The first 18 months of SOILSCAPE have laid the groundwork for an innovative, arts-driven movement aimed at redefining how Europe understands and values its soils. By bringing together scientists, artists, and communities, the project has begun to weave a “Soil Symphony”—a metaphor for harmonizing diverse voices to celebrate and protect soil health.
To start, the team explored how people across Europe perceive, understand, and interact with soil. Through surveys, interviews, media analysis, and creative mapping, it identified gaps, best practices, and cultural frames around soil stewardship. A thorough review of existing research helped align the project’s vision, while a shared glossary ensured consistent terminology and understanding across all participants.
Building on this foundation, SOILSCAPE is developing a dynamic “starter kit” to inspire the creation of eight “Soil Orchestras” across Europe, from France to Finland. These orchestras combine art, science, and community action to spark new conversations about soil. The project is also pioneering innovative tools, such as an online soil culture portal, a “soil celebration choreography,” a soil health calculator, and interactive soil trails, all designed to make soil science engaging and accessible to everyone.
Communication has been a cornerstone of the project’s early success. Tailored Soil Media Kits for journalists, NGOs, and influencers help spread the message, while an awareness campaign supports an open call for proposals, launched in June 2025, to gather new ideas and collaborations. To ensure lasting impact, SOILSCAPE is developing pathways for change, starting with ethnographic research in France to capture local and traditional knowledge about soils. This work will soon expand to four additional countries, enriching the project’s understanding of soil’s cultural and ecological significance.
In terms of outreach, SOILSCAPE has already made a strong impact with a cohesive visual identity, a new website, and an active presence on six social media platforms. Over 160 cooperation activities have engaged networks such as UNESCO’s, amplifying the project’s reach. Behind the scenes, regular team meetings and ethical oversight have kept the project on track, ensuring alignment with its mission to inspire and inform.
SOILSCAPE is more than a project—it is a growing community that uses creativity and collaboration to place soil at the heart of Europe’s future
