By Michele Benn

While Storm Bert raged outside, Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation became a beacon of warmth and community spirit as people from local communities came together to watch an inspiring documentary called Six Inches of Soil.

The film, introduced by synagogue member Lucy Michaels chronicles the regenerative journey of three young British farmers (pictured above). Lucy, who spent four years helping to produce the documentary, also shared her insights and experiences with the audience.

Lucy’s film highlights the critical importance of soil, emphasising how just six inches can feed eight billion people and capture carbon. It contrasts the damaging effects of industrial farming, which degrades the soil, with the benefits of restorative agriculture, which produces food by working in harmony with nature. The film’s message is clear: farmers can change the world.

The evening continued with a panel discussion (pictured left) featuring Hannah, a grower at Community Harvest Whetstone (CHW), a Community Supported Agriculture Scheme Co-operative near Blaby in South Leicestershire; Samantha Woods, a Leicester-based permaculture educator and designer; and Aasiya Bora, a local environmental activist and secretary of Muslim Greens.

The panel addressed questions from community members, allotment growers, food activists, and vegan advocates. Topics ranged from the barriers to accessing affordable organic food and acquiring allotments, to the lack of educational opportunities for school children and the ethics of farming animals.

The interfaith communities expressed interest in hosting their own documentary screenings at Friends meetings, mosques, and Hindu community centres to help spread the message. The film has motivated the Leicester Eco-Judaism group to focus on supporting local food-growing initiatives, extending the impact of the documentary’s message.

The film is now available to watch on Prime Video and Vimeo.

For information on the Community Harvest Whetstone four-week veg box trial, please click here.