ARK SUMMIT: TIMED AGENDA
Bridging Debates | Financing Change | Leading Regeneration 

At a glance:
09.00 Qigong, Breathwork & T'ai Chi
10.00 Tea & Coffee
10.30 Opening Keynotes
11.00 Panel Sessions
12.00 Pilgrimage Walk with Guy Hayward
12.00 Workshop Sessions
13.00 Lunch by the Bull
14.20 Panels, Workshops & Farm Tour
17.30 Free Bar, Live Music & Entertainment
21.00 Event Closes

LAWN STAGE

10:30 – Welcome Remarks: Celebrating 5 Years of Organic on the Farm
Steve Winwood

10:35 – The Day Ahead: Welcome to the Ark Summit
Find out what’s in store and get the lay of the land as the event director walks you through the agenda, highlights, and how to make the most of your day at Ark.
Tom Pycraft, Founder, Ark Consultancy & Events

10.40 - Keynote Speech: The Spirit of the Land
Dr. Rupert Sheldrake will explore the deep connections between soul, mind, and land, offering a spiritual perspective on our relationship with nature. In a world focused on the functional aspects of farming, land use, policy, and often polarised debate, his address will bring a reflective dimension - reminding us that the future of food and land is not just a technical challenge, but a spiritual and ecological one.
Rupert Sheldrake, Scientist, Biologist & Author

11.00 - With a Little Help from My Friends: Building Bridges Between Organic, Regenerative, Rewilding, and Nature-Based Solutions to Reclaim Agriculture and Natural Capital This session explores the alignment of organic, regenerative, rewilding, and nature-based solutions (NBS) as essential forces in reclaiming agriculture and restoring natural capital. While each approach brings a distinct perspective, ranging from sustainable food production to wilderness restoration, they share key goals, including enhancing biodiversity, revitalising ecosystems, and safeguarding natural resources. Positioned as a bridge, NBS offers a flexible framework that integrates with both organic farming and rewilding, helping to unite these movements and harness their combined potential to counter conventional, extractive agriculture. Key debates - such as organic vs. regenerative farming and land-sharing vs. land-sparing - will be explored and reconciled.
Patrick Holden, Founder & CEO, Sustainable Food Trust
David Wilson, Director, Earthtime
Molly Biddell, Head of Natural Capital at Knepp Estate

HILL BARN STAGE

12.00 - Panel: Viva La Revolution: How Are Our Leaders Spurring Mass Adoption of Sustainable Agriculture? In the wake of DEFRA’s pause on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), the need for clarity, bold leadership, and joined-up action in UK farming has never felt more urgent. Join us as we explore pivotal initiatives from leaders in sustainable, organic, and regenerative agriculture. We will examine how these efforts foster consensus among key stakeholders, policymakers, consumers, the media, retailers, the supply chain, and educators, to promote sustainable, organic, regenerative farming. Drawing on successful initiatives, we aim to create a cohesive narrative that highlights current achievements and outlines a clear path forward for sustainable agriculture.
Adele Jones, Executive Director, Sustainable Food Trust
George Eustice, Special Advisor, Pelican Ag
Dr Charlie Taverner, Policy Lead Farming Futures, FFCC
Moderator: Sarah Langford, Author, Rooted

13:00 – Farm to Fork Lunch & Welcome Address
Enjoy a delicious farm-to-fork lunch hosted by The Bull, Charlbury, featuring Asado-cooked lamb from the farm, locally sourced produce, and a vibrant seasonal menu. We kick off with a welcome address, sharing the story behind Public House Group’s ‘soil to fork’ ethos, championing regenerative sourcing, community, and the future of British pub food.
Phil Winser, Founder & Director, Public House Group

