UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS WILTSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE HAMPSHIRE WEST BERKSHIRE A GUIDE TO THE HISTORY, WAYS OF LIFE, ATTRACTIONS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES OF THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS – AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY 2008 Out & About Enjoy a riverside ramble or brisk hike over the Downs Local Products Directory Where to find the best local produce The Wild Side Get close to and conserve our beautiful wildlife Silbury Hill Secrets of the ancient mound revealed UP!_new cover_01:up2008 11/2/08 15:12 Page 1
Transcript
UP!ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS
WILTSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE HAMPSHIRE WEST BERKSHIRE
A GUIDE TO THE HISTORY, WAYS OF LIFE, ATTRACTIONS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES OF THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS – AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY 2008
Out & AboutEnjoy a riverside ramble orbrisk hike over the Downs
Local Products DirectoryWhere to find the best local produce
The Wild SideGet close to and conserve our beautiful wildlife
Silbury HillSecrets of the ancient mound revealed
UP!_new cover_01:up2008 11/2/08 15:12 Page 1
UP!ONTHE NORTHWESSEX DOWNS 3
Welcome to the 2008 edition of Up! on the North Wessex Downs. The NorthWessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) was designatedby government as a protected landscape in 1972 to conserve and enhance its
natural beauty.The NorthWessex Downs AONB is the largest in southern England, and stretches from
Devizes to Reading, and from Swindon to Basingstoke. It includes the Berkshire, Lambourn,Marlborough, North Hampshire and Oxfordshire Downs, and such wonderful sites asAvebury, the Ridgeway National Trail, the UffingtonWhite Horse andWatership Down.A map on the back cover of this magazine shows its full extent.
The natural beauty of the NorthWessex Downs AONB is conserved and enhanced bya wide range of individuals and organisations that come together as a Council of Partners.Members of the Council of Partners include farmers, local communities, natureconservation, archaeology and recreation interests, local authorities and Natural Englandand the Forestry Commission.
I am privileged to lead the NorthWessex Downs AONB team that advises andimplements the decisions, policies and activities of the Council of Partners that ensurethis wonderful landscape is protected for the future.
This magazine contains a mine of information about the history, and current and futuremanagement of the NorthWessex Downs, ideas for day-trips and walks, and where to buyfood and other products grown and produced here. Please visit our website atwww.northwessexdowns.org.uk for the latest news and events.
Fiona NewcombeDirector
Welcome
Contact usNorthWessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural BeautyCall: 01488 685440Email: [email protected]
Produced for the NorthWessex DownsAONB Office by Fellows Media LtdThe Gallery, Manor Farm, Southam,Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3PB.Tel: 01242 259241Email: [email protected]
Every effort has been made to ensurethe accuracy of the contents and thepublisher cannot accept liability forany error or omissions. Reproductionof any part of this publication withoutpermission is forbidden.
Front cover image:
Information in hereonce decided…
ANGLINGThe River Kennet and River Lambourn are two of the
country’s best chalk streams, and their clear waters
and high alkaline content offer rich pickings for anglers.
The Environment Agency is incubating salmon eggs on
the banks of these rivers as part of the Thames Salmon
Project, to find out if sustainable breeding is a
possibility. If successful, this will be yet another visitor
draw.The River Pang, also within the AONB, is a chalk
stream winding its way through peaceful countryside.
It supports native populations of brown trout and
grayling. If you would prefer to cast your line from the
towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal, you can do so
throughout the year but you will need to contact the
holders of the appropriate lease at the local angling
association or fishing club.
Out & aboutWhether it’s antique shopping in Hungerford, exploring therare wildlife in Savernake Forest, or hiking up the hill whereSt George reputedly killed the dragon… a visit to theNorthWessex Downs certainly won’t disappoint
From a secluded woodland stroll or refreshingriverside ramble, to a brisk hike to the top ofthe downs where the outstanding views willfar outweigh the effort it takes to get there,the countryside of this area is so rich inhistory that you can’t fail to come acrossfascinating points of interest while outwalking.There are the grey wethers, orsarsen stones, which are large, ancientrocks dotted about in fields as if a giant hasbeen playing marbles;Walbury hill fortstanding 974 feet (297 metres) above sealevel at Combe Gibbett; or even the villageof LittleWittenham which has the proudhonour of playing host each year to theWorld Pooh-sticks Championships.It would be a shame to come to this Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) andnot walk along the oldest route in England.The Ridgeway National Trail is 5,000 yearsold and around 85 miles long. Parts of it areused to train racehorses so watch your back!Two of Hampshire’s fine long-distance
walks begin high on the chalk downs atInkpen Beacon in the NorthWessex Downs:TheTestWay (44 miles long) whichmeanders along the course of the RiverTestto Eling; andTheWayfarer’sWalk, extending70 miles to the coast near Portsmouth.Thelatter links up with six circular walks ofvarying distances, traversesWatership Down,made famous by Richard Adams’ best-sellingbook, and takes in dramatic coastline,woodland, rolling hills and lush, green valleys.
CYCLINGIf you prefer to explore the area’s unspoiltvillages and spectacular rolling downlands on twowheels rather than two legs, there are plenty ofclearly signposted and well-maintained routes atyour disposal.
The National Cycle Network offers 173 miles ofroutes within NorthWessex Downs, including 65blissful traffic-free miles. The water-loving cyclistcould do well to try out the newly improvedsections of the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath,Route 4 of the Network. After an invigorating ridealong the cool paths of Savernake Forest, why notenjoy a barbecue in the Forestry Commission’scampsite before falling asleep in the shade of itsancient trees.The only privately owned forest inBritain, owned by 31 generations of the same family,Savernake is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest,boasting deer, birds of prey and rare lichen and fungi.The only problem with planning a day’s cycling inNorthWessex Downs is deciding which route to takeand which of the pretty, unspoilt villages to have apint and a pit stop in.The three-hour Myths andMagic Ride takes in sights such as Uffington Castleand its famous white horse chalk carving, beforeclimbing Dragon Hill on which St George is said tohave slain the beast – no grass grows at the top ofthe mound, as it is believed that is where the bloodwas shed.
CANAL BOATINGDrifting along the Kennet and Avon Canal in abrightly painted narrow boat, watching the thatchedcottages and rolling fields pass by, you’ll wonderwhy you ever used any other form of transport.Built more than 200 years ago to connect theWestCountry to the Thames and London, the canal hasrecently been lovingly restored thanks to theHeritage Lottery Fund and the efforts of thousands
of volunteers. It now provides the perfect means ofenjoying the countryside and attractive market towns,like Hungerford with its array of antique shops andPewsey with its quaint timbered cottages, from thecomfort of your own home-from-home.
GLIDINGYou can never really appreciate the beauty of a placeuntil you’ve seen it from the air, which is probablywhy gliding is becoming so popular in this area. TheVale ofWhite Horse Gliding Centre in Shrivenham,Oxfordshire, and Shalbourne Soaring Society nearHungerford both welcome novices and experiencedglider pilots.
RIDINGLambournValley, or theValley of the Racehorse asit’s sometimes known, is rife with equine activity.After Newmarket, Lambourn is the most importantcentre for horse racing in Britain, with more than2,000 horses being trained here. The springy turf ofthe chalk downs, and wide open spaces of the areamake it perfect for breeding and training, andperfect too for visitors to head out for a gallop.
You can choose from several long-distanceriding routes across the NorthWessex DownsAONB to explore the wonderful countryside andmarvel at the far-reaching views. Less experiencedriders can enjoy a peaceful trek from one of themany riding stables in the area using the extensivenetwork of bridleways.
UP!ONTHE NORTHWESSEX DOWNS 5
Explore at home…Websites to help plan your visit
• www.visitkanda.cominformation for walkers, cyclists and canal boat users• www.katrust.org/information.htmdetails of angling on the Kennet and Avon Canal• www.shalbournegliding.co.uk• www.swindongliding.co.uk• www.nationaltrust.org.uk• www.english-heritage.org.ukinformation on Avebury• www.wberksramblers.org.uk• www.ramblers-wilts.org.uk• www.pooh-sticks.com• www.savernakeestate.co.uk• www.sustrans.org.ukdetails of cycle routes• www.lambourn.infoinformation on horse racing and Lambourn Open Day
A national treasureHere’s a quick rundown of the stunning NationalTrust properties located within and close to theNorthWessex Downs AONB
BASILDON PARK, READINGBenefiting from a second rise to fame in 2005 when it was featured in thefilm adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, this grand 18th-century house stands inextensive parkland overlooking the River Thames.
