Field Days
Our Field Days will change the way you look at leather by putting it in the context of positive local food and farming systems. The daylong programme takes participants on a complete journey of what lies behind our leather.
Read about the full experience in this article by International Leather Maker.
Our next Field Day is on April 30th.
The morning starts at a leading regenerative British farm, exploring the fundamentals of soils, fields and cattle…
We’ll talk about grazing management, animal health, soil health, farm biodiversity and the importance of local abattoirs. Expert speakers include renowned farmer John Cherry who is a founder of Groundswell, the annual festival for regenerative agriculture in the UK; dynamic speaker Nikki Yoxall, a farmer who raises cattle primarily for ecosystem benefits and can unpack the proof of those positive impacts as the Technical Director of Pasture for Life; and Claire Whittle, the Regenerative Vet, who focuses on nature for animal health and whose passion for dung beetles will educate, amaze, inspire and entertain you.
After a delicious lunch of local food (vegetarians welcome!), we will head to Blenkinsop Leathers finishing facility, one of the only places of its kind in the UK. Short talks on our private bus will allow you to ask any questions you may have. The afternoon will be spent with master leather currier (the term used in leather finishing) Greg Miller who will explain the process of leather production. We will explore the opportunity for designers to embrace the inherent natural beauty of leather in a short workshop that will acquaint you with a range of leather styles, and explain the finishing process in detail.
This experiential programme is intended to activate all the senses, to provoke curiosity, and to inspire support for regenerative supply chains in the UK.
We also offer bespoke Field Days for corporate, institutional or educational groups — please enquire here.
Previous attendees have said:
"The knowledge that is gained in this one day is equivalent to weeks of learning via meetings/courses, along with the enriching experience of being on the farms with the experts!
“This is the best way to get a true understanding of the benefits of regenerative agriculture."
“This field trip immerses participants in a multi-sensory learning experience that leaves a deep and lasting impression. It was immensely valuable because it extends beyond theoretical knowledge, and fosters a sense of appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature, agriculture, and the fashion industry.”
“The fashion industry has the power to make a positive impact on nature, and learning experiences such as this will inspire industry stakeholders to cultivate innovative solutions that create a more harmonious relationship between fashion, the environment, and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.”