HILL BARN STAGE

14.20 - Panel: Shining a Light on the UK's Farming Pioneers: Leading the Way in Organic, Regenerative and Agroecological Agriculture. Across the UK, farmers are at the forefront of transforming food systems through regenerative and agroecological practices, adapting to regional challenges and pioneering a more sustainable future. This session brings together a panel of young and innovative farmers who are leading the charge in improving soil health, water resilience, biodiversity, and farming profitability through sustainable methods. We’ll explore how these forward-thinking farmers are integrating nature-based solutions, tackling climate challenges such as flooding and soil degradation, and leveraging new market opportunities to support financially viable, ecologically sound farming.
Ed Horton, Regenerative Farmer & Managing Partner, SS Horton & Sons
Annie Landless, Farm & Enterprise Manager, Ampney Brook Farm
Ben Andrews – Agroecological Farmer
Sophie Gregory, Dairy Farmer, Home Farm
Moderator: Jonty Brunyee, Agroecological Farmer, Conygree Farm

15.10 - Panel: Green is Good - Catalysing Regenerative Farming, Food, and Landscapes with Innovative Finance. As the demand for sustainable agriculture increases, green financing becomes essential in supporting farmers transitioning to sustainable and regenerative practices. This panel will explore various financial instruments and incentives available to farmers, including grants, low-interest loans, and tax incentives aimed at promoting eco-friendly farming methods. Collaborative green financing and landowner discounts for tenants for environmentally friendly behaviour will also be discussed. 
Carolien Samson, Head of Sustainable Banking, Oxbury Bank
Helen Browning, CEO, Soil Association
Tom Cackett, Director, Food & Farming, Savills
Tim Field, Co-Founder, North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster 
Moderator: Tamara Giltsoff, Senior Associate, Soil Association Exchange

16.00 - ADOPT Overview: Access Funding for Farmer-Led Innovation & Experimentation. Committed to bridging the gap between emerging agricultural practices and practical, on-farm application, ADOPT helps farmers across England trial, adopt, and share innovative solutions that drive productivity and sustainability. Get a brief overview of the ADOPT Fund and the ADOPT Support Hub, outlining the opportunities available for farmers and collaborators interested in applying for funding to support farmer-led innovation and experimentation.
Thomas Slattery, Communications Specialist, The ADOPT Support Hub

16.10 - Regenerative Supply Chains: Building Resilience from Farm to Fork
We explore how regenerative and organic principles can be embedded throughout supply chains to create more sustainable and resilient food systems. Experts and industry leaders will discuss how to foster better collaboration between farmers, brands, retailers, and policymakers to ensure fair pricing, traceability, and genuine sustainability. 
Nick Jefferson, Founder & CEO, Wylde Market
Rob Bray, Chief Sustainability Officer, WildFarmed
Moderator: Henry Unwin, Head of Climate & Carbon at Simply Sustainable, NED, Farm Carbon Toolkit

16.50 - Beyond the Buzzwords: Benchmarking Regenerative Farming and Avoiding Greenwashing
We explore the findings of a new farmer-led survey by Farmers Guardian designed to define what ‘regenerative’ truly means in practice. We’ll examine how to set meaningful benchmarks, identify impact, and guard against farmwashing and greenwashing as the movement grows.
Emily Ashworth, Digital Editor, Farmers Guardian

17.00 - Tasting Notes: Stories from the Makers
Savour the flavours of the Summit and meet the artisan producers behind them. Ripe Cider, Gail’s, and Stroud Brewery share the stories, values, and processes behind their craft – from orchard to bottle, oven to loaf, and grain to glass. This session is a celebration of sourcing, making, and tasting with purpose.
Roz Bado, Head of R&D and Baking Concepts, Gail’s Bakery
Greg Pilley, Managing Director, Stroud Brewery
Georgie Beach, Co-Founder, Ripe Cider

Outdoor Workshops & Nature walks
Join us on the lawn and in the fields for a series of interactive workshops and walks that connect soil, story, and regeneration.

09.00 - Qigong, Breathwork & T'ai Chi: Waking Up with Nature
Start the day with a gentle yet energising session combining Qigong, breathwork, and T’ai Chi-inspired movement. Designed to awaken the body, calm the mind, and tune your energy to the rhythms of nature, this session invites you to connect with your breath, the land beneath your feet, and the present moment. Suitable for all levels- come as you are and ease into the day in harmony with the natural world.
Simon Lamb

12.00 - New Roots: Empowering Young Voices, Inclusion, and Wellbeing in Farming
A practical and inspiring workshop focused on opening up access to land, knowledge, and opportunities for the next generation of diverse farmers. We’ll explore how charitable initiatives can support inclusion and mental wellbeing in agriculture, and examine the power of film, education, and curriculum to raise awareness and help shape a more inclusive and resilient society for the future.
Jamie Fielden, Founder and CEO, Jamie’s Farm
Hugh Addison, Partner, The Borderline Challenge
Lara Foley (née Cowan), Founder, Botanic Shed
Claire Mackenzie, Producer, Six Inches of Soil
Olivia Shave, Founder, Director, Shepherdess, Eco Ewe 

12.00 - Pilgrimage Walk with Dr Guy Hayward
Enjoy a guided walk to a nearby spring, reconnecting with land, story and spirit through song, silence and shared intention.
Dr Guy Hayward, Director, The British Pilgrimage Trust

14.20 - Organic Farm Walk with David and Luke Wilson
Five years into the farm’s organic journey, explore how heritage grains, mob grazing and low-input systems are regenerating the land on the farm.

14.20 - Nature-Based Solutions & Ecosystem Restoration Workshop
How can farms and landscapes be designed to work in harmony with nature while remaining productive? This session will explore the power of nature-based solutions (NBS) such as rewilding, agroecology, and regenerative grazing. Experts will showcase case studies where ecosystem restoration has improved biodiversity, enhanced soil health, and provided natural climate solutions. Attendees will leave with practical steps to integrate NBS into their own farming systems.
Kitty Grubb, Farmer Success Manager, Regenified
Joe Huddart, Biodiversity Solutions Engineer, NatureMetrics
Kevin Fenelly, Agricultural Lead, Nature Metrics

15.10 - Workshop: Leather Reimagined with Billy Tannery
Discover how Billy Tannery is transforming overlooked waste into high-quality, sustainable leather. Founder Jack Millington shares the brand’s journey from discarded goatskins to microtannery innovation - including a recent collaboration with Knepp Estate, turning wild deer hides into purpose-driven goods rooted in regenerative and circular principles.
Jack Millington, Founder, Billy Tannery

15.30 - Star Seed Ritual Tasting Workshop
Awaken your senses with Star Seed’s skincare, a journey blending skin health, edible botanicals, and inner rituals. Guided by Emilie & Ed, you will taste and feel wild-foraged ingredients, sip healing elixirs and discover regenerative skincare.
Emilie & Ed, Co-founders, Star Seed

16.00 - Wise Farming - A Constellation Session
Constellations are a way we can explore the web of relationships and perspectives that make up a system. They make it easier for us to understand contradictions or difficult issues and provide an overview, as well as insights, into how we might resolve them. In this session, we’ll explore wise farming through an unfolding constellations process with Jill Purce. This process reveals in a remarkable and entertaining way, through embodying the allegiances and conflicts involved in change, new opportunities and possibilities for innovation in the future of farming.
Facilitator: Jill Purce, Author of The Mystic Spiral, Overtone Chanting Meditations, Healing Voice and Long Term Practitioner of Family Constellations. 

All Day - Soil to Soul: Medicine Garden
Gifts from the mother nature and the world of herbal medicine on a tabletop outside the bar
Lara Foley (née Cowan), The Soil to Soul Gardener and Founder Botanic Shed

LAWN STAGE

17.30 - Free Bar with Stroud Brewery & Ripe Cider

17.30 - LIVE MUSIC

Jennifer Lourea
David Wilson & The Regens

Join us at Ark Summit 2025—where ideas take root, and action begins. Get your ticket here today

Want to help shape the 2026 event? Email tom@arkce.com if you have an idea you want to discuss