Down to Earth
Rediscovering our roots through the soil beneath our feet
Will be published approx. on 2. July 2026
Book
Hardback
272 pages
978-1-80677-010-6 (ISBN)
Description
We rely on the soil and its rich biodiversity for our food, traditions and folklore, but are we guilty of taking it for granted?
In Down to Earth, Robert Ashton traces our evolving relationship with the soil from Neolithic flint miners to modern day naturists. By engaging with the people who work the land - gardeners, farmers, gravediggers and archaeologists - he unearths a wealth of practical wisdom, moving from the mysteries of ancient folklore to the urgency of today's environmental crisis.
Each chapter explores an aspect of our connection to the earth, seeking to deepen our understanding of its importance. All life depends on the soil, and this book serves as a vital call to treat our most precious resource with the reverence and respect it deserves.
In Down to Earth, Robert Ashton traces our evolving relationship with the soil from Neolithic flint miners to modern day naturists. By engaging with the people who work the land - gardeners, farmers, gravediggers and archaeologists - he unearths a wealth of practical wisdom, moving from the mysteries of ancient folklore to the urgency of today's environmental crisis.
Each chapter explores an aspect of our connection to the earth, seeking to deepen our understanding of its importance. All life depends on the soil, and this book serves as a vital call to treat our most precious resource with the reverence and respect it deserves.
Reviews / Votes
'Naturism can be a spiritual experience: vulnerable, naked and in touch with mother earth. This book will help you understand why'-- Nigel Newman, British Naturism 'It all starts and ends here. The soil, the earth. Where there are cultural roots, flinty axes, badgers and bodies, the very roots of nature. Robert Ashton brings us another fine and wise book that looks forward, back and down. Here is great attentiveness to nature and culture. Here too the very cycles of life and regeneration'
-- Professor Jules Pretty, President of Essex Wildlife Trust 'Reading this book is like going for an enjoyable countryside ramble with a knowledgeable and entertaining friend, and I heartily recommend it' -- Deborah Tomkins, author of Aerth and The Wilder Path 'This reflective travelogue is often as charming as it is unexpected' -- Emeritus Professor Rupert Read, Co-Director of the Climate Majority Project
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 135 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-80677-010-6 (9781806770106)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
approx. 07/2026
Wilton Square Books
€14.39
Not yet available
Person
Robert Ashton worked on farms in his teens, studied at agricultural college and spent the first decade of his career selling fertiliser. He followed this with 35 years of self-employment, advising charities and social entrepreneurs who strove to balance income-generation with making a difference.
Already an established business author, Robert graduated from the University of East Anglia with a Creative Writing MA in 2020 and now writes about our evolving relationship with the natural world. A Quaker, he is driven by a strong sense of social justice and has founded a number of social enterprises. He and his wife Belinda live near the Suffolk coast.
Already an established business author, Robert graduated from the University of East Anglia with a Creative Writing MA in 2020 and now writes about our evolving relationship with the natural world. A Quaker, he is driven by a strong sense of social justice and has founded a number of social enterprises. He and his wife Belinda live near the Suffolk coast.