ASHDOWN HOUSE, LAMBOURNThe spectacular rooftop views from this 17th-century mansion are not to bemissed, nor is the Iron Age hill fort where King Alfred is said to have battledthe Danes.The regal charm of Ashdown House could be attributed to itsconnection with the sister of King Charles I, Elizabeth of Bohemia, known asTheWinter Queen.
SANDHAM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, BURGHCLEREThe world-renowned Stanley Spencer paintings, inspired byWorldWar I,have recently been cleaned and sit ever proudly in their home within this1920s chapel.
AVEBURY, NEAR MARLBOROUGHFor those spiritually inclined among us, a trip to the world-famous stonecircle will be a revelation. Now aWorld Heritage Site, it also offers aninteractive Barn Gallery which uncovers the secrets to the stones’ story.The nearby 16th-century Avebury Manor with its tranquil garden is alsowell worth a visit.
ALTON PRIORS – WOODBOROUGH –HONEYSTREET – STANTON ST BERNARDDistance: 8.5kmTime: At least 3 hoursThis circular walk along quiet paths and tracks is packedwith fascinating points of interest. Immerse yourself inhistory at Alton Priors Church with its buried sarsenstones and 1700-year-old yew tree; and feed yourcuriosity with the legendary Hanging Stones found enroute. A rare Roman bronze pin (or brooch) was foundin the garden of a house in Honeystreet, the site of anunexcavated Roman settlement.The brooch, nowresiding inWiltshire Heritage Museum, is decoratedwith two birds and engraved withthe owner’s name, ‘Lucianus’.For more information on this
walk and three others in the area,purchase Walking the NorthWessex Downs for £1 from manylocal outlets.
6 UP!ONTHE NORTHWESSEX DOWNS
P eople of the Late Neolithic period must have had a very good reasonfor building successive mounds of chalk to a height of some 40m andcreating what we now call Silbury Hill. Unfortunately they left no clues
that would help today’s archaeologists discover what that reason was.However, late last year English Heritage archaeologists investigating theSilbury Hill site made a discovery that might at least shed light on howsubsequent generations used the place. The iconic shape that we recognisetoday, they say, may not have been how the hill looked when it was first built.They believe the summit may have changed from a domed shape when it wasconstructed 4,400 years ago into the current ‘flat top’ hundreds of years later,in Saxon or Norman times.
A series of medieval postholes have been discovered (one of which was verylarge), on top of the hill, possibly indicating that a huge military building hadbeen there during the Saxon or Norman periods. They have also discoveredtwo iron arrowheads which suggest the building had a military/defensivefunction, such as a defended lookout post or signal station. They now alsobelieve that the summit of Silbury Hill was also significantly modified andflattened during this period.
ATTEMPTS TO FIND OUT WHYWeighing in at a calculated half a million tons, Silbury Hill is the largest pre-historic artificial mound in Europe; it was built around 2,300BC and appears tobe closely associated with nearby long barrow tombs and the stone circle atAvebury, but what was its exact function? Attempts to find out have beenmade by at least three men.
The first was the Duke of Northumberland. He marched to the top of thehill in 1776 and dug a vertical shaft by which he explored the centre of the hillbefore marching down again. A horizontal tunnel was dug in 1849 by the RevDean John Merewether and another was dug by Prof Richard Atkinson, in1968-69. None of the three extracted anything of great significance and noneof them did a very good job in refilling the holes they had made – whichbrings us to a burst of activity in 2007.
Eight years ago a hole about 14m deep fell in at the mound’s summit.Remotely operated cameras revealed that the Duke of Northumberland’sattempts at restoration had proved inadequate and that the two tunnels werealso collapsing. At that time English Heritage engaged Skanska CivilEngineering to carrying out a temporary filling of polystyrene blocks beneath aprotective capping of chalk. During the summer of 2007 Skanska engineersnot only removed the temporary filling from the cap and replaced it withcompacted chalk, they also re-entered the Hill via the tunnel dug by ProfessorAtkinson in 1968, and removed the old packing used by the Professor and histeam when they left the Hill. This enabled English Heritage archaeologists toexamine deep inside the Hill and take samples from the different stages ofbuilding for analysis. The engineers then repacked the Atkinson Tunnel withcompacted chalk to stabilise the Hill for the long term. Silbury Hill is now asclose to being as good as new – or old – as possible.
While the engineers were doing their bit, the investigative archaeologiststried to add to their existing knowledge of the mound by further archaeologicalrecording. For instance, Prof Richard Atkinson’s dig suggested that the Neolithicbuilders first created a circular mound of turf and river gravel.
They then enlarged it with alternating layers of chalk and soil. Finallythey topped everything off with a massive third layer of chalk which wasgradually covered by wind-borne soils and grass seeds to produce the Silbury
Silbury Hill, close to Avebury inWiltshire, has long been a powerful but mute challenge toarchaeologists. Recent conservation work on the prehistoric site, has now drawn to a close,giving archaeologists a great deal to think about.
Hill as we see it today. Core samples from earlier bores into the body of themound have provided archaeologists with the means of checking whetherthe Professor was right.
Archaeologists now have a pretty good idea what sort of landscapeoriginally surrounded the mound. Evidence gleaned from pollen and seedsamples, insect remains and animal bone extracted from the soils underlyingthe mound show that chalk grassland was already established in the vicinity ofSilbury before the mound was created.
FEW TREESChalk grassland rich in herbs indicates managed grazing and the lack of insectremains of a sort that were dependent on woodland encourages the thoughtthat there were relatively few trees about. The presence of dung beetleremains is strong evidence of fairly heavy stocking rates of livestock. Thus apicture emerges – a landscape not vastly different from today’s;predominantly grass for grazing animals and cultivated crops. Trees were beingcleared and although there were no fields as such, the landscape was beingchanged to one that met the needs of a sedentary agricultural community.
By the time this article is being read the archaeologists will be back in theiroffices poring over the new findings that their high-tech equipment has madepossible. Radiocarbon dating shows that building Silbury Hill began some timebetween 2445 and 2190BC. Given luck, the investigators will have found neworganic material that will provide a more precise date. Perhaps they will havea stab at telling us how many people were involved.
CLOSER TO BEING SOLVEDSILBURY
Currently it is thought (carbon dating again) that Silbury Hill took eitherless than 115 years to complete, or between140 and 435 years. The finding ofnew organic material might enable the archaeologists to establish thischronology more accurately.
Silbury Hill is as secretive now as it was when the Duke of Northumberlandfirst clapped eyes on it. The notion that it might be a burial mound has largelybeen discounted. It could have been constructed for purposes of worship orfor ceremonial occasions. The fact that it is part of the AveburyWorld HeritageSite which includesWindmill Hill and Avebury Henge, theWest Kennet LongBarrow and theWest Kennet Stone Avenue is surely significant.
As the English Heritage website puts it: “The people who built the lateNeolithic Silbury and Avebury were more distant in time from the originalbuilders of the early NeolithicWindmill Hill and theWest Kennet Long Barrowthan we are from the Normans and their castles.”That raises an interestingthought. Did the need to feed a vast labour force over a period spanning manygenerations oblige the prehistoric organisers to develop their agriculturalexpertise to a level unique at that time?
“Weighing in at a calculated halfa million tons, Silbury Hill is thelargest prehistoric artificial moundin Europe”
Right: Silbury Hill – built around 2,300 BC with great insight into problems of soilengineering.The sides are thought to be carefully stepped and the interior containsradial chalk walls for added stability. The hill was built to last, and it has.
Evidence gleaned from pollen and seed samples,insect remains and animal bone extracted fromthe soils underlying the mound show that chalkgrassland was already established in the vicinityof Silbury before the mound was created...
TheYear of Food and Farming was launchedin September 2007, running to July 2008,to promote healthy living amongst children.
The campaign aims to provide children with hands-on experience of farming, growing and cooking food.
Memorable firsthand learning experiences are onthe menu in farms throughout the NorthWessexDowns. Rushall Organic Farm in Bradfield has beenhosting school visits since 1983 through the JohnSimonds Trust, an educational charity thatwelcomes around 8,000 children a year to the farmand other sites in the Pang valley. The aims andactivities of theYear of Food and Farming initiativefitted well with what they were doing already.
Cliff Marriott, Education Officer for the JohnSimonds Trust, explains the effect these visits can
Year of Foodand FarmingAll across the NorthWessex Downs, children can be found up totheir elbows in flour making bread, picking juicy apples in shadyorchards and watching in awe as they see farm animals for the veryfirst time. These activities are part of the nationwide initiative, theYear of Food and Farming, aimed at boosting children’s enthusiasmand appreciation of where their food comes from.
have on children: “Many of theschools that visit us come from urbanenvironments and it is not unusual tomeet children that have never seen asheep or cow. I’ve lost count of thenumber of children who think all cowsare black and white and are astonishedto find out ours aren’t.”
As well as arranging visits to the farm,John Bishop, the farm manager, is aSEEDA farm champion for education andhas arranged visits to schools to deliver food andfarming workshops.
To find farms and estates where children can gofor educational visits near your school, have a lookon the NorthWessex Downs CountrysideEducation Network website (details below).
It is not just farms that are opening their doors;local food producers are also offering similarclasses and workshops. The family-run OldFarmhouse Bakery in Steventon is working withlocal schools to teach children the art of breadmaking. Kate Bitmead, who runs the bakery withher husband and daughter, said: “The mostimportant element is that the children don’t justwatch us make bread – they make it themselves –
and they love it! Hands-on experience is alwaysgoing to ignite children’s interest.”
A vineyard may not seem an appropriate placefor children to spend time, but Paul Langham fromA’Beckett’s Vineyard near Devizes pointed out: “WehaveWiltshire’s last commercial orchard and manychildren have never picked an apple before; a sadindictment on life today.”
A’Beckett’s Vineyard runs school visits for localprimary schools and is open to schools organisingresearch projects and nature trails. The vineyard is
Memorable firsthandlearning experiencesare on the menu infarms throughout theNorth Wessex Downs
Above: Primary school children taking part in Fit2cookfood and farming workshopsBelow: A’Beckett’sVineyard which runs school visits forlocal primary schools
UP!ONTHE NORTHWESSEX DOWNS 13
currently in talks withWiltshire County Councilabout setting up an outdoor classroom.
Fit2cook Food Education, with support fromHampshire Country Learning, is running food andfarming workshops for primary schools inWestBerkshire as part of the campaign. The Local FoodFor All programme, to be run during the Easter2008 term, will give children the chance to learnabout, touch, smell, cook with and finally tastelocal food, such as unusual root vegetables orcrème fraiche from dairy cows grazed on the lushlowland pastures. Local food producers andfarmers will talk to them about how theseproducts are grown or produced and the childrenwill then make a simple dish out of the items.
Fit2cook’s Min Raisman explained that thelearning doesn’t end with the children: “We will berunning a Practical Food Skills Course for teachers,showing them simple ways of cooking with localfood in the classroom.We hope teachers will thenbe able to continue this learning experience wellbeyond theYear of Food and Farming.”
One organisation with the aim of educatingyoung people about food and farming in asustainable countryside is Farming and CountrysideEducation (FACE). Meg Hart from FACE has workedwith and supported farmers from the NorthWessex Downs who are taking part in theinitiative, helping to create links with schools andfarms and providing information and sources toteachers and pupils for educational projects.
It is perhaps the dual-pronged approach of localinitiatives with national support, which isresponsible for the expected success of theYear of
Food and Farming. Local children, small-scalefarmers and family-run businesses are working sideby side with national organisations like DEFRA andthe Countryside Foundation for Education (CFE).
As one of the campaign’s partners, CFE putsschools in touch with local farms and organiseseducational visits. Gary Richardson, ChiefExecutive, highlighted the enormity of the issuebeing tackled by this initiative, one that goesfurther than encouraging children to eat healthier:“There aren’t many sectors which actively go outand explain what they do – farmers do. More andmore food is coming from abroad and althoughfood prices are going up, little of those increasesare felt by the farmers.”
The support offered through theYear of Foodand Farming campaign goes beyond farm visitsand continues once the students are back in theclassroom. For instance, Garden Organic, anothercampaign partner, works with schools to developorganic growing areas with a view to using theproduce in the school kitchen or cookery lessons.
A HEALTHY FUTUREMelanie Leech, Director General of the Food andDrink Federation (FDF), sums up the scale of theproject’s hoped-for achievements: “TheYear aims toimprove understanding of the food chain and therole played by farming; increase links betweenschools, farmers and food producers; develophealthier lifestyles and good nutrition; increaseinterest in careers in the related industries; andpromote a greater appreciation of the importance ofthe countryside and environmental issues.”
ContactNorthWessex Downs Countryside Education Networkwww.northwessexdowns.org.uk/educationFor more information on theYear of Food and Farming, contact 02476 853086or log onto www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk
The campaign aims to providechildren with hands-on experienceof farming, growing and cooking food
Top: A mixed vegetable display courtesy of Garden OrganicMiddle: Kate Bitmead from the Old Farmhouse Bakeryin SteventonAbove: Prince Charles is a great supporter of the year ofFood and Farming.
14 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS FOR FULL PRODUCT DETAILS VISIT WWW.NORTHWESSEXDOWNS.ORG.UKFOR FULL PRODUCT DETAILS VISIT WWW.NORTHWESSEXDOWNS.ORG.UK
Producers Directory
Other outlets:Website sales; pubsand clubs in 35 mile radius ofbrewery; local shops (bottled beers);local food festivals at Marlborough,Ramsbury and Aldbourne.
WADWORTH &CO. BREWERSContact: Jonathan Pollock,Wadworth & Co Ltd, NorthgateBrewery, Devizes SN10 1JWT: 01380 723361E: [email protected]: Brewer, wholesaler andpub retailer. Family-business foundedin 1875. Owns nearly 260 pubs.Best-known for Wadworth 6X caskale which is distributed nationally.Weekday deliveries daily of ourproducts by Shire Horses in Devizes.Stables open to the public 1.30pm-3.30pm Monday-Thursday. A mastercooper making and repairing woodencasks.Visitor Centre – discover thehistory and heritage of Wadworthbrewing, and understand what makesthis local, family-owned brewery sounique in an ever-changing industry.
WEST BERKS BREWERYContact: Mrs Helen Maggs,The Old Bakery,Yattendon,nr Thatcham RG18 0UET: 01635 202968E: [email protected]: Micro-brewery established1995 celebrating 13 years brewingaward-winning real ales, notablyGood Old Boy, Maggs’ MagnificentMild. Bottled beers available. Brewerytours by arrangement.Shop: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm, or by appointment.Other outlets:Owns The Rising Sun,Stockcross, nr Newbury, supplies pubsin Berks, Hants, Oxon,Wilts, Gloucs.
DAIRY
PROSPEROUS HOME FARMContact: Derek Moody, SalisburyRoad, Hungerford RG17 0RDT: 01488 684557/07774485338Env-links: FASProducts: Double Guernsey Cream,whipped cream, milk; full fat, low fatand flavoured yoghurts, crèmefreche, cheese, seasonal honey,butter. Shop open seven days a week.Other outlets: Local Farmers’Markets, PYO strawberry fields, localshops, supermarkets, hotels,restaurants and Armadillo Café,Notting Hill.
BREAD, CAKES& FLOUR
DOVES FARM FOODSContact: Clare Marriage,Salisbury Rd, Hungerford RG17 0RFT: 01488 684880E: [email protected]:WFCP, Bio, Org, FAS, CSA.Products: Farmer, specialist flourmiller and baker est. 1978. Range of20 different flours including organicand wheat/gluten free. Bakeryproduces Fairtrade, organic andwheat/gluten free cookies, cakes andcereal bars. EFSIS certified,VegetarianSoc., Fairtrade Foundation,Vegan Soc.,Ceoliac Soc., Slow Food member.Other outlets: Independents, naturalfood and multiple retailers.
LACOCK BAKERYContact: Jean Sheard, 8 Church St,Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LBT: 01249 730457E: [email protected]: In National Trust village.Bread, cakes, baked on premises,bread made without improvers orpreservatives, low in salt. Specialitybreads, bread pudding, carrot cakeand Lacock Lardies. Also Marshfieldice cream, Cottage Delight preserves,old-fashioned sweets.Opening times:Open all week,10am-5pm.Winter opening forMondays only: from start of Nov until28 Feb 10am-4pm. Baking: Mon,Wed, Fri, and three Sats a month.
MAPLEDURHAMWATERMILLContact: Lola Andrews, The EstateOffice, Mapledurham, nr ReadingRG4 7TRT: 0118 972 3350E: [email protected]:WFCP,WMP, FAS, LEAFProducts:Wholemeal flour from lastworking watermill on Thames,available for visitors or by order fromEstate Office. Open Easter to endSept: Sat, Sun & Bank Hols 2-5pm.
THE OLD FARMHOUSEBAKERYContact: Rodney, Kate or BeccieBitmead, By The Meadow Farm,Steventon OX13 6RPT: 01235 831230E: oldfarmhousebakery@bythemeadowfarm.co.ukwww.theoldfarmhousebakery.co.ukProducts: A Rick Stein Food Heroand artisan bakery producing themost wonderful traditional breads –
crusty oval tops, cottage loaves,spelt, stoneground organicwholemeal; speciality breads –cheese and onion plaits, leven, blackolive and pecan; and, if you’ve asweet tooth, try our lardy cakes orchelsea buns!Opening times:Wed,Thur, Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 8.30am-1pm.
FRUIT
BOURNEVALLEY PICK-YOUR-OWNContact: Daniel Culley, Lone BarnFarm, St Mary Bourne,nr Andover SP11 6AJT: 01264 738888Env-links: FASProducts: Grows and sells soft fruit,strawberries, raspberries andvegetables, such as asparagus,potatoes, beans and carrots.Opening times: May-Sept: Mon-Fri8.30am-7pm, weekends 9am-5pm.
CROSS LANES FRUIT FARMContact: Gillian Franklin,Mapledurham, nr Reading RG4 7UWT: 0118 972 3167E: apples@crosslanesfruitfarm.co.ukwww.crosslanesfruitfarm.co.ukProducts: Family-run fruit farmgrowing 60 varieties of traditionalEnglish apples, plums and pears.Freshly-pressed apple juice and honey.Opening times: End Aug to mid-JanWed-Sat 10am-6pm.Other outlets:Various Farmers’Markets including Reading, Abingdon,Newbury,Wallingford; mail order;internet.
HILDRED’SContact: George Hildred,Spring Leys,Wallingford Road,Goring-on-Thames RG8 0HPT: 01491 874471E: [email protected]: PYO asparagus,strawberries, raspberries,gooseberries, currants, tayberries,loganberries, flowers, when in season.
BEER ,WINE, CIDER
A’BECKETT’SVINEYARDContact: Paul or Lynn Langham,a’Beckett’s Farmhouse, High St,Littleton Pannell, Devizes SN10 4ENT: 01380 816669E: [email protected]: Award-winning Veganfriendly English wine including: Dryand Off Dry White, Rosé, Red andSparkling wines.Opening times: Thurs, Fri andSat,10.30am-4.30pm all year andBank Holidays.Vineyard and OrchardTours are available to organisedgroups and also for schools for moredetails please contact us.Other outlets: Edwin Giddings,Devizes; Thomsons of Pewsey;Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock;Healthy Life Bistro, Devizes;Highclose Farm Shop, Hungerford;Upavon Corner Shop; Red or White,Trowbridge;Wadworth Pubs acrossWiltshire and Berkshire.
ARKELL’S BREWERYContact: James Arkell,Arkell’s Brewery Ltd, Kingsdown,Swindon SN2 7RUT: 01793 823026E: [email protected]: Bees Organic Ale – award-
winning ale range, with New Worldwine as speciality. Oldest Swindonbusiness (164 years), one of only 29family breweries in UK.Victoriansteam brewery using original methods.Opening times: 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri.Deliveries throughout area.Other outlets: Locally,Arkell’s owns105 pubs, three clubs, one off-licence.
BRIGHTWELLVINEYARDContact: Mrs Carol Nielsen,Brightwell Vineyard, Rush Court,Wallingford OX10 8LJT: 01491 836586E: [email protected]: Red and white English wines,six grape varieties on 14-acre vineyard.Wine sales, tours, tastings, nature andvineyard walks Fri-Sun 12-6pm or byprior arrangement.Wine sales also byappointment or mail order.Other outlets: Added Ingredients,Abingdon; The Granary Deli,Watlington; The Oxford WineCompany, Standlake; Millets FarmShop, Frilford Heath; Q Gardens,Steventon;Wellington Farm Shop,Stratfield Saye.
BUTTS BREWERYContact: Chris Butt, Butts Brewery,Northfield Farm, Great Shefford,near Hungerford RG17 7BYT: 01488 648133
E: [email protected]@buttsbrewery.comwww.buttsbrewery.comEnv-links:OrgProducts: Brewing real ales since1994, fully-organic brewer. Operatesfrom converted Dutch Barn.Cask beers: Jester, Traditional, BarbusBarbus.Bottled conditioned: Blackguard,Barbus Barbus, Golden Brown, Coper,Le Butts (lager).Other outlets: Supplies approx. 60freehouse pubs, local supermarkets,specialist off-licences.
LAMBOURNVALLEYCIDER COMPANYContact: Roy Bailey, The Malt House,Great Shefford, Hungerford RG17 7EDT: 01488 648441E: enquiries@lambournvalleycider.co.ukwww.lambournvalleycider.co.ukProducts: Cider-maker producingnatural Berkshire cider and perry fromlocal apples and pears growing within15 miles of Newbury. No visits.Outlets: Cider and perry normally soldonly at outside events such as farmers’markets, shows etc. Increasingemphasis on bottled products.
MOLES BREWERYContact: Roger Catte,5 Merlin Way, Bowerhill, Melksham,Wiltshire SN12 6TJ
T: 01225 704734/708842E: [email protected]: Est. 1982. Brewstraditional ales using locally-maltedMaris Otter malt, and ciders fromlocally-grown apples. Sells throughpubs, clubs, restaurants and events.Products include Molecatcher, TapBitter, Landlord’s Choice, Molennium,Rucking Mole, Best Bitter and BlackRat cider.Opening times: Brewery open 9am-5pm weekdays, 9am-noon Saturday.Other outlets: Nationally throughother brewers, wholesalers.
RAMSBURY BREWERYContact: Darren Golding or AndyMellor, Priory Farm, Axford,Marlborough SN8 2HAT: 01672 541407/07843 289527E: [email protected]:WFCP,WMP, FAS, CSA, FSCProducts: Founded 2004, based informer farm building at Stock CloseFarm, near Axford. Own brewingrecipes use Ramsbury-grown opticbarley and water from estate.Cask beers: Ramsbury Bitter, Gold,Flintknapper, Kennet Valley,Deerhunter, 506.Bottled: Gold, Flintknapper, 506.On site sales Monday-Friday, 9am-4.30pm. Phone for appointment first.
Five mostly putrid fountains laughed partlycleverly. Kermit kisses two wart hogs,although the extremely angst-ridden
television perused obese cats, and Mark marriestwo silly wart hogs, then the bourgeoispawnbrokers perused putrid sheep. The silly dwarfcomfortably auctioned off umpteen obesebotulisms. Five dogs almost cleverly abused twobureaux, but the aardvarks slightly lamelyauctioned off one orifice, although five lampstandscomfortably marries the pawnbrokers. Two dwarvestelephoned one irascible Jabberwocky, andumpteen quite bourgeois elephants untangles one
mat. The tickets towed umpteen orifices, althoughtwo aardvarks auctioned off very silly orifices.
Five fountains untangles Santa Claus, but twoprogressive orifices easily tickled Darin. Onepawnbroker gossips, yet umpteen putrid sheepextremely annoyingly untangles Jupiter, thenWarthogs drunkenly bought umpteen cats. Minnesotaran away easily, then Jupiter laughed, even thoughone ticket noisily kisses almost putrid Macintoshes.Umpteen partly progressive chrysanthemumscleverly auctioned off two poisons. Quarktelephoned orifices. Umpteen very obese fountainsauctioned off five Macintoshes.
FOR FULL PRODUCT DETAILS VISIT WWW.NORTHWESSEXDOWNS.ORG.UK UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 1716 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS FOR FULL PRODUCT DETAILS VISIT WWW.NORTHWESSEXDOWNS.ORG.UK
QGARDENS FARM SHOPContact: Katie Napper, Milton Hill,Steventon, Abingdon OX13 6ABT: 01235 820988Products: Fully stocked farm shop,butchery and PYO seasonal fruitand veg, including asparagus,cherries, strawberries, raspberries,blackberries, currants, gooseberries,plums, greengages, damsons, apples,and pears. Q’s own beef and lamb,locally produced pork, poultry andgame. Plant nursery, bedding andperennial plants, hanging baskets,shrubs and fruit trees. Tea room andchildren’s play area.
MEAT & FISH
BROOKLEAS FISH FARMContact: Tim Lobb, Brookleas, EastHendred, nr Wantage OX12 8LNT: 01235 820500E: [email protected]: Trout farm fed by GingeBrook from local Downs. Smallfarmshop and smokery. Children’sfishing pond. Fly-fishing and livetrout restocking available on request.Member of British Trout Assoc.Opening times: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm.Other outlets: Attends 13 localFarmers’ Markets during year.
CASEY FIELDS FARM SHOP(VICARS GAME)Contact: Alan or Owen Hayward,Casey Fields Farm, off Dog Lane,Ashampstead RG8 8SJT: 01635 579662E: [email protected]
www.vicarsgame.co.ukProducts: Farm shop and butcheryselling high quality local meat atwholesale prices. Beef, pork, lamb,wild boar, venison, poultry, game andexotics (kudu, bison, ostrich,crocodile). Homemade sausages,burgers and bacon. Own-brandsmoked meats. Free-range eggs.Fresh vegetables and salad. Bread.Opening times: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm.Other outlets:Wholesale throughVicars Game to local and Londonrestaurants; Fortnum & Mason; otherfood distributors.
CHERRY ORCHARD MEATSContact: Nick Venters, CherryOrchard Cottage, East Sands,Burbage SN8 3ANT: 01672 810257/07866 452611E: [email protected]: Pork sausages, bacon,gammon, pork or beef freezer packs.Pig feed contains no GM ingredientsor antibiotics (growth promoters).Refrigerated home delivery servicewithin 14-mile radius.Outlets: Farmers’ Markets at Pewsey,
Marlborough; local caterers; retailers.
CHRISTMAS FARMContact: Phil Scrivener, Church Lane,Enborne RG20 0HBT: 01635 569747www.christmasfarm.org.ukProducts: Traditionally reared free-range beef, pork, lamb, duck, goose,chicken, turkey and eggs. Alsospecialist home-cured meats.
DEWS MEADOW FARM SHOPContact: Jane and Andrew Bowler,Oxford Rd, East Hanney OX12 0HPT: 01235 868634E: [email protected]: Traditional home-produced pork, bacon, sausages,burgers, pork-pies, pasties andsausage rolls. Also bread, fruit andveg. Award-winning dry-cured baconand gluten-free products.Opening times:Mon-Sat 8.30am-5pm. Late night Friday 6pm.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets;local shops.
DOWN BARN FARMContact: Mrs Penny Reid,Down Barn Farm, Sparsholt Down,Wantage OX12 9XDT: 01367 820272E: [email protected]:Org,WMP.Products:Organic Shorthorn beefand Tamworth pork on 100-acre(42ha) farm. Horse livery andescorted rides on Downs. Providingagro-tourism via bed andbreakfast/dinner for RidgewayNational Trail visitors.Other outlets: Supermarkets;specialist rare breed butchers.
EASTBROOK FARMSORGANIC MEATContact: Carolyn Curtis, EastbrookFarm, Cues Lane, Bishopstone,Swindon SN6 8PLT: 01793 790460E: orders@helenbrowningorganics.co.ukwww.helenbrowningorganics.co.uEnv-links:OrgProducts: Award-winning organicmeat. Prepared by skilled butchers.National home delivery service.Other outlets: Sainsbury’s and Tescounder Helen Browning brand.
GREENFIELD PORKPRODUCTSContact: Martin and DawnMartindale, Sunnycliff, HighburyRoad, Anna Valley, Andover SP11 7LUT: 01264 359422
E: [email protected]: Free range pork,Wiltshiredry-cured bacon and gammons. Prizewinning sausages in Great HampshireSausage & Pie Competition 2005,2006 and 2007. Hampshire Life BestButcher/Meat Producer 2005.Refrigerated delivery service. Hogroast hire.Other outlets: Hampshire Farmers’Markets; local shops.
KILN MEADOWS FARMContact: Gordon Hedges, Cox’s Lane,Midgham, Reading RG7 5URT: 0118 971 2138Products: Prime quality beef frompedigree Highland cattle. All beefhung on bone for three weeks tomaximise flavour and tenderness.Visit by appointment.Other outlets: Farmers’ Marketat Newbury.
ROYAL BERKSHIRE PORKContact: Russell Kilvington, Tamarisk,Pudding Ln, Brightwalton RG20 7BYT: 01488 638155E: info@royalberkshirepork.co.ukwww.royalberkshirepork.co.ukEnv-links: FASProducts: Accredited RSPCA FreedomFood pig breeder retailing own-brandpork products – sausages, bacon,gammons. Russell farms 40 acres offree-range pigs and is a formerMeridian TVYoung Entrepreneur oftheYear in South-East.Other outlets: Local shops;supermarkets; caterers; also Waitroseand Sainsbury’s.
NORTHMOORTRUSTFOR COUNTRYSIDECONSERVATIONContact: Rachael Lee, Hill Farm,Little Wittenham OX14 4QZT: 01865 408196E: [email protected]:WFCP,WMP, CSA, LEAF, BioProducts: Lamb and sheepskin rugs,born and reared on Trust’s farmwhere animal welfare, wildlifeconservation and environmental bestpractice are given high-priority.Visit
by appointment.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets.
SANDRIDGE FARMHOUSEBACON LTDContact: Mrs R. Keen, SandridgeFarm, Bromham, nr ChippenhamSN15 2JLT: 01380 850304E: [email protected]: Speciality hams;Wiltshirenaturally-smoked and dry-curedbacon; sausages. Home-rearedAberdeen Angus and Hereford beef.Opening times: Farm Shop openTue-Sat 10am-5pm.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets atDevizes and Wanborough;independent butchers; delicatessens;caterers; farm shops.
SHEEPDROVEORGANIC FARMContact: Sales Team,Warren Farm,Lambourn RG17 7UUT: 01488 674747E: [email protected]:WFCP, Bio,WMP, Org, CSAProducts: Award-winning traditionalmixed farm producing organic beef,lamb, mutton, pork and free-rangechicken. Home delivery direct from
the farm.Opening times:Onsite shop onFarm Open Days only.Visits byappointment.Other outlets:Website; telesales;wholesale; Sheepdrove Organic FarmFamily Butchers at Bristol and MaidaVale, London.
STARK HOUSE FARMContact: Mrs Frances Paget,Stark House Farm, Goose Hill,Headley, Thatcham RG19 8ART: 01635 268205E: [email protected]: CSAProducts: Rare-breed Saddlebackpork, bacon and sausages. Farm salesavailable, telephone first.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets atNewbury and Winchester.
SWAN INN (ORGANICSHOP & RESTAURANT)Contact: Mrs Mary Harris, The SwanInn Lower Green, Inkpen RG17 9DXT: 01488 668326E: enquiries@theswannin-organics.co.ukwww.theswaninn-organics.co.ukEnv-links:Org, CSA, FASProducts: Village shop, pub andhotel which serves meals cookedusing mainly organic ingredients. All
meat organic (hung and butcheredon premises). Pub meals all week. Ala carte restaurant Wed-Sat, Sundaylunch. Shop Wed-Fri 11am-2.30pm,weekend 11am-3pm.Won theRSPCA Good Business Award 2007.
WCUMBER & SON(THEALE)/RUSHALL FARMContact: John Bishop, Rushall Farm,Scratchface Lane, Bradfield RG7 6DLT: 0118 974 4547www.rushallfarm.org.ukEnv-links:WFCP, Bio,WMP, Org, CSA,FASProducts: 350-hectare farm,producing organic lamb, beef.Provides educational environmentalvisits through the John Simonds Trustand Open Days, including lambing,bluebell walks and family events.Other outlets: Farm sales;WickcroftFarm Shop; Cumbers Farm Shop,Marcham.
PLANTS & SEEDS
ENGLEFIELDGARDEN CENTREContact: Miss Janet Smith,The Street, Englefield, nr Theale,Reading RG7 5ES
T: 0118 930 4898Products: Charity-run garden centreproviding training for people withdisablilities. Produces high qualitybedding and herbaceous plants.Opening times:Mon-Sat 9am-5pm,Sun May-June 12-4pm.
FLOWER FARMSContact: Bob Anderson,Carvers Hill Farm, Shalbourne,Marlborough SN8 3PST: 01672 870782E: [email protected]: FAS, CSAProducts:Wildflower seed andnative plants. Open daily, May-Aug.View wildflower seed crops, restoredmeadows/other habitat, with naturetrails. Free admission and car parking.Consultancy service available.Other outlets: Mail order,brochure available.
MEADOWMAKERContact: Sue Everett, 122 DerwentRoad, Thatcham RG19 3UPT: 01635 847164E: [email protected]:Wild-harvested seed, bycontract only, for re-creating nativegrassland (lowland meadow/
Many producers workingwithin the NorthWessex
DownsAONB pride themselves onthe quality of their produce andtheir concern for the environmentin which they operate.They realise that their type of
work, the way they operate andthe careful management of theirlocal environment are cruciallylinked with the ongoing wellbeingof the AONB and the futuresuccess of their businesses.Many of them have
demonstrated this by joiningassurance schemes.These arehighlighted in our list as“Env-Links”.
Setting highstandards
KeyWFCP:Whole FarmConservation Plan:Dedicated, tailor-mademanagement plan forall aspects of a farm,dependant on its farmtype, location andhabitat, wildlife value.
WMP:WoodlandManagement Plan:Provides tailoredmanagement advicefor a particularwoodland or complexof woodlands.
Org:Organic Schemes:Mainly addresschemical inputs;fertiliser, pesticide usein crops and veterinarymedicines in livestockproduction.
FAS: Farm AssuranceScheme:Voluntaryschemes establishingproduction standardscovering food safety,environmental protec-tion, animal welfare,and other importantconsumer issues. Eg.British Farm standardwith red tractor logo.
Demeter: Certifiedfood comes withbiodynamic farmingwhich is ecological andholistic. It takesaccount of the soil,plants and animals, andthe influence of themoon and stars.
CSA: CountrysideStewardship Agree-ment: Through CSAschemes the govern-ment makes paymentto farmers and landmanagers to enhanceand conservelandscapes, wildlife,history and help peopleenjoy them.
Criteria for directoryinclusion: Productionsite must be located, orproduct must be grown,reared or harvestedwithin the AONB orwithin five miles of theAONB border. Productmust be available locally.All information has beenprovided by theproducers and neitherthe publishers nor NorthWessex DownsAONBaccept any responsibilityfor any errors orommissions.
FOR FULL PRODUCT DETAILS VISIT WWW.NORTHWESSEXDOWNS.ORG.UK UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 1918 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS FOR FULL PRODUCT DETAILS VISIT WWW.NORTHWESSEXDOWNS.ORG.UK
calcareous grassland); consultancyfor Farm Environment Plans andEnvironmental Stewardship. Inst. ofEcology and Env. Management; FloraLocale’s Code of Practice forSupplying Native Flora.
WANBOROUGH HERBNURSERYContact: Bob and Peter Biggs,Wanborough Herb Nursery,Callas Hill, Upper Wanborough,Swindon SN4 0AET: 01793 790327E: [email protected]: Retail nursery with displaygardens promoting interest in herbsand their uses. Also unusual orforgotten plants. Site chemically freesince 1983. Garden design service.Other 0utlets: Farmers’ Markets;shows; garden club talks.
PRESERVES
ARCHERS COUNTRYCHUTNEYSContact: Jane Archer,Tanglewood, 3 Ermin Close, Baydon,Marlborough SN8 2JQT: 01672 540534Products: Gold Award-winningsauces and chutneys (Guild of FineFood Retailers ‘Great Taste’ Awards),all using Jane’s personally-developednatural recipes. Locally-grownproduce used where possible. Noartificial additives, colourings orpreserves used.Other outlets: Farm shops; butchers;independent local retailers.
ATKINS & POTTSContact: NicolaYoung, Unit 3,Studland Est., Gore, End Rd, Ball Hill,Newbury RG20 0PWT: 01635 254249E: [email protected]: Savoury jams, relishes,classic condiments. Hand-made torecipes devised by local Berkshirefamilies. Also wide range of kitchenessentials. Online and site sales.Delivery to the door.Other outlets:Wickcroft, Highclose,and Wellington Farm Shops; La PetiteFromagerie, Marlborough; TheHealthy Life, Devizes.
CHURCH LANE FOODCOMPANYContact: Jean Semlyen, 15 ChurchLane,Wallingford OX10 0DXT: 01491 833320Products: Environmentally-awareproducer of home-made traditionalfruit and vegetable preserves, jams,jellies, marmalades, chutneys. Mostingredients grown locally, withoutchemicals.Visit by appointment.Outlet:Wallingford localproducers’ market.
LIZZIE’S LARDERContact: Liz Barnett, 10 Inkpen Rd,Kintbury RG17 9TUT: 01488 658450E: [email protected]: Hand-made jams,marmalades, chutneys and quichesmade in small batches, wherepossible from home-grown or localproduce. Home-made healthy dogbiscuits also available.
Other outlets: Local shops; shows;markets; monthly volunteer lunches.
ROSEMARY’S PRESERVES &HIGHGATE JUICESContact: Rosemary and John Tuck,Highgate Farm,Wootton BassettSN4 8DTT: 01793 850999E: [email protected]:Wide range of home-madejams, chutneys, marmalades andjellies, also apple juice andelderflower cordial. As much localAONB fruit and ingredients used aspossible. Contract service to press,pasteurise and bottle juices fromsurplus fruit.Visit by appointment.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets inWootton Bassett, Marlborough (alsoMarlborough Arts and Crafts, StPeter’s Church),Wanborough, Calne,Devizes and Swindon.
SUSIE’S PRESERVES LTDContact: Susie Kensett, Unit A, ColdAsh Farm, Long Lane, Hermitage,Newbury, Berkshire RG18 9LTT: 07909 995353E: [email protected]: Hand-cooked chutneys,jams, jellies, marmalades usingoriginal recipes created by SusieKensett and, where possible, usinglocal AONB ingredients.Other outlets:Village and farmshops; butchers; delicatessens;healthfood shops; selected craftand country shows; order on-linevia website.
SILK & HONEY
NEWBURY ANDDISTRICT BEEKEEPERSContact: Mike OliverT: 01635 201470www.newburyandwantagebeekeepers.btinternet.co.ukProducts: Local honey and hiveproducts in Newbury and Wantageareas. Produce sold through localshops, shows and fetes.
WHITCHURCH SILK MILLContact: Stephen Bryer, 28Winchester St,Whitchurch RG28 7ALT: 01256 892065E: [email protected]: 200-year-old water millon River Test weaving silk on historicmachinery. Self service tearoomoffering range of cakes and
sandwiches. Picnickers welcome.Shop sells unique silk gifts,accessories. Temporary exhibitionsthroughout the year and children’sactivities during school hols.Opening times: Tues-Sun 10.30am-5pm (except Christmas). Lastadmission 4.15pm.
WOOD & TREES
GEORGE MEDLINWOODWORKSContact: George Medlin, The MedlinWorkshop, Little Hidden Farm,Wantage Rd, Hungerford RG17 0PNT: 07881 570301/01672 811886E: [email protected]: Bespoke furnitureusing local AONB, British andEuropean woods.Commissioned work: Specialises inindividually designed furniturecrafted to suit all homes, styles andclient requirements. Medlin-designedtraditional specimen pieces available.Visit by appointment only.
MARNIE MOYLE & GREENOAK FURNITUREContact: Marnie Moyle, 1 CatmoreRoad,West Ilsley RG20 7ATT: 01635 281786E: [email protected]: Marnie’s simple, sturdyoutdoor designs use locallyharvested unseasoned green oak,which is expected to shrink or distortto add uniqueness and character.Each piece is additionally carved withwords or designs, and the site-originof the wood used is carved on theunderside of the bespoke work. Allfurniture is made to commission.
STICKS & STONESContact: Garp or Liis Flack,North Lodge, Shaw Farm, Lockeridge,nr Marlborough SN8 4LUT: 01672 861336E: [email protected]: Bespoke handmadekitchenware such as individually-designed chopping blocks andcheeseboards made from blocks oflocally sourced timber and rock.Other outlets: Marlborough HighStreet market (Weds and Sat);website.
YATTENDON ESTATE LTDContact: Alastair Jeffrey, The Estate
Office,Yattendon RG18 OUYT: 01635 203905www.yattendon.co.ukEnv-links:WFCP, Bio,WMP, FAS, CSA,LEAF, FSCProducts: Christmas trees, seasonaldecorations, associated fare.Foresters’ yard.Opening times: Dec 9am-6pm,otherwise by appointment.
VARIOUS
BROMHAMGROWERSContact: Ross Paget, BromhamGrowers Ltd, Barley Close Farm,Bromham, Chippenham SN15 2JAT: 01380 859891www.bromhamgrowers.co.ukProducts:Wholesale operationproducing freshly prepared andwhole vegetables and fruit grownmainly on farms in Bromham.Operates six days a week at BarleyClose Farm. Produce sold all over UK.All farms under Assured ProduceScheme.
EVERLEIGH FARM SHOPContact: David Hammerson,Old Rectory Farm, Everleigh,Marlborough SN8 3EYT: 01264 850344E: [email protected]: Farm shop anddelicatessen. Sells local beef, pork,lamb, poultry, and oven-ready gamein season. Also fresh fruit, vegetables,dairy produce, fresh bread and wines.Opening times: Mon-Sat 8am-4pm;late opening Thurs and Fri until 5pm.Other outlets: Smithfield Marketand major poulterers in London;Selfridges; top restaurants and hotelsthroughout country; website sales.
GARLANDS ORGANICContact: Innes and HannahBallantyne, 6 Reading Road,Pangbourne RG8 7LYT: 0118 984 4770www.garlandsorganic.co.ukEnv-links:OrgProducts:Over 1,500 organic andnatural products including localbread, honey, meat, cheese. Alsoorganic fruit and vegetable retailer.Opening times: Tues-Fri 9am-5.30pm; Mon and Sat 9am-5pm.
HANNEY COMMUNITYSHOP & POST OFFICEContact: Mrs A.P.Vickars, Brookside,East Hanney,Wantage OX12 0HUT: 01235 867408Products:Wide range of local meat,free-range eggs, honey, fruit andvegetables. Also groceries, householdgoods, stationery, greetings cards andsmall toys.Village store establishedfor more than 20 years.
HAMSTEAD GROWERS LTDContact: Keith Webb,Red Hill, Hamstead Marshall,Newbury RG20 0JLT: 01635 254091E: [email protected]: Plants, equestrian supplies,feeds, bedding, arena for hire, leatherrepairs.Opening times: May-Oct Mon-Sat8am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm; Nov-Apr 8am-5pm, Sun 10am-1pm.
Products: English asparagus.Outlets: Local stores.
MAPLELEAFWATERCRESSContact: Alison Brown, ‘Parrotts’,Greywell Road, Mapledurwell,Basingstoke RG25 2LST: 01256 464221/400368E: [email protected]: Suppliers of traditionalbunched watercress available fromthe site daily to trade outlets andthe public.Other outlets: Local Farmers’Markets.
OGGVALLEY ORGANICSContact: Tracy Gough, 1 WestfieldFarm, Ogbourne-St-George,Marlborough SN8 1SXT: 05601 159971E: oggvalleyorganic@btconnect.comwww.oggvalleyorganics.co.ukEnv-links:WFCP, Bio, OrgProducts: Family-run business est.in 1999 as organic, chemical-free210-acre vegetable farm. Seasonalroot, brassica and salad vegetables.Farm sales: 9am-5pm. Local boxedorder deliveries.Other Outlets: Farmers’ Marketat Newbury.
TOLHURST ORGANICPRODUCEContact: Iain Tolhurst,West Lodge,Hardwick,Whitchurch-on-Thames,Pangbourne RG8 7RAT: 0118 984 3428E: [email protected]:WFCP, Bio, Org, CSAProducts: Established in 1976,growers and distributors of organicvegetables. Operate a three-sizeveggie-box delivery scheme inReading and Oxford areas.Won ‘LocalBox Scheme of theYear 2000’ awardfrom Soil Assoc. Finalists in the BBCradio 4 Food and Farming, Farmerof the year 2007.
YATESBURY ORGANIC FARMContact: Richard Gantlett,GR Gantlett & Son,Yatesbury HouseFarm, nr Calne SN11 8YFT: 01672 539039www.yatesbury.netEnv-links:WFCP, Bio, Org, FAS, CSAProducts: Home-grown mixedseasonal vegetables and pedigreeAberdeen Angus beef produced inrotation with cereals.
If you would like a FREE listing in our next Product Directory call 01488 685440 or email [email protected]
20 UP!ONTHE NORTHWESSEX DOWNS
On the A338 about three miles out ofHungerford on the way to Salisburyyou’ll see, on the left-hand side of the
road, a neat farm sign saying ‘Prosperous HomeFarm’. That’s all it is – a farm sign. There’s nothingabout it that signifies the vital part ProsperousHome Farm has played in the history of farming.It was the test bed where one Jethro Tull
developed the very first horse-drawn seed drilland the horse hoe. His name is linked with ‘Turnip’Townshend, more formally known as 2ndViscountCharles Townshend of Raynham, Norfolk; ‘Turnip’because he popularised the use of root cropsin crop rotations. He, Jethro Tull and a handfulof other pioneers at that time in the 18th century,revolutionised British agriculture.Today’s Prosperous Home Farm is a delightful
spot, 300 acres of rolling Berkshire countryside, thehome to a herd of pedigree Guernsey cows, themilk from which is sold off the farm either as milk,unpasteurised blue cheese, yoghurt, crème fraicheor cream.The farm has a stall at several farmers’markets and anyone can call in at the farmyard tomake a purchase. If there is no-one about to takeyour money, an honesty box provides a mute butpersuasive reminder.Prosperous Home Farm is bisected by several
footpaths. In the autumn walkers have a goodchance of seeing a modern seed drill – a directdescendant of Jethro Tull’s invention – forgingacross chocolate-brown fields behind a tractor thepower of which would have been unimaginable inJethro Tull’s day.In the spring, the legacy of this agricultural writer,
farmer and barrister is plain to see as rows of green
fingers poke through the soil. Before JethroTull, cropswere broadcast by hand from shallow baskets. Someseeds or grains remained on the surface, others weretoo close together to allow the efficient eradicationof weeds. His unique invention, however, buriedevery seed in its proper space and allowed thepassing of a horse hoe between the rows.Both the farm and the herd of Guernseys are
managed by Mr Derek Moody for the farm owners,Mr and Mrs Rod Kent. Acting as herdsman to 130-140 cattle (around 85 in-milk cows, the restfollowers) is usually regarded as a full-time job, but
Tullingthe land
workers into the cream, yoghurt, and crème fraicheon which Prosperous Home Farm has built itsenviable reputation.It is obvious that Mr Kent, the owner, regards
himself as custodian of his patch of countryside.Thefarmstead is as neat as a new pin and the road thatthreads through the farm is better surfaced andmaintained than any country lane. Hedges, fencesand buildings are ‘all up together’ and MountProsperous, the big house, looks over a manicuredlawn that only narrowly misses being a small field.It would be nice to be able to report that Jethro
In the spring, the legacy of this agriculturalwriter, farmer and barrister is plain to see asrows of green fingers poke through the soilDerek Moody runs the farm too – with the help ofan assistant-cum-tractor driver – and has done sofor the past 26 years. He grows 20 acres of foragemaize, 20 acres of malting barley – the spentgrains return to the farm for cattle feed –, 45 acresof wheat and 215 acres of grass of which 60 acresis down to three-year leys.The cows return a very respectable average of
1,000gal on a diet comprising a mix of grass andmaize silage plus caustic-treated home-grownwheat that is fed just once a day.Derek Moody’s day starts at 5am. Milking the
cows through a 5/10 herringbone parlour (5/10means five milking machines serving 10 stalls)takes two-and-a-half hours. By midday all of thatmorning’s milk has been turned by three dairy
Tull lived in that big house or that he spent hisentire life at Prosperous Home Farm. In fact he wasborn in Upper Basildon, Berkshire in 1674. In 1699he was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn but neverpracticed. Instead he married and began farmingon his father’s land at Howbery, Crowmarsh GiffordnearWallingford. It was there, in about 1701, thathe invented and perfected his seed drill and beganexperimenting with his new system of sowing indrills or rows.In 1709 he and his family moved to Prosperous
Home Farm. From 1711 to 1714 he travelled inFrance and Italy studying how continental farmersused farmyard manure and how they tilled theirvarious soils. He returned to Prosperous HomeFarm to continue his experiments. He died in 1741.It is thought by some historians that his house
was located at the far end of the lawn. There’snothing there now, but the spot would make anideal setting for a statue of the great man. He’dlook very impressive from the windows of MountProsperous and he’d be able to gaze out over theNorthWessex Downs countryside that owes himso much.
Above: Derek Moody, manager of Prosperous Home Farm,near Hungerford, Berkshire with some of the farm’s herdof pedigree Guernseys.They yield an average of about4,500 litres of milk that is sold directly off the farm ascream, yoghurt, cheese, crème fraiche and full-cream milk.Left: This is replica of Jethro Tull’s original drill made byReading University the BBC television programme ‘Whatthe Stuarts did for us’, fronted by Adam Hart-Davies.
The North Wessex Downs owesmuch of its character to farming –over the years it has enhanced andprotected the area’s landscape.
The unassuming exterior of afarm near Hungerford, Berkshire,gives nothing away of itscelebrated past, and the eventswhich changed British agriculturalprocesses forever, thanks largelyto a man named Jethro Tull.
UP!ONTHE NORTHWESSEX DOWNS 21
Many organisations and individuals are involved inmanaging the landscape of the NorthWessexDowns AONB so that it retains its natural beauty.
Many more are involved in researching and helping others tolearn about and enjoy this special landscape.
The Council of Partners is the formal ‘Board’ for overseeingthe management of this area. It brings together all the interestsin the NorthWessex Downs. It consists of governmentagencies, local authorities, land managers, local communities,and conservation, recreation and heritage interests.
The NorthWessex Downs AONB team advises the Councilof Partners, and implements its decisions and policies. Itundertakes activity on behalf of the Council of Partners toprotect and enhance the natural beauty of this landscape.Much of the work of the team is in collaboration with a widerange of individuals and organisations. Articles in thismagazine highlight several of these projects, and the itemsbelow give a small flavour of our work. For more information,please see www.northwessexdowns.org.uk.
News
ArableARABLE farming is an important feature ofthe NorthWessex Downs.We are workingwith groups of farmers to look after ourrare arable flowers, such as shepherd’sneedle, and wildlife such as harvest mice.Managing hotspots of importance for rarearable wildlife, archaeology, waterprotection and rights of way will lead toadditional benefits for farmers throughimproved soil management.
LEADER funding bidLEADER is a European funding programme which could deliver a range of newactivities in the NorthWessex Downs. Land managers, communities,conservation groups and businesses could benefit from funding for projectssuch as community–based renewable energy schemes, farm diversification,and landscape and wildlife management projects.Our bid for funding was shaped by the views of a wide range
of people gathered at open meetings, and we submitted it inJanuary 2008. If successful, we will be launching the schemeduring the summer of 2008. Please visit the LEADER pages on ourwebsite www.northwessexdowns.org.uk for more information.
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22 UP!ONTHE NORTHWESSEX DOWNS
HUNDREDS of people and a whole host ofwildlife are enjoying the NorthWessexDowns AONB thanks to SustainableDevelopment Fund grants.During the 2007-2008 scheme, a total of
£63,000 was awarded in grants to 18 projects,all of them helping to deliver the NorthWessex DownsAONB Management Plan.Several projects are helping people to get
out into the landscape and find out moreabout it. These include:• Walking the NorthWessex Downs, a bookof four circular walks linked to displays intheWiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes(see article on page 5).• Vale of Pewsey Landscape and GeologyTrail shows how the underlying geologyaffects the natural landscape and way inwhich people use it.Wiltshire GeologyGroup provides a detailed interpretationto guide visitors.• Improved access for all in Lambourn, aproject run byWest Berkshire Council,installed special gates to enable peoplewith wheelchairs and pushchairs to enjoya footpath on the Downs at Lambourn.
Our native wildlife are benefiting too.See articles on page 8 for more informationabout some of these projects:• WiltshireWildlife Trust is busy restoringhabitats for water voles on the Kennet& Avon Canal and in the River Kennet.
• Dozens of new nature detectives havediscovered bats, beetles, birds and muchmore with the Richmond FellowshipWiltshire Outreach group on Mud Laneand in Marlborough.• Children in twoWiltshire primary schoolsraised hundreds of brown trout from eggs,watched them grow and then releasedthem into the River Kennet.• Barn Owl conservation projects in the Pang,Kennet and LambournValleys celebratedtheir success with a series of workshops todemonstrate how the projects work, andencourage more of these graceful birds tolocal fields and farm buildings inWiltshire,Oxfordshire and Hampshire.• Hedges inWest Berkshire are shaping upnicely to be new homes for birds and otherwildlife thanks to the hedgelaying andcoppicing work carried out by Pang, Ken-net and LambournValleys Farming andWildlife Advisory Group.
Projects run by parish and communitygroups received grants.• Goring and Streatley Sustainability Groupreceived funding from the NorthWessexDowns and Chilterns AONBs to supportthe feasibility study into a Hydro-powerscheme on the River Thames, which is theboundary between the two AONBs.• Hampshire and Isle ofWightWildlife Trustcarried out a project to engage more
people in local conservation planningwhen they are developing Parish Plans.• Thanks to the efforts of the geology groupfor Berkshire, there is now a HampshireRIGS group committed to finding andmapping Regionally Important Geologicaland Geomorphological Sites within thatpart of the NorthWessex Downs AONB.• Children inWest Berkshire have learnt howto cook with local produce and find outwhere their food comes from in a LocalFood for All project run by HampshireCountry Learning and Fit2Cook (see articleon page 12).
The Sustainable Development Fund hasdistributed a total of £223,000 in grantssince its inception in 2005.To find outabout grants this year, go towww.northwessexdowns.org.uk and clickon Funding and Grants.
Grants open new vistas for everyone
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THE NorthWessex Downs ManagementPlan is nearly five years old, and we havebeen reviewing its implementation.TheManagement Plan is not just for the NorthWessex Downs AONB team; it guides theactivity of all who live and work in theprotected landscape, to help conserve andenhance its natural beauty.Our review shows that a third of the
actions have been completed, with work wellunderway on implementing over two-thirdsof the remaining actions.This is a remarkableachievement by many organisations andindividuals in a very short time.
The Council of Partners is now lookingto the future.We are building on the firmfoundation provided by the currentManagement Plan, and planning forchallenges such as climate change andhelping develop a healthier society.The NorthWessex Downs AONB teamis leading the development of the nextfive-year Management Plan which willbe published in early 2009. If you wishto be involved, please see the ManagementPlan pages on the NorthWessex DownsAONB website:www.northwessexdowns.org.uk.
Management Plan ReviewHistoricLandscapeCharacterisationA GREATER understanding of the reasons behindhistoric land use decisions can contributetowards better planning decisions today.
Looking at the historic elements of our modernlandscape the Historic Landscape Characterisationdata aims to improve our understanding of wheretraditional land use, settlement patterns and historiclandscape features survive.This will help planningofficers, local historians, educators and parishcouncils understand the special characteristics of ourvaried and distinct landscapes.
