Soil to Stomach!

In October 2025, Watershed Landcare ran a three-day project called Regenerate & Create: Soil to Stomach, bringing together 60 Year 9 students from Melbourne for a hands-on immersion in regenerative agriculture. From October 23rd to 25th, the students rolled up their sleeves to explore how healthy soils sustain not only our food systems, but also biodiversity, animals, and community wellbeing.

The project combined field-based learning with creative expression, giving students a chance to experience first-hand the ecological processes that underpin life on Earth, from the mineral-nutrient and water cycles to energy flow, community dynamics, and the vital role of animals and pollinators.

Working in groups, the students designed and built a food and pollinator garden that showcased regenerative principles in action. Through planting, mulching, and observing soil life, they gained a tangible understanding of how soil health is directly connected to the food we eat. Many reflected on how their food choices ripple out to influence landscapes, climate, and communities, sparking conversations about what it means to eat in a way that nurtures both people and planet.

The project’s “Create” component invited students to express their learning through art, reinforcing the message that caring for soil is essential for caring about our future. The first group worked with local artist Gabrielle Bates, crafting detailed pieces from corrugated cardboard. These will soon be assembled and displayed as a collaborative installation. The second group worked alongside Laura Fisher, creating a vibrant tile mosaic capturing their reflections and takeaways from the experience.

Project leaders from Watershed Landcare, Cheryl & Michael Nielsen, and Marie Hensley coordinated the event with generous support from the artists, as well as Local Coordinator Brooke Statham, who sourced plants for the garden, and Bunnings Mudgee, who kindly donated materials. Special thanks were given to Michael, whose efforts were instrumental in the project’s success — from preparing the site and materials to guiding students through each stage of the process with patience and enthusiasm.

Key outcomes of the Soil to Stomach project included:

• Increased ecological literacy and understanding of regenerative agriculture among young people

• Practical skills in garden design, planting, and food systems

• Strengthened connections between youth, community, and Landcare

• Creative expression as a powerful way to communicate environmental learning

The resulting artworks and garden stand as living testaments to what can be achieved when learning takes root in the soil. The works will be displayed at APRES Mountain during the Rylstone Street Feast, at the Central West Environment Council Meeting, and during upcoming Watershed Landcare events, including the committee meeting and AGM.

In the spirit of regeneration, Soil to Stomach reminds us that every seed planted — whether in soil or in minds — can grow into something that nourishes the whole community.

Regenerate & Create is a program we can run for groups of all ages. We tailor activities to suit the group and we welcome enquiries to run a similar program for your school, uni or team group.