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.