Noisy soil, healthy cows and gorgeous leather.
We’ve always been big advocates of regenerative farming here at RLSD, so we thought it was about time we got our boots muddy and headed down to British Pasture Leather to see it at work.
Lannock Farm in Hertfordshire, England, is the home of British Pasture Leather (BPL) and THE place to see regeneration in action. They recently opened it up to visitors for their Field Day and we went along. Co-founders Alice Robinson and Sara Grady took us on a journey through the complete lifecycle of sustainable leather—from pasture-fed cattle grazing on healthy soil to traceable, vegetable-tanned leather. And they even gave us a delicious lunch.
Leather, when produced responsibly, is not a burden on the environment. It comes from a natural by-product of farming. When that farming is regenerative, even better! British Pasture Leather proves that it’s possible to create high-quality leather with no plastic, no chrome and no greenwashing—just care, transparency and traditional craft.
The farm’s Pasture for Life accreditation means its cattle are raised entirely on grass and forage. There is no grain, no soya, no imported feed. This approach brings plenty of benefits. The pasture soil captures more carbon and biodiversity is supported by ecosystems that, as you’ll read later, you can actually hear! Cows are healthier and they emit less methane than those reared more intensively. And, of course, there is no deforestation.
The day began with insights from leading voices in regenerative agriculture. Nikki Yoxall, a farmer and researcher, explained how well-managed grazing cattle can restore soil health and support balanced ecosystems. Dr. Claire Whittle, known as The Regenerative Vet, delivered a passionate and entertaining talk about the unsung heroes of pasture systems, the dung beetles that recycle nutrients and improve soil aeration.
Farm manager John Cherry told how his family farm has embraced regenerative practices to rebuild soil fertility while maintaining productivity, demonstrating that ecological stewardship and economic viability can go hand in hand.
Walking the herbal fields, we discovered the power of multispecies swards. Plantings included chicory, plantain, clovers and deep-rooted grasses. This range of crops improves soil structure and builds in drought resilience, all while providing nutrient-dense forage food for cattle.
We also saw mob grazing in practice. Cows are encouraged to feed in distinct areas and are then moved on. This encourages grass recovery, increases carbon capture and supports the microbial and insect life beneath the surface.
One of the day’s most memorable moments came back at the barn, where agricultural students demonstrated an innovative experiment. Via probes pushed 30 cm deep into the earth, we could actually hear the soil—the subtle vibrations and movement of microbial and biological activity below ground. With this came a revelation. Soil isn’t dirt, it’s a living, breathing community.
Over a lunch of Lannock Farm’s own beef and seasonal produce, conversation turned to the broader system. The group discussed the challenges facing small, rural abattoirs and the need to strengthen links between farmers, tanners and designers. A shorter, more transparent value chain is the way to both ecological and economic sustainability.
In the afternoon, Alice Robinson took us through British Pasture Leather’s process. Hides are recovered from animals processed in local abattoirs—true by-products of responsible meat production—and transformed using organic vegetable tanning.
The result? A plastic-free, fully biodegradable leather that reflects the life of the animal, including natural marks and variations. As Alice emphasized, these “imperfections” aren’t flaws—they’re part of the material’s authenticity. Changing consumer and industry standards to value natural variation is essential to redefining what “quality leather” means in a regenerative context.
The British Pasture Leather Field Day revealed deep the connections between soil, animals and materials. We saw how regenerative farming and transparent supply chains can create exceptional materials—rooted in the land, shaped by care and designed for a circular future.
This is what real circularity looks like. No shortcuts, no chemicals, no compromises. Just integrity, transparency and a profound respect for the natural systems that make it all possible.
As we left Lannock Farm, one thing was clear: the future of sustainable materials isn’t just about doing less harm—it’s about actively contributing to regeneration. British Pasture Leather is showing us the way.
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