Between April 24 and 25 the ERDN team had the opportunity to take part in an inspiring international exchange in Porto, combining the meeting within the Soils Orchestras with the vibrant BioBlitz Festival and SoilScape activities hosted at Serralves Park. We also had the chance to experience the traveling exhibition Soil Art Tales, part of the sister project #Soiltribes, offering an artistic perspective on our relationship with soil.
It was an intense and enriching few days, bringing together partners, artists, researchers, and practitioners working at the intersection of soil, art, and community engagement.
Building connections and sharing practices
The meeting between German & Portuguese Soil Orchestras and Polish & Italian Soil Orchestras conductors created a valuable space for exchange and collaboration. The programme included presentations of Soilscape activities, as well as inspiring showcases of the Open Call winners from Portugal and Germany countries. These projects highlighted innovative approaches to soil education, including theatre, street performance, and youth-focused workshops.
Interactive formats such as “speed dating” and “show and tell” sessions allowed participants to quickly connect, exchange ideas, and discover each other’s work and passions. A dedicated session focused on mutual learning further deepened discussions around shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration.
Experiencing soil through art and senses
Our journey began on a high note with a unique musical session – singing and moving together to the sounds of Tingsha bells transformed a group of colleagues into a connected and energized team committed to caring for Mother Earth
Throughout the festival, we explored how science and art can merge into powerful, sensory experiences:
- We took part in the extraordinary Cactophonie Workestra – a concert performed by 17 people entirely on cacti, conducted by Portuguese artist João Ricardo de Barros Oliveira
- We joined Nikki Lindt for a soundwalk, discovering the hidden soundscape of nature by “drawing” the vibrations of sap flowing through trees and subterranean streams
- A guided tour of Soil Art Tales revealed creative narratives connecting people, culture, and soil
These experiences opened new perspectives on how we can communicate complex environmental topics in engaging and accessible ways.
Learning from nature and innovation in action
One of the highlights of the visit was exploring the vast Serralves Park – an 18-hectare green oasis rich in biodiversity. Guided walks led us through rose gardens, aromatic herb paths, and treetop walks, emphasizing the fundamental role of healthy soil in sustaining ecosystems.
We also visited numerous festival stands and workshops, including activities designed for children. Interactive installations and eco-games – developed, among others, during the French Hackathon – demonstrated how soil science can be made engaging, educational, and fun for younger audiences.
The programme also included hands-on and outdoor experiences, such as a field trip focused on amphibians, allowing us to connect environmental knowledge with real-life ecosystems.
Reflections and next steps
We leave Porto feeling inspired, connected, and full of new ideas. The experience not only strengthened international partnerships but also reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing environmental challenges.
The combination of artistic expression, scientific exploration, and community engagement showcased during the SoilScape Festival proves that innovative, collaborative approaches are key to restoring and protecting our soils.
A heartfelt Obrigado to the Portuguese team from Serralves Foundation for their warm welcome and for reminding us that we are not alone in our mission to bring health back to the land.
#SoilFestival #ERDN #Porto #NatureScience #BioBlitz2026 #SoilMatters #SoilArtTales #SoilMission #SoilOrchestras
