Bread, Soil and Health with Dr Vanessa Kimbell

Bread sits at the centre of our food system, connecting farming, soil health, microbial life and human wellbeing. In this informal talk, Dr Vanessa Kimbell explores the relationship between the external environment — the land and the way we farm — and the internal environment of the human gut microbiome.

Drawing on her doctoral research and her new book Proven, Vanessa explains how diversity in farming translates into diversity in food, and ultimately into diversity within the gut microbiome that shapes digestion, immunity and even mental health. She will share the story behind Botanical Blend flour, developed through four years of regenerative farming and milled by Hodmedod’s, and explain how botanical diversity, fibre and fermentation work together to support both planetary and human health.

The talk includes a practical demonstration. Vanessa will bring a small mill and whole grains, and earlier in the day will gather plants from around the farm to create a fresh Meadow Blend. During the session the audience will see how botanicals are milled into flour and will taste bread made with this diverse botanical flour alongside conventional monoculture bread — what Vanessa often refers to as “mono bread”.

Through this tasting and conversation, the audience will experience first-hand why diversity and fibre are essential for both the future of our soils and the health of our bodies. The aim is to offer a tangible understanding of how restoring diversity to our landscapes can help restore diversity to our gut microbiome — one loaf at a time.

Please arrive at 11:45 am. The talk will start at midday, and lunch will be served at 1:00 pm.

After the talk, you will get a freshly prepared, nutritious lunch from the FarmED cafe where you will be able to network with other guests.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that there may be times where you need to cancel your booking. Our cancellation policy is outlined here.

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