farm in collaboration with scientific institutions, including on silvopasture, dung beetles, and living mulches to protect riparian zones. Andy has also pioneered mobile abattoirs and corporate funding models for environmental gain, bridging the gap between commercial viability and ecological restoration. He is Chairman of the Devon County Agricultural Association and a trustee of the Westcountry Rivers Trust.
DirectorAndy Gray
DirectorMel Bradley MBE
Mel’s work centres on accelerating the adoption of regenerative agriculture and includes coordinating the annual Rootstock conference, leading the distribution for the Six Inches of Soil film, developing Regenerative Farmers of UK and facilitating the Kenn Valley Farmers group. She brings people together, fostering collaboration, building knowledge networks, and catalysing real-world change. Mel is also a trustee for FWAG SW and Rahela Trust for Afghan Women’s Education.