WILTSHIRE WEST UP!

ON THE NORTH DOWNS

Mike Robinson The TV chef on life out of the limelight in Ridgeway walks Local Products and rural rambles Directory Step-by-step walks through Find your nearest bakery, picture-postcard scenery brewery or beehive Kennet and Avon Canal Celebrating 200 years

A GUIDE TO THE ATTRACTIONS, LEISURE ACTIVITIES, WAYS OF LIFE AND HISTORY OF THE – AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY 2010 For Wining and Dining, indoors or out The Furze Bush Inn provides TheThe FurzeFurze BushBush formal and informal dining come rain or shine. Ball Hill, Near Newbury Welcome Just 2 miles from Wayfarer’s Walk in the elcome to one of the most beautiful, amazing and varied parts of . The North Wessex village of Ball Hill, The Furze Bush Inn is one Front cover image: Downs was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1972, which means of Newbury’s longest established ‘Food Pubs’ White Horse, Cherhill. Wit deserves the same protection by law as National Parks like the Lake District. It’s the job of serving Traditional English Bar Meals and an my team and our partners to work with everyone we can to defend, protect and enrich its natural beauty. excellent ‘A La Carte’ menu every lunchtime Part of the attraction of this place is the sheer variety – chances are that even if you’re local there are from Noon until 2.30pm, from 6pm until still discoveries to be made. Exhilarating chalk downs, rolling expanses of wheat and barley under huge 9.30pm in the evening and all day at skies, sparkling chalk streams, quiet river valleys, heaths, commons, pretty villages and historic market weekends and bank holidays towns, ancient forest and more... everyone will have their favourite place. As a newcomer, hardly a week passes but I discover another hidden gem. My favourite so far has Our Bars are Open All Day Every Day to be the southern reaches of the North Wessex Downs, with their secret valleys, quiet hamlets and We have 10 Ensuite Air Conditioned folding chalk hills crowned with magnificent woods. Bedrooms and a small Conference Room, Beautiful landscapes like these were made by people – at Avebury you can walk in a landscape visibly all with Complimentary Wifi Access inhabited by our ancestors for 5,000 years. Today it’s vital we find ways of reconciling modern prosperity with conservation of what we’ve inherited. Particularly in economically tough times, there’s always The Furze Bush Inn, Ball Hill, Newbury. RG20 0NQ. pressure to trade off what’s beautiful for short-term profit. To misquote Thomas Jefferson, the price of beauty is eternal vigilance. Part of what AONBs are for is to show that beauty really can bring Tel 01635 253228 prosperity, and tourism is a key part of that. www.furzebushinn.co.uk So ‘Welcome’, I hope you enjoy this fabulous place, and thank you for your part in protecting it for the future. DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7NJ 01235 817200 [email protected] www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Henry Oliver, Acting Director, Recreating the golden age of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Great Western Railway with wonderfully restored steam locomotives. Featuring the original 1932 built GWR four road shed, in full working condition. With other original GWR buildings and structures, including the coaling stage with 75,000 gallon water tank atop. (both working) Also a country station, signal box, and Produced for the Contact us transfer shed. North Wessex Downs AONB • 20 former GWR steam by Fellows Media Ltd North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty locomotives, including a Run, Walk and Cycle The Gallery, Manor Farm, T: 01488 685440 working (on special occasions) Southam, Cheltenham, E: [email protected] replica broad gauge (7 ft) locomotive, dating from 1840. through the heart of Gloucestershire GL52 3PB. www.northwessexdowns.org.uk • Learn about machines that changed the world, in the T: 01242 259241 interactive Science, Learning and Railways Exhibition E: [email protected] • Over 40 mostly GWR coaches. Over 50 mostly GWR wagons. ...landscapes aplenty www.fellowsmedia.com Four cranes. Carriage and wagon works. Contents • Working turntable, with demonstrations on steam days. Every effort has been made to 3 Welcome and Contents 12 Map your • Special events include Thomas, & GWR175 events during 2010. ensure the accuracy of the Sunday 2nd May 2010 North Wessex Downs visit Regular steam days during the year. Open every weekend, and daily contents and the publisher 4 News most school holidays. Telephone or refer to website for details. cannot accept liability for any 6 Ridgeway rambles 14 Landscaping the future • GWR small relics museum. Café. Shop. Picnic area. Register online at www.wiltshirewildlife.org error or omissions. 8 Walks in West Berks and 15 Supporting sustainability Reproduction of any part of RECREATING THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE or call 01380 725670 Hampshire 16 LEADER for rural economy this publication without GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY permission is forbidden. 10 Horseriding on the Downs 17 Feast of Local Products Registered Charity No 272616 26 miles, 15 miles, 11 miles or 7 mile routes 11 Kennet and Avon Canal 22 Wild food with Mike Robinson

2 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 3 200 years old and News still moving along 2010 marks the 200th anniversary of the Kennet & Avon Canal’s opening, celebrated with numerous public events. otable among them is the re-enactment Non 5 June of the opening of the canal from to Great Bedwyn. It marks the occasion on 2 July 1799 when a 50-ton barge laden with Wildlife Trusts ‘coals and deals’ arrived at Great Bedwyn Wharf. According to a description of the day, ‘a large Celebrate Biodiversity number of the inhabitants of Hungerford’ were on board and accompanied the barge. They were received at Great Bedwyn ‘with great Celebrate the rich diversity of life on Earth this year by demonstrations of joy’. visiting nature reserves managed by local wildlife trusts. From 15 July to 30 September Museum in Newbury is staging an exhibition about 010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, anniversary in 2010. You can take part in events the history of the canal, and the work of countless 2when many organisations including museums, at the Trust’s reserves including Hungerford Marsh, volunteers and engineers to restore the near-derelict theatre companies, protected landscapes and wildlife Common and other locations listed on waterway during the latter half of the 20th century. trusts are encouraging us to learn more about the www.bbowt.org.uk or call the head office on Oxfordshire’s ancient hidden secrets revealed in Geotrail Other events will take place in , at Caen rich tapestry of life around us. 01865 775476. Hill where a flight of 16 locks lift the canal up a very Here in the North Wessex Downs AONB you can Spring and summer are good times to visit steep hill, and in , Bath, Reading and . discover why biodiversity is important for a healthy Hungerford Marsh nature reserve which is a refuge The celebrations culminate on 28 December with environment, and enjoy getting involved in hands-on for a rich array of wetland birds and wild flowers. The Oxfordshire Geotrail, Starting from the Northmoor Trust at Little during the later Ice Ages. Many houses in a grand party at Caen Hill, Devizes on the exact activities to monitor and conserve the local wildlife. More than 120 species of birds have been recorded a new circular route starting Wittenham the trail begins on the chalk hills of Shillingford village are built of chalk clunch, a anniversary of the day when the canal was opened. Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire at this riverside setting. Look out for heron, water and finishing at Wittenham , also known as the Sinodun Hills, building material that flakes and weathers. The For more information visit www.katrust.org and Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is celebrating its 50th rail, kingfisher, little grebe, moorhen and mute swans. and descends to the Thames valley. After crossing the trail goes through Little Wittenham Wood where look for K&A 200 Celebrations. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Clumps and incorporating the river, the route goes towards Dorchester across fine- ponds are fed by springs at the base of the Upper The Kennet & Avon Canal is a significant Wiltshire Wildlife Trust also host public events Thames Path, gives a unique grained dark brown alluvial soil. Greensand, and climbs up Castle Hill where an waterway for wildlife, culture and heritage. There are throughout their areas. For information about events The nearby Dyke Hills are the ramparts for an Iron uprooted tree reveals high level river gravels seven Scheduled Ancient Monuments and hundreds in Hampshire visit www.hwt.org.uk or call 01489 view of the complex diversity Age settlement. In 1870 Augustus Pitt Rivers saved formed during one of the earlier Ice Ages. of listed buildings on or alongside the canal, 774400. For events in Wiltshire visit of soil in this part of the these ramparts from total destruction. He was so The Oxfordshire Geotrail is just under six miles including Crofton Pumping Station. Turn to page www.wiltshirewildlife.org or call 01380 725670. North Wessex Downs AONB. incensed by a local farmer’s desire to plough them long and uses public footpaths. The Northmoor Trust 11 to find out more about this important waterway. For more information about the International up that he started a national campaign to protect serves refreshments in the Poem Tree café which is Year of Biodiversity visit www.biodiversityislife.net he Geotrail, created by Oxfordshire Geology ancient sites. This led to the first legislation to close to Project Timescape, a fascinating exhibition TTrust as part of a national geotrail funded by protect archaeology and his appointment as the that explores the history of the local landscape and Natural England, was launched in February. first Inspector of Ancient Monuments. how the landscape might respond to a changing Our Forum A map and details of the Geotrail are available to The eastern end of the Dyke Hills reveals chalky climate. Visit www.northmoortrust.co.uk for This year’s North Wessex download from www.northwessexdowns.org.uk gravels derived from Jurassic limestones deposited directions to the Northmoor Trust’s car park. Downs AONB Forum will be held in October.

The outstanding natural beauty of the North Wessex Downs ach year the Forum encourages people Be inspired by inspires many artists who portray the open downland, wildlife, Ewho are interested in the management rivers and villages through paintings, sculptures, jewellery, textiles, and development of the North Wessex beautiful art Downs AONB to discuss topical issues. ceramics and photography. Henry Oliver, acting Director, explains: “The Forum is an excellent opportunity for us his year Newbury Open Studios festival runs the colourful roadside signs which promote the Marlborough Open Studios, or MOS, runs every to explain and discuss what we are doing with Tfrom 1 to 30 May and includes many artists festival. Groups such as The Astons’ Artists exhibit weekend in July in conjunction with other cultural residents and representatives of a huge range living and working in the North Wessex Downs work inspired by the ancient landscapes around events in the town, including the Jazz Festival on of different organisations and businesses within landscapes of west Berkshire and north the villages of Aston Tirrold and Aston Upthorpe. 17 and 18 July. the North Wessex Downs. We will highlight Hampshire. The directory of Newbury Open Now in its 19th year, Artweeks is the largest For more information visit these websites: what we and our partners have achieved in the Studios will be available in libraries, tourist visual art festival in the county. • Newbury Open Studios: first year of the new Management Plan, and information centres, shops and galleries from Hungerford and District Community Arts www.openstudios.org.uk preview plans for next year.” the beginning of April, so you can plan your Festival (HADCAF) from 2 to 25 July includes • Artweeks: www.artweeks.org/index.shtml Details of the Forum meeting will be artistic safari into the area during May. gardening competitions, community singing, • HADCAF: www.hadcaf.co.uk posted on the North Wessex Downs website To find studios open during Artweeks in riverside walks, concerts and open studios as well • Marlborough: www.marlboroughopen www.northwessexdowns.org.uk, or you can southern Oxfordshire from 15 to 23 May, follow as exhibitions. studios.com email [email protected] or call 01488 685440 to register your interest.

4 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 5 Days Out JOS JOSLIN

Walkers in the North Wessex Downs want more Left: Wild meadows in Ashdown Park. well-marked, circular routes, incorporating cosy Below: A tranquil, grassy track in Compton. pubs, tempting teashops and interesting attractions, according to research recently carried COMPTON WALK – THE LOWDOWN out by VisitWiltshire. We think the following routes Length: 5.75 miles; 3 hours. Terrain: Mostly downland tracks with no stiles on the next six pages should fit the bill perfectly… or gates. Difficulty: Moderately strenuous with no steep sections. Getting there: By car – The walk starts in the centre of Compton. By bus – Services 6 and 9 provide a regular service from Newbury on Mondays to Saturdays (no Sunday WHAT IS THE RIDGEWAY? or bank holiday services). Tel: 01635 567500. Thought to be 5,000 years old and possibly Europe’s Facilities: The Compton Swan opens at 8am for oldest ‘road’, the Ridgeway is a route many people coffee, and also has lunch and dinner menus. Rambling believe stretches from the West Dorset coast to the Accommodation is also available. Tel: 01635 579400 Wash. The section within the North Wessex Downs or visit www.comptonswan.co.uk. Compton village AONB is part of the Ridgeway National Trail. Here the shop is open Monday to Saturday, and Sundays until on the Ridgeway is dotted with pre-historic sites, including 10.30am. The only toilets on the walk are in The Avebury World Heritage Site at the western end of the Compton Swan. Trail and the Iron Age fort atop Ivinghoe Beacon 87 Ordnance Survey Explorer Map: 174 Newbury and miles northeast in Buckinghamshire. Wantage (1:50,000); 170 Abingdon, Wantage and Vale Ridgeway of White Horse (1:25,000)

Invigorate yourself with two walks offering wonderful views across the open, 8. Cross the Ridgeway and head down to Ashbury where St from here and the remains of a Roman temple on the summit rolling downland, woodland and intimate fields and lanes that create the Mary’s Church has a memorial to the Rev Thomas Stock, who along with a previously unknown Roman military outpost. created one of the first Sunday schools in England in 1777. At the next junction turn left and follow this track to join enchanting and ever-changing backdrop to the Ridgeway. 9. At the bottom of the hill turn left following the bank round. the Ridgeway. Below: Ashdown House. Bear right onto the tarmac path leading past the church. 4. Continue west along the Ridgeway. Shortly after walking ASHBURY 1. From the car park (see blue box left) walk northeastwards Cross the road (the Rose and Crown is only a short distance across the bridge over the old railway line you turn left and Explore the classic chalk countryside with this walk along the Ridgeway. Go over the first crossing of tracks and pass to the right) and bear right keeping Manor Farm to your left. leave the Ridgeway. just 10 miles west of Wantage, taking in the pretty Wayland’s Smithy long barrow on your left. This megalithic tomb 10. Cross the road onto the tarmac bridleway. Turn right onto 5. Follow the bridleway down a track for 600m and then right Oxfordshire village of Ashbury, some wonderfully is thought to have been constructed about 2800 BC. the footpath just before the pond. Cross the road bearing across a field. Rejoin the track, which then ends at a metalled ancient sites and a chance to see a multitude of 2. Turn right at the next crossing of tracks. Follow the track slightly right and take the footpath past allotments on the road on the outskirts of Compton. wildlife including hares, deer, skylarks, meadow past woodland strips on the right and then on the left. left. Go over the stile, cross a field and over another stile. 6. Continue down the road bearing right, which will take you pipits and corn buntings. 3. At the break in the woodland bear right across arable fields 11. Keeping the beech trees to your right, walk up through the back to the High Street. heading to the left of the woods on the far horizon. Cross a middle of the coombe ahead that gradually swings left. bridleway at an ageing signpost and after a second large field, At the top go left along the fence. ASHBURY WALK – THE LOWDOWN cross a track also with an ageing signpost. After another field 12. Turn right over the stile and at the Ridgeway turn right back Length: 7.75 miles; 4 hours. you come to a fence. to the car park where you started the walk. Terrain: Tracks, field paths and 4. Go over the stile in the corner of the field and spot the minor village lanes and footpaths. weathervane on your left. Bear left keeping the weathervane COMPTON JOS JOSLIN JOS Difficulty: Fairly strenuous, including to your left and the first coombe (dry valley) to your right. The rolling downland tracks on this Berkshire route can be one relatively steep hill. To your right you will see the extraordinary Ashdown House enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike. The walk starts Getting there: (a 17th century Dutch-style house dedicated to Elizabeth, from the village of Compton, five miles west of Streatley, and By car – The walk starts in the car park on the Ridgeway a mile southeast Queen of Bohemia). When you’re exactly between Ashdown takes in the ancient Roden Downs and beautiful hedgerows of Ashbury on the B4000. House and the weathervane, bear half right and follow bustling with wildlife. By bus – Service 47 from Swindon and runs Mondays to the ridge downhill to the stile by the road. 1. Start in the centre of Compton on the High Street and just Saturdays (01793 428428). Service X47 runs on Sundays between 5. Cross the road and head down the minor road opposite east of The Compton Swan turn north into Horn Street. Swindon and Wantage (01993 869100). keeping Ashdown House to your right. As the road bears left, turn right into Wallingford Road. Facilities: The Rose and Crown Hotel in Ashbury is open all day from 6. As the track turns left, carry straight on through the gateway 2. Pass under the bridge that carried the railway line which JOS JOSLIN 11am. It serves lunches and evening meals Monday to Thursday, and and then round to the right. Head up the field edge track and ran between Newbury and Didcot, and turn right on to a food all day Friday to Sunday. Accommodation also available. Tel: 01793 cross two stiles keeping Alfred’s Castle (an Iron Age hill fort) bridleway, to a junction of tracks called Crows Foot. Turn left 710222 or visit www.roseandcrownashbury.co.uk. The only toilets on to your left. and after a short distance bear right. At the next junction take FURTHER INFORMATION this walk are in the Rose and Crown. 7. Head up the middle of two fields crossing two more stiles, the left track that makes the central ‘claw’ of the crow’s foot. For more information about these walks and others along the Ridgeway, visit Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps: 174 Newbury and Wantage (1:50,000); and then along the fence line on your left. At the end cross 3. Continue up the track towards the Ridgeway which you cross. www.nationaltrail.co.uk 170 Abingdon, Wantage and Vale of White Horse (1:25,000) the stile and continue. Ahead and to the left rises Lowbury Hill. There are fine views

6 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 7 Walks, wildlife and a wealth of history ALL IMAGES BY DICK GREENAWAY CASTLE, MARSHES AND HEATH – 4.75 MILES (Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 158 Newbury and Hungerford) Walk south from the historic Donnington Castle, which was the hub of the two vicious Battles of Newbury during the Civil War, past Donnington Grove, now a hotel on a golf course, to the River Lambourn. As you cross and walk along the river, look out for trout, herons, coots and ducks, yellow flag iris, reed mace, willowherb and many other wetland species. Heading towards the riverside village of , home to the famous Watermill Theatre, you’ll cross the picturesque Rack Marsh – a Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) Reserve – where you’ll be spoilt for choice for flowers from marsh marigold and meadow sweet to red clover and ragged robin. If you bring a magnifying glass you might just Above: Nuthanger – the chalk scarp of Watership Down as spot the rare 2mm Desmoulin’s snail, one of the seen from Beacon Hill. nation’s most endangered species. At the northernmost point of the walk lies Common, a lowland heath and a Site Hampshire of Special Scientific Interest. The bogs and mires here are caused by the presence of a layer of ST MARY BOURNE LOLLIPOP WALK Above: St Mary Bourne – the picturesque view into Above: Ramblers enjoying the lush, rolling downlands. impermeable London Clay. As well as purple bell – 2 MILES Hollington, highlighting the contrast of downland heather and moor grass, the gorse provides nest (Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps 131 , with woodland. IT’S GOOD TO WALK West Berkshire sites for small birds. Roe deer, adders and newts Andover and and 144 Basingstoke) A study in 2009 revealed that people are fellow residents. The route winds it way back This lollipop-shaped route starting at the village of THE NUTHANGER WALK – 2 MILES living in neighbourhoods more than ABOVE AND BELOW THE GAP towards the castle, past Castle Farm. St Mary Bourne, close to Andover, was introduced (Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 144 Basingstoke) a mile from a park had a 27 per cent – 6.5 MILES ancient oaks dating back 400 years, before you Well-deserved refreshment en route can be as part of the village’s Rural Access Project This scenic route starts out in the car park of the greater chance of being overweight (Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 159 Reading) cross ridged and ditched water meadows. found in the dog-friendly pub The Blackbird in associated with the North Wessex Downs AONB, Royal Oak pub (01635 291337) in the pretty or obese. In response to this, the North This pretty riverside walk starts at the attractive As you pass Hogmoor Bridge, watch out for Bagnor, about half-way round the walk. It is and is suitable for single-width buggies with one village of Ecchinswell, near Newbury. It takes in Wessex Downs AONB is supporting village of before passing through some flying furry friends because the bricked-up open noon-2.30pm and 6pm-11pm Monday to steep hill climb. The walk follows the ‘Walk to the beautiful landscape of Watership Down that Natural England’s campaign for a The Moors where you should look out for one bridge arches provide a cosy bed for bats. Saturday, and noon-3pm Sundays. Call 01635 School Route’ and if you keep your eyes peeled, inspired Richard Adams to write a book which Natural Health Service. The scheme of the large and very obvious ditches, which were From the southern edge of Sulham Wood, take a 40638 or visit www.theblackbird.co.uk. you’ll spot local children’s poems on the was subsequently made into an animated film. aims to increase the number of probably created by Reading Abbey in the 12th break to enjoy the stunning valley views. After Bus services 6 and 9 provide a regular service locally crafted green gates. From the village, the circular walk winds uphill households within a five-minute walk or 13th centuries. crossing the Pangbourne Road and passing under from Newbury on Mondays to Saturdays (no From the centre of the village, which through open rolling downland and past Nuthanger of an area of green space of at least The walk roughly follows the chalky River Pang Brunel’s Great Western Railway line, you enter the Sunday or bank holiday services). Tel: 01635 has a car park, a village shop, public Farm, which played a major part in the book and two hectares, and to enable every GP or to , where you’ll come across the strange- Thames flood plain with a wealth of wetland 567500. From the bus stop in Donnington, there toilets and two good pubs – The film, from where you see breathtaking views of community nurse to be able to signpost looking octagonal toll house before finding the species, before re-entering Pangbourne near will be a 15-minute walk to the start of the Coronation Arms (01264 738432) Watership Down chalk scarp. Making your way back patients to an approved health walk or perfect spot for a pit stop: The Greyhound pub – Whitchurch Bridge, one of only two privately- official route. For more information, refer to and The George Inn (01264 down a steep hill via enclosed wooded slopes, note outdoor activity programme. To find also a Reading Abbey creation – where you can owned toll bridges across the River Thames. Useful Contacts on the back page. 738989) – the walk heads the archaeological remains of Bronze Age tumuli your nearest ‘Walking the Way to treat yourself to an award-winning real ale. If you Leave your car behind and take the train; up the valley sides. (burial mounds) and an Iron Age hill fort on . Health’ walk, visit

can drag yourself away from the roaring log fires, Pangbourne is a mainline station with frequent Below far left: The historic Donnington Castle. The lanes and Depending on the time of year, you may catch www.wfh.naturalengland.org.uk the route will take you within sight of Tidmarsh services between Reading and Oxford. Pangbourne Below left: Wood sorrel, just one example of the plethora tracks you’ll see a glimpse of rare butterflies such as the Adonis If you’d like to make the most of the Mill and the 12th century Tidmarsh Church with its village offers plenty of shops, restaurants and pubs of flora and fauna to spot while rambling through the are actually Blue and the Silver-spotted Skipper, and, of course, beautiful great outdoors in the North impressive Norman door, and into a meadow with to provide a satisfying finish to the walk. North Wessex Downs. remnants of a late scampering rabbits. Wessex Downs, just for fun or for your Saxon or early medieval landscape, when health too, get involved in the new the land was farmed in ‘ladder’ field campaign, FURTHER INFORMATION systems – the ‘arms’ extending up the FURTHER INFORMATION Countryside 2010, which puts people Leaflets of these walks are available from valley sides and still visible as today’s For a wider choice of walks and more in touch with a huge choice of activities the Pang, Kennet and Lambourn Valley tracks, while the ‘rungs’ have since been information about walking in Hampshire, and events that take place in the Project at The Old Estate Office, Englefield reordered. From the top of the hill, you can visit www.hants.gov.uk/walking countryside, most of which are free. Road, , RG7 5DE or by calling gaze back down on the village with its Ecchinswell village information: For more information, visit 01189 305336. quintessentially English bowling green, www.ecchinswell.net www.countryside2010.org.uk stone church and thatched roofs.

8 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 9 Horsing around on the heaths and hills CANAL CAPERS The work of the Trust’s volunteers is very much ongoing and there are plenty of Riders come from far and wide to enjoy the hills and valleys opportunities to enjoy this man-made feat of engineering… of the North Wessex Downs. Here, Janice Bridger, British • Crofton Beam Engines Marvel at the Horse Society access and bridleways officer, explains the steam-operated beam engines in their appeal and reveals her favourite routes… original position within Crofton Pumping Station, six miles from the picturesque market town of Marlborough. Built in WHAT BETTER WAY to see the beautiful landscapes of the North wooded Kennet Valley with its little rivers and streams. 1807 to provide water to the summit of Wessex Downs than high up on horseback, riding the ancient To the west, the route climbs to , the highest point the Kennet and Avon Canal, this Grade I drovers’ ways trodden so many times before by thousands of in southeast England where on its summit you find the Iron Listed building houses two magnificent feet and hooves? Age hill fort of Walbury Camp. The sinister-looking gallows at engines, one of which is the oldest working Rather aptly, the North Wessex Downs AONB forms a marks the spot where the original double beam engine in the world. Crofton Beam horseshoe-shaped area of land. Old transport routes, such as the gibbet was used just once in 1676. Engines are open from April throughout the Kennet and Avon Canal and the old coaching road from London Although described as a walk, much of this route is open summer, and in steam on bank holidays and to Bristol, run east to west and are still in use today. But it is the and well used by horse riders. Great improvements have been most summer weekends, when they actually myriad of other old routes that makes the North Wessex Downs made to the Ridgeway and other tracks in recent years but carry out the job they were built for. Enjoy a ideal riding country. more remains to be done elsewhere, so do make local inquiries canal-side lunch from the café to make a before you set off. great day out for all the family, and What better way to see the beautiful appreciate an important part of Britain’s Above top: A solid stone bridge spans the Kennet and Avon Canal. Above: Kennet and Avon Canal and Lock (right). industrial heritage. landscapes of the North Wessex Downs FURTHER INFORMATION T: 01672 870300 • The ‘Three Downs Link’ leaflet and the ‘On www.croftonbeamengines.org than high up on horseback... Horseback’ books are available from the British Horse • Rose of Hungerford From April to October, Society, 0844 848 1666, www.bhs.org.uk you can enjoy a couple of hours watching Experiencing on horseback the views from the ridges, the • If you fancy a few days on the Ridgeway Downs with the countryside slip by on a public trip quiet river valleys and the secret network of old paths should details of a route already planned, visit Celebrate the aboard the motor barge, Rose of Hungerford. definitely be enjoyed this summer. www.redlandsequestrian.co.uk or call 01256 773564 Owned by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, The essence of the area is captured in the Three Downs Link • For a guided ride in the North Wessex Downs AONB this 55-foot vessel can take up to 50 riding route, which connects the well-known in with a horse supplied, visit passengers and can be chartered privately to south Hampshire with the North and the www.littlehiddenfarm.co.uk, www.cunetioriding.co.uk, Kennet provide a unique backdrop to a party. . www.pewseyvaleridingcentre.com, or T: 01635 255367 From this route, relish the striking views from the ridges, with www.visitwiltshire.co.uk www.roseofhungerford.co.uk red kites hovering overhead, before descending into soft river valleys where herons stand like statues. An uphill climb opens out CYCLING THE CANAL onto a heathland common, the 100-hectare Site of Special Avon Canal Long sections of the canal towpath have been Scientific Interest of Snelsmore Common near Newbury, where improved in recent years and are now wide, heather blooms and Exmoor ponies graze. level and perfect for cyclists. Follow the signs Less well known than the Ridgeway but boasting This year the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust celebrates the 200th for National Cycle Network route 4, which arguably even better views is the track along a ridge of & runs all the way from Devizes to Reading the North Hampshire Downs just south of Newbury. anniversary of the opening of this impressive waterway. along the canal either on the towpath or The Wayfarer’s Walk runs along the top of the diverted onto country lanes. steep escarpment with views to the north of the LIFE ON THE canal is one of blissful relaxation, donations from the public, ensured its future for Whichever section of the canal you choose whether you’re enjoying it aboard a prettily leisure and recreation. to explore on two wheels, there are several painted narrow boat, riding a bike along the Visitors to the Kennet and Avon Canal are in for a days’ worth of attractions to discover, from GUIDES FOR RIDES towpath, sitting in a train passing by or simply on treat this year because it is the 200th anniversary of delving into the history of farming and • ‘On Horseback’ guides The ‘Ridgeway Downs on two feet. The Kennet and Avon Canal slices its way the canal’s construction, which was completed industry at Pewsey Heritage Centre Horseback’ leaflet from the BHS offers 16 rides on the through the middle of the North Wessex Downs after 16 years in 1810. Special events abound (www.pewsey-heritage-centre-org.uk), to chalk downland, where you will find bright blue chicory flowers and offers 87 miles of waterway, home to birds, throughout the year on and around the canal, devouring a pint of real ale and a beef alongside the tracks in high summer. Trails eight and 14 in water voles and other wildlife, flowers and trees, culminating in a big birthday party on 28th and burgundy casserole in front ‘Hampshire on Horseback’ describe a ride along the top of and an enticing selection of pubs, villages and December 2010, exactly 200 years to the day of a roaring fire at The Royal Watership Down, made famous by author Richard Adams. ‘Wiltshire on Horseback’ tourist attractions. after the waterway’s opening. Oak free house in Wootton contains trails farther to the west, including the Wansdyke Path that takes you The canal was built to provide an important Rivers (www.wiltshire-pubs.co.uk), along the top of and Tan Hill, where wild flowers and larks abound. transport link between the Thames and Bristol, but to spotting rare White Park cattle • www.bridleways.co.uk Written by riders for riders, this site offers more rides by the mid-20th century was facing closure. The FURTHER INFORMATION in Savernake Forest with places to park a horsebox. Ride number 1046 explores the beautiful Pang Kennet and Avon Canal Trust was formed to Kennet and Avon Canal Trust (www.savernakeestate.co.uk). Valley through wooded countryside to the north of Common, where campaign for restoration of the waterway. In 1990 T: 01380 721279 For more information, nightjars, tree pipits, woodlarks and tawny owls can been seen and heard. the Queen reopened the canal, and a significant www.katrust.org visit www.waterscape.com Heritage Lottery Fund grant, as well as generous or www.sustrans.org.uk

10 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 11 Out & about in The North Wessex

Key: Downs AONB Ramble through grassy lanes on a Ridgeway walk near Compton page 7

New walks leaflets are now available for the area page 15

Discover ancient Avebury hidden secrets could soon be on Geotrail linked to page 4 Stonehenge on the new Great Stones Way walking route page 15

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Kennet & Avon canal at Caen Hill page 5

Pewsey Heritage Centre makes the perfect pitstop on For fresh local venison, visit The Pot Kiln, owned a canalside by celebrity chef Mike Robinson page 22 cycle ride page 11 Look out for strange- Experience the looking inspirational Enjoy the gates on a chalky landscape views from walk around of Watership Walbury Hill St Mary Down on The on horseback Bourne Nuthanger Walk page 10 page 9 page 9

12 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 13 populations are looking to the North Wessex In the past four years, more than Downs as part of their green infrastructure, as a £220,000 worth of SDF (Sustainable place where they can go for their recreation Development Fund) grants have been opportunities. That will put more pressure on the landscape, on facilities and on communities living awarded by the AONB to 75 projects Landscaping within this landscape. across the North Wessex Downs. Here are just a handful of schemes that DO YOU HAVE A BIG MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB TO ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS? have benefited recently from these grants. No, I don’t think so. There are a lot of small things the future that can be done to help out. Having things like the LEADER fund over the next few years will be enormously beneficial, ensuring businesses can To achieve the aims set out in the North Wessex grow and develop in a way that’s sensitive to the Supporting Downs AONB Management Plan 2009-2014, landscape. We’re all trying to achieve the same everyone has a role to play, says Duncan Coe, thing, which is a high quality of life. chair of the North Wessex Downs WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS? Management Working Group… We’ve been working with the AONB team and the Council of Partners to develop action plans sustainability which are published on the North Wessex Downs WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A and needs, and we hope that the website – www.northwessexdowns.org.uk. We’ve THE GREAT STONES WAY WITTENHAM CLUMPS MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE NORTH development of the Management discussed and assessed the priorities with people The popular Ridgeway National Trail could soon be extended all Fans of Channel 4’s Time Team may remember the programme’s WESSEX DOWNS AONB? Plan has taken account of that variety of interests. representing different interests and now have a the way to Stonehenge World Heritage Site, as a result of the coverage of Wittenham Clumps, a Scheduled Ancient Monument The Management Plan is very effective in giving a The key thing for communities is to understand work plan for this year. In the medium to long efforts of the Friends of the Ridgeway charity. northeast of Didcot containing important archaeology ranging long-term vision but it also allows us to state what what it means to live in an Area of Outstanding term we must focus on what might be called the The new 40-mile footpath would be called the Great Stones from the Bronze Age to the Roman period, including the Iron Age we hope to achieve and to establish priorities so that Natural Beauty, as individuals and as a community. key characteristics of the North Wessex Downs. Way and would link the current southern end of the Ridgeway at hill fort on Castle Hill. we can give some kind of direction to our work. Any community that is embarking on a parish- Examples of areas in which we need to focus Overton Hill near Avebury with Salisbury and . Children and adults alike can experience these exciting planning scheme should stop and think about include progressing with the Downland Heritage An SDF grant of £10,000 will contribute towards the £15,000 discoveries first-hand at Project Timescape, the education centre WHAT ARE ITS MAIN AIMS? where the parish sits, and what that means in Initiative to improve the condition and quantity of cost of a feasibility study to establish demand, local community based at Hill Farm in Little Wittenham. Within any landscape there is a huge variety of terms of how they can speak about the special the chalk downland resource, finding ways to support and set-up costs. The new route could be launched in Visitors can see the remains of Iron Age skeletons, pots and issues that we have to deal with, but the key things qualities of the area and of the kind of actions increase the use of woodland products to improve March 2011. animal bones discovered in the trenches and learn about how at the current time are inappropriate development they might include in their action plan. their management and working out how we might If it goes ahead, the Great Stones Way is expected to raise the climate change could affect the future of the landscape. that doesn’t take account of the special nature of adapt to the effects of climate change. profile of the North Wessex Downs AONB and therefore increase The site is within a 300-hectare estate, managed by the the landscape; the issues surrounding climate CAN VISITORS TO THE AREA PLAY A visitor numbers, improve awareness of the landscape, encourage Northmoor Trust, an environmental charity. The Trust received an change and the need for the landscape to adapt in PART TOO? HOW DIFFERENT WILL THE AONB BE IN conservation, and provide new opportunities for businesses along SDF grant of just over £4,000 to produce an illustrated booklet a way that doesn’t destroy its essential qualities; Everyone has a role to play in some respect. We FIVE YEARS’ TIME? the route such as farms, holiday accommodation, pubs and giving details of the dig and its findings. Copies are available from and how communities can thrive and develop in an are deeply conscious that we probably don’t Well, I hope it won’t be very different at all! We village shops. www.ridgewayfriends.org.uk the Northmoor Trust. www.northmoortrust.co.uk area whilst seeking to preserve what’s special about provide enough information to make visitors aware would hope that the landscape will be improved, that particular landscape. of the landscape they are visiting. Anyone visiting that there is more chalk grassland, more wildlife HAMSTEAD MARSHALL WALKS HENRY II’S ROYAL HALL Top: Stone Avenue, Avebury may not know that they are in the North corridors, and that there is more economic activity From spring this year, new leaflets detailing walks around the Records from early in the 12th century suggest that King Henry II Avebury. Left: Elm Farm Trail. IS THERE A CONFLICT BETWEEN Wessex Downs. It’s not something that would be associated with woodland management. Very 1,850-acre parish of Hamstead Marshall between Hungerford had a residence at Tidgrove Warren Farm, south of Kingsclere. Aerial Above top: Archaeological PRESERVING THE AONB WHILST ALSO immediately obvious to them. I think there’s a job importantly, we’d like to see more people have an and Newbury are available, thanks to the SDF grant of £650 to photography and archaeological research show evidence of a dig on the Wittenham DEVELOPING IT? to be done in raising the profile of the area. Visitors awareness of and an appreciation of what the help with the printing and promotional costs. ditched enclosure, complete with pottery dating from that era, a Clumps. In my opinion, no. If people are prepared to take need to know they are in a special landscape and North Wessex Downs is and what makes it special. The routes follow public footpaths and 13th-century belt buckle and an iron arrowhead. Above: Hamstead Mill. account of the area they live in when planning that there is a certain level of behaviour they have the canal towpath, and also take in Volunteers from the Kingsclere Heritage Association have been their development or their growth, the landscape to contribute. This will ensure that the area is WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF farmland, woodland and parks, ensuring a excavating the area with students from the University of is capable of absorbing good quality design. What sustained and not spoilt by their activities. THE AONB? good diversity of flora and fauna. Southampton since 2003, and a Romano-British farm settlement it’s not capable of doing is absorbing cheap, off- I’ve lived in Highclere for five years and my The leaflets also promote historic points has also been identified here. the-peg solutions. WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST CONCERNS favourite part of the North Wessex Downs is the of interest such as the 12th-century church. Thanks to SDF funding last year, there is now a long-term plan FOR THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS? lower-lying area south of the River Kennet One of the routes incorporates The Farm Trail to complete a survey of the whole area, which will form part of the HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN The biggest one is development pressure and the between Hungerford and Highclere. This is made that follows conservation sites across University’s archaeology curriculum. www.kingsclere.org.uk HELPING TO ACHIEVE THOSE AIMS? growth of towns like Swindon and Reading on the up of very small fields, woodland, lots of tall Elm Farm, the home of the Organic Each business will have its own peculiar priorities fringes. It’s assumed that these growing hedges and narrow lanes. I like the intimacy but Research Centre. also the fact that it is very ancient. It’s probably The Farm Trail was established WHAT IS AN SDF GRANT? some of the oldest surviving components of the in 1993 but has recently been SDF grants are small awards given with minimum bureaucracy to community landscape that hasn’t been impacted upon by made more accessible, and groups, parish councils and businesses. The North Wessex Downs AONB has run 20th century agri-industry and so retains some of information boards also the Sustainable Development Fund grant scheme since 2005. The programme that feel of what the landscape would have looked funded by an SDF grant will encourages people to achieve more sustainable ways of living and working, like 100 or 150 years ago. soon be in place. while enhancing and conserving the local culture, wildlife and landscape. The The new leaflets are money comes from Natural England. available in the village hall, the FURTHER INFORMATION church, and West Berkshire HOW DO I APPLY? To read and download the North Wessex Tourist Information Office at The Visit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk, go to the Grants page and fill in the Sustain- Downs AONB Management Plan 2009- Wharf, Newbury amongst other able Development Fund online application form, giving full details of your project, 2014 go to www.northwessexdowns.org.uk locations. or call 01488 685440. For 2010-11 grants, projects must be completed before 31 www.hamsteadmarshall.net March 2011.

UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 15 Local Products Directory Amid the troubles of the recession, there is a source of hope for

rural communities and businesses in the North Wessex Downs. any of the beautiful landscapes of the North Wessex Downs AONB Mhave been created by farming. You can really eat the views by using this Local Products Directory to find breweries, bakeries, meat producers, preserve makers, shops, fruit and vegetable growers, thatchers and woodfuel providers LEADER fund – all within or very close to the North Wessex Downs. BEER, WinE & CiDER Wallingford, OX10 8LJ www.molesbrewery.com Micro-brewer of Dr Hexter's Healer, revitalises rural economy T: 01491 836586 Locally-malted Maris Otter malt, and winner at the Great British Beer A’BECKETT’S VINEYARD E: [email protected] ciders from local apples. Sells Festival in 2009. Brewery tours. Shop: he North Wessex Downs LEADER business more sustainable by investing £50,000 Above top: Ian Ritchie (LAG chairman), centre, with Contact: Paul or Lynn Langham www.brightwines.co.uk through pubs, clubs, restaurants and Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Programme has drawn £2.5million of LEADER money in cross-country log-handling David Hunt and Martin Giles, who launched Wessex a’Beckett’s Farmhouse, The largest vineyard in Oxfordshire, events. Products include Tap Bitter into the AONB and is investing in local machinery. Frank can now make fireplace fuel out Biofuels with help from LEADER funds. High St, Littleton Pannell, Devizes, producing award-winning English and Black Rat cider. Open 9am-5pm BREAD, CAkEs & T Above: Bradfield Southend’s village shop boasts food, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, of ‘low value’ trees and awkward material that is SN10 4EN wines. Shop open for sales and weekdays, 9am-noon Saturdays. FLouR a new Post Office. community projects and business development. unsuitable for timber. Below left: Carole and daughter Genevieve at T: 01380 816669 tastings Fri-Sun-, noon-6pm. Group The fund is important because it offers Cosy Paws, a luxury countryside cattery at East the new cattery, Cosy Paws. E: [email protected] vineyard tours. RAMSBURY BREWERY DOVES FARM FOODS opportunities for capital investment in Garston, is a new business established by Carole www.abecketts.co.uk Contact: Darren Golding Contact: Clare Marriage business and community projects. Ruse with money from LEADER. Award-winning vegan-friendly BUTTS BREWERY Priory Farm, Axford, Salisbury Rd, Hungerford RG17 0RF Wessex Biofuels Ltd is a new energy business Carole says: “I couldn’t believe it when I got THE LOWDOWN ON THE LEADER FUND English wine, cider and apple juice.. Contact: Chris Butt Marlborough SN8 2HA T: 01488 684880 sparked off with help from a £50,000 LEADER the grant. It was as good as winning the lottery! • What is LEADER? Open Thur, Fri and Sat 10.30am- Northfield Farm, , T: 01672 541407/07843 289527 E: [email protected] grant, awarded to entrepreneurial foresters Martin It’s a family business, so this means a lot, and we The LEADER programme is part of the 5.30pm. Group tours available. near Hungerford RG17 7BY E: [email protected] www.dovesfarm.co.uk Giles and David Hunt. The company will produce wouldn’t have been able to start Cosy Paws Rural Development Programme for T: 01488 648133 www.ramsburybrewery.com Specialist flour miller and baker. Over woodchip from locally-felled timber to fire boilers, without the LEADER grant.” England (RDPE), which is funded by the APPLEFORD BREWERY E: [email protected] Uses Ramsbury home-grown spring 20 flours (including organic and boosting the local economy and supporting When farmers broaden their business from Government and the European Union. Iron Bridge House, St Peters Court, www.buttsbrewery.com barley and water from estate. wheat/gluten free), breakfast cereals forestry and renewable energy. production into other sources of income, such as The fund supports the rural economy and Appleford-on-Thames, OX14 4YA Organic brewer. Cask beers: Jester Ramsbury Bitter and Hells Highway. and pasta. Bakery produces Fairtrade, David Hunt says: “People within the North tourism, or food processing and marketing, can be granted to farmers, foresters, T: 01235 848055 and Barbus Barbus. Bottled Mon-Fri, 9am-4.30pm. Phone for organic and wheat/gluten free cookies, Wessex Downs who are considering a woodchip LEADER provides an excellent source of money. businesses, entrepreneurs, rural E: [email protected] conditioned: Blackguard and Golden appointment. Via website, local pubs, plus cereal bars and flapjacks. boiler can now have the confidence that good Turkey farmers Philip and Ed Walters from Bower organisations and communities. Projects www.applefordbrewery.co.uk Brown. Supplies freehouse pubs, local clubs, shops and festivals. Continued over... quality, locally produced woodchip will be Farm, in Berkshire, have taken advantage have to be in the North Wessex Downs Traditional beer. Supplies the free supermarkets, specialist off-licences. available. To minimise our carbon footprint, of this scheme. They are using LEADER funds to AONB and must meet at least one of the trade and wholesalers throughout WADWORTH & CO. LTD. HUNGERFORD strategic stockpiles of roundwood will be improve their bird processing capacity with new 11 measures set out on the Grants page Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley LAMBOURN VALLEY Contact: Jonathan Pollock FOOD FESTIVAL established throughout the AONB. Orders for chip feather-waxing kit, racking and chilled storage. of www.northwessexdowns.org.uk and at Farmers’ Markets and farm CIDER COMPANY Northgate Brewery, Tel: 01488 648534 will then be matched to the nearest stockpile, Community-led projects have also received • How much could I get? shops. Contact: Roy Bailey Devizes SN10 1JW www.hungerfordfoodfestival.co.uk which will considerably reduce the road-miles grants: Bradfield Southend’s new Post Office was Grants can be up to £50,000 or The Malt House, Great Shefford, T: 01380 723361 Celebrate all things delicious at the required for delivery. The LEADER funding provided installed in the community shop with help from up to 50% of capital costs. ARKELL’S BREWERY Hungerford RG17 7ED E: [email protected] hugely popular Hungerford Food the springboard which enabled us to pursue our LEADER money; Streatley Parish Council was • How long is the scheme open? Contact: James Arkell T: 01488 648441 www.wadworth.co.uk Festival, held annually each autumn. renewable energy business idea.” awarded a grant towards an all-weather ball games Applications are welcome throughout Arkell's Vintners, Kingsdown, Swindon E: contact@ Brewer, wholesaler and pub retailer. Last year's event was attended by Frank Haighton Forestry, based area; and at East Hendred, the Springline 2010 and 2011. Projects have to be SN2 7RU lambournvalleycider.co.uk Family-business founded in 1875. hundreds of foodies who were at Community Theatre was able to install a state-of- delivered by 2013. T: 01793 823026 www.lambournvalleycider.co.uk Owns nearly 260 pubs. Deliveries by treated to cooking demonstrations near Andover, made the-art light and sound system. E: [email protected] Old Berkshire perry from special local Shire Horses in Devizes. Stables open from local chefs, wine and beer its firewood Rural revival is the mission of the LEADER Local www.arkells.com pears. Fermented in champagne 1.30pm-3.30pm Mon-Thur. Visitor tasting, cookery competitions and Action Group (LAG), the local people who decide FURTHER INFORMATION Bees Organic Ale – award-winning bottles. Specialist outlets like Cobbs Centre. numerous stalls offering all manner of which applicants receive money. Call Corinna Woodall, LEADER Programme ale, with New World wine as Farm Shop, Hungerford. indulgent local delights. This year “The action group provides a local perspective Manager on 01488 680456 or alternatively speciality. Victorian steam brewery. WEST BERKSHIRE BREWERY there is a whole week of events on funding priorities for the North Wessex Downs visit the Grants page of Open 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri. Arkell’s MOLES BREWERY Contact: Mrs Helen Maggs planned from Saturday 25th AONB,” explains Ian Ritchie, the group’s chairman. www.northwessexdowns.org.uk owns 105 pubs. Contact: Roger Catte The Old Bakery, , September to Sunday 3rd October “People volunteering for our active group come Wessex Biofuels Ltd – 01488 685007 5 Merlin Way, Bowerhill, Melksham nr Thatcham RG18 0UE when the festival culminates in the from a wide range of backgrounds – farmers, Frank Haighton Forestry – 01264 736297 BRIGHTWELL VINEYARD SN12 6TJ T: 01635 202968 day-long Hungerford Food Fair. Dates business professionals, environmental Cosy Paws – 01488 648397 Contact: Mrs Carol Nielsen T: 01225 704734/708842 E: [email protected] are correct at time of print but do conservationists and local authorities.” Walters Turkeys – 01635 578251 Rush Court, Shillingford Road, E: [email protected] www.wbbrew.com check the website for confirmation.

16 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS Visit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/products UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 17 CHERRY ORCHARD MEATS PARSONAGE FARM PLants & seeDs PreserVes WHITCHURCH SILK MILL Contact: Nick Venters Upton, Andover SP11 0JP Contact: Stephen Bryer Great gastropubs Cherry Orchard Cottage, East Sands, T: 01264 736208 ENGLEFIELD GARDEN ATKINS & POTTS 28 Winchester Street, Burbage SN8 3AN E: [email protected] CENTRE Contact: Nicola Young Whitchurch RG28 7AL T: 01672 810257/07866 452611 www.parsonage-farm.co.uk Contact: Miss Janet Smith Unit 3, Studland Estate, Gore, End Rd, T: 01256 892065 E: [email protected] Third generation, family-run, chemical- The Street, Englefield, nr Theale, Ball Hill, Newbury RG20 0PW E: [email protected] Pork sausages, bacon, gammon, pork free farm, providing quality, Reading RG7 5ES T: 01635 254249 www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk or beef freezer packs. Refrigerated naturally-reared beef, lamb and pork. T: 0118 930 4898 E: [email protected] 200-year-old water mill on River Test home delivery service. Farmers’ Meat is hung and butchered to order www.englefieldgardencentre.co.uk www.atkinsandpotts.co.uk weaving silk on historic machinery Markets, local caterers and retailers. on farm and delivered direct to you. Charity-run garden centre, part of Savoury jams, relishes, classic for interiors, stage and screen Affinity Trust, supporting people with condiments. Hand-made, recipes productions. Tearoom. Shop. DEWS MEADOW FARM ROYAL BERKSHIRE PORK learning disabilities .Open Mon-Sat by local Berkshire families. Open Tuesday to Sunday THE POT KILN, Contact: Jane and Andrew Bowler Contact: Russell Kilvington 9am-5pm, Sun May-June 12-4pm. Range of kitchen essentials. 10.30am-5pm. NEAR YATTENDON Oxford Rd, East Hanney, PO Box 6109, Newbury RG14 9DA Online sales. T: 01635 201366 Wantage OX12 0HP T: 01488 638155 FLOWER FARMS www.potkiln.org T: 01235 868634 E: [email protected] Contact: Bob Anderson CHURCH LANE Various The Pot Kiln is worth a far lengthier E: [email protected] www.royalberkshirepork.co.uk Carvers Hill Farm, Shalbourne, FOOD COMPANY visit than a quick pint – although Challow Hill Meats at Newbury Farmers' Market. www.dewsmeadowfarm.co.uk Accredited RSPCA Freedom Food pig Marlborough SN8 3PS Contact: Jean Semlyen BEECHWOOD FARM their range of award-winning real LACOCK BAKERY smokery. Children’s fishing pond. Pork products, locally-sourced meats, breeder retailing own-brand pork T: 01672 870782 15 Church Lane, FREE RANGE EGGS ales from West Berkshire Brewery Contact: Jean Sheard British Trout Association. fresh vegetables, dairy products, products. 40 acres of free-range pigs. E: [email protected] Wallingford OX10 0DX Contact: Nathan Rice can't be missed. Mike and his wife 8 Church Street, Lacock, Open Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. Farmers’ bread, jams and preserves. Open www.charlesflower- T: 01491 833320 , Thatcham, Katie pride themselves on Chippenham SN15 2LB Markets. Mon-Sat 8.30am-5pm (Fridays 6pm). SANDRIDGE FARMHOUSE wildflowers.co.uk Environmentally-aware producer of Newbury RG18 0TL 'wholesome, locally sourced food T: 01249 730457 Farmers’ Markets. Home delivery BACON Producers of wild flower seed and home-made traditional fruit and T: 01635 201163 with a predominantly wild aspect'. E: [email protected] CAMILLA AND ROLY'S service. Bromham, nr Chippenham SN15 2JL plants. Consultancy service available. vegetable preserves. Most ingredients E: [email protected] See feature on page 22. Bread and cakes baked on premises. LITTLE WITTENHAM LAMB T: 01380 850304 Mail order, brochure, or website. grown locally without chemicals. High quality producer of free range Lacock Lardies, Sidoli Ice Cream and Contact: Camilla and Roly Puzey EASTBROOK FARMS E: [email protected] Visit by appointment. Wallingford eggs. Supply butchers, shops, Cottage Delight preserves. Open all Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, ORGANIC MEAT www.sandridgefarmhousebacon.co.uk MEADOWMAKER Local Producers’ Market. markets, caterers and wholesalers. week, 10am-5pm. Baking: Mon, Wed, Abingdon OX14 4RD Contact: Carolyn Curtis Speciality hams; Wiltshire naturally- Contact: Sue Everett Fri, and three Sats a month. T: 07776 393072 Cues Lane, Bishopstone, smoked and dry-cured bacon; 122 Derwent Road, ROSEMARY’S PRESERVES BRADFIELD PICK YOUR E: [email protected] Swindon SN6 8PL sausages. Home-reared Aberdeen Thatcham RG19 3UP (FJ & R TUCK) OWN FARM THE OLD FARMHOUSE www.camillaandroly.co.uk T: 01793 790460 Angus and Hereford beef. Farmers’ T: 01635 847164 Contact: John and Rosemary Tuck Merryfield Farm, Mariners Lane, BAKERY Our lambs graze on grass, clover and E: orders@ Markets; butchers and farm shops. E: [email protected] Highgate Farm, Southend, Bradfield RG7 6HU Contact: Rodney, Kate or Beccie wildflower meadows and are fed helenbrowningorganics.co.uk www.meadowmaker.me.uk Wootton Bassett SN4 8DT T: 07767 788261 Bitmead, By The Meadow Farm, locally-grown peas, barley and hay. www.helenbrowningorganics.co.uk SHEEPDROVE ORGANIC FARM Wild-harvested seed, by contract, for T: 01793 850999 E: harrodbradfieldpyo@ The Green, Steventon OX13 6RP Everyone is welcome. Fantastic Award-winning organic meat. Skilled Contact: Sales Team re-creating native grassland; E: [email protected] btinternet.com THE SWAN INN, INKPEN T: 01235 831230 learning resource. Fun farm activities. butchers. National home delivery Warren Farm, Lambourn RG17 7UU consultancy for Farm Environment http://rosemaryspreserves.bttrade www.bradfieldpickyourown.com T: 01488 668326 E: oldfarmhousebakery@ service. Sainsbury’s and Tesco under T: 01488 674747 Plans and Environmental space.com/ Family farm with traditional methods www.theswaninn-organics.co.uk bythemeadowfarm.co.uk CASEY FIELDS FARM SHOP Helen Browning brand. E: [email protected] Stewardship. Home-made jams, chutneys, apple such as using pigs to clear the If you enjoy your bangers and mash www.theoldfarmhousebakery.co.uk (VICARS GAME) www.sheepdrove.com juice and elderflower cordial. ground and chickens for bug control. at The Swan Inn, you can always buy A Rick Stein Food Hero and artisan Contact: Alan or Owen Hayward GREENFIELD PORK Award-winning organic farm with Eco SUMMERDOWN FARMS Contract service to press, pasteurise Supply local restaurants and shops. an extra few sausages from the bakery producing traditional and Casey Fields Farm, off Dog Lane, PRODUCTS Conference Centre. Free local delivery. PO Box 6636, and bottle juices from surplus fruit. pub’s farm shop to take home with speciality breads. Open Wednesday, RG8 8SJ Contact: Martin and Dawn Organic free-range chicken, beef, lamb, Basingstoke RG24 4AQ Visit by appointment. Farmers’ BREMHILL FARMERS you. The Swan is owned by organic Thursday, Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday T: 01635 579662 Martindale mutton, and pork. Online shop and T: 01256 780252 Markets. Contact: Jean Pocock beef farmers, Mary and Bernard 8.30am-1pm. Farmers’ Markets. E: [email protected] Sunnycliff, Highbury Road, family butchers in Bristol and London. E: [email protected] Monument Farm, Harris, and the menus are full of www.vicarsgame.co.uk , Andover SP11 7LU www.summerdownmint.com SUSIE’S PRESERVES LTD Bremhill, SN11 locally sourced, organic ingredients, WESSEX MILL Farm shop and butchery. Beef, pork, T: 01264 359422 STARK HOUSE FARM Pure English mint revived for the Contact: Susie Kensett T: 01249 740202 as well as beef from their own farm, Mill Street, Wantage OX12 9AB lamb, wild boar, venison, poultry, E: martinanddawn@ Contact: Mrs Frances Paget 21st century. Order online or see our Unit A, Farm, Long Lane, E: [email protected] butchered and matured on the T: 01235 768991 game and exotics. Open Mon-Sat greenfield-pork.co.uk Stark House Farm, Goose Hill, website for retailers. Hermitage, Newbury RG18 9LT Family-run farm with grass-fed premises. The restaurant was the E: [email protected] 8am-5pm. Wholesale through Vicars www.greenfield-pork.co.uk Headley, Thatcham RG19 8AR T: 07909 995353 Aberdeen Angus cattle, outdoor winner of the RSPCA Independent www.wessexmill.co.uk Game to local and London Free range pork, Wiltshire-cured T: 01635 268205 WANBOROUGH HERB E: [email protected] sows and grass-fed Texel cross Restaurant Good Business Award in Flour milled to produce top quality restaurants; Fortnum & Mason; other bacon and gammons. Prize-winning E: [email protected] NURSERY www.susiespreserves.co.uk lambs. Can be butchered to your 2007, and the runner up in 2008 bread. Available to the public online, food distributors. sausages. Refrigerated delivery Rare-breed Saddleback pork, bacon Contact: Robert and Mary Biggs Over 30 preserves created by Susie. requirements from our farm shop. and 2009. through farm shops and specialist service. Hog roast service. Hampshire and sausages. Farm sales available, Wanborough Herb Nursery, Available from village and farm food shops. CHALLOW HILL MEATS farmers’ markets and local shops. telephone first. Farmers’ Markets at Callas Hill, Upper Wanborough, shops; butchers; delicatessens; garden BROOK FARM THE HARROW AT LITTLE Contact: Lucy Blackwell Newbury and Winchester. Swindon SN4 0DQ centres; craft and country shows. Milton Road, Drayton, BEDWYN, MARLBOROUGH Challow Hill Farm, East Challow, KILN MEADOWS FARM T: 01793 790327 Abingdon OX14 4EZ T: 01672 870871 Meat & Fish Wantage OX12 9PD Contact: Gordon Hedges VOWLEY FARM E: wanboroughnursery@ T: 01235 820262 www.harrowinn.co.uk T: 01235 765792 Cox’s Lane, , Contact: Lorraine & Mark Stanton btinternet.com siLk & honey E: [email protected] With a Michelin star to its name and BROOKLEAS FISH FARM E: [email protected] Reading RG7 5UR Bincknoll Lane, www.wanboroughherbnursery. www.brookfarmcottages.com a penchant for truffles on its menu, Contact: Tim Lobb www.challowhillmeats.co.uk T: 0118 971 2138 Wootton Bassett SN4 8QR moonfruit.com NEWBURY AND DISTRICT Country cottages with farm shop on The Harrow at Little Bedwyn is no Brookleas, East Hendred, Small family run farm placing high E: [email protected] T: 01793 852115 In an old chalk quary, the Nursery BEEKEEPERS site selling home-produced country ordinary pub. The chef and nr Wantage OX12 8LN value on welfare of the animals and Prime quality beef from pedigree E: [email protected] was set up to grow herbs, www.newburybeekeepers.org.uk fayre: fresh eggs for breakfast, proprietor, Roger Jones, forages for T: 01235 820500 the environment. Rear own pedigree Highland cattle. Hung on bone for www.vowleyfarm.co.uk herbaceous, unusual and hard-to-find Local honey and hive products in delicious English honey, and more. the truffles with a farmer in local E: [email protected] Dexter cows and sell the beef at three weeks to maximise flavour and Small, family-run working farm plants. Peat free composts and no Newbury and Wantage areas. woods. ‘Real’ farming and ‘real’ food www.brookleas.co.uk Farmers’ Markets and in packs for tenderness. Visit by appointment. following bio-dynamic practices. Open chemicals. Open spring, summer and Produce sold through shops and are promoted here, so only wild Trout farm fed by Ginge Brook from your freezer. Also rear own lambs Newbury Farmers’ Market. Thursdays 3-7pm for home-grown autumn (during the growing season). shows. We welcome new beekeepers. salmon is used and shellfish arrive local Downs. Small farmshop and and pigs. meats, sausages and bacon. Continued over... live on the premises.

18 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS Visit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/products Visit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/products UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 19 RUSHALL FARM www.potkiln.org Suppliers of traditional bunched HAMPSHIRE THATCHERS www.rjboulton-thatcher.co.uk Scratchface Lane, Bradfield RG7 6DL Rural pub taken over in 2005 by watercress available from the gate at T: 01264 365781 Members of: The Berks, Bucks and T: 0118 974 4547 Mike and Katie Robinson. Underwent Parrotts and from Farmers' Markets. E: [email protected] Oxon Master Thatchers Association, E: [email protected] some refurbishment and now seats www.hampshirethatchersltd.co.uk The Wiltshire Master Thatchers www.rushallfarm.org.uk around 45 in informal and cosy OGG VALLEY ORGANICS Bill Goddard’s skills were honed from Association, The National Council of 350-hectare farm, producing organic surroundings. Contact: Tracy Gough a family of thatchers reaching back Master Thatchers, The National Hungerford Farmers’ Market. lamb and beef. Educational visits 1 Westfield Farm, Ogbourne-St- generations. Broad range of services: Society of Master Thatchers. COBBS FARM SHOP HANNEY COMMUNITY through the John Simonds Trust and THE SMALLHOLDING George, Marlborough SN8 1SX Hampshire long straw, combed & KITCHEN SHOP & POST OFFICE Open Days, including lambing, AT TUFTON T: 05601 159971 wheat reed and water reed. S JONES THATCHER Contact: Tom Newey Contact: Mrs A.P. Vickars bluebell walks and family events. Contact: Jane Huxford E: [email protected] 2 Drove Farm Cottages, Manningford Bath Road, Hungerford RG17 0SP Brookside, East Hanney, 2 Church Cottages, Tufton, www.oggvalleyorganics.co.uk JASON MORLEY THATCHER Abbots, Pewsey SN9 6HT T: 01488 686770 Wantage OX12 0JL SWAN INN + ORGANIC Whitchurch RG28 7RF Family-run organic, chemical-free 55 Newbury Road, Kingsclere, T: 07876 213095 E: [email protected] T: 01235 867408 SHOP & RESTAURANT T: 01256 893518 vegetable and dairy farm. 9am-5pm, Newbury RG20 5SP Member of the Master Thatchers www.cobbsfarmshop.co.uk Wide range of local meat, free-range Contact: Mrs Mary Harris E: [email protected] Mon-Friday, Sat 10am-noon. Home T: 01635 298174 Association of Oxfordshire, