An abandoned farm field became a flourishing wildflower meadow within little more than a decade, with plant diversity doubling and thousands of orchids appearing naturally. The discovery suggests that simply giving nature time to recover could be a powerful and inexpensive tool for restoring biodiversity.

In late July, smallholder farmers from across Guanajuato gathered at Vía Orgánica (link) for two days of hands-on work with TAPE, the FAO's tool for measuring the health and sustainability of farming systems. It marks the first step in an 18-month collaboration between Renature and Regeneration International to train 200 farmers in agave-based agroforestry through the Billion Agave Project.

Andrew Moore’s new book, Beasts of the East: The Fall and Rise of America’s Eastern Wilderness, examines the decline and partial return of animals that once occupied the region in abundance. Before European settlement and large-scale land conversion, eastern habitats supported bison, elk, moose, woodland caribou, cranes, black bears, passenger pigeons, and Carolina parakeets. Many disappeared as forests were cleared, wetlands drained, and wildlife hunted.

In this episode, we’re joined by Darren Doherty, internationally renowned farm designer, educator, and pioneer in regenerative agriculture. Drawing on decades of experience across diverse climates and farming systems, Darren shares why successful farm design begins with understanding the whole system—not just its individual parts.

This article now describes specific interactions. For example, contact with nature from an early age can have a positive influence on microbial diversity in the gut. Growing up in a rural environment, as well as playing in nature-based day-care centres, is beneficial in this regard. A study from 2025 also demonstrates such an effect in adults, where even brief stays in green spaces had a positive impact on the gut microbiota. The method of food production also plays a role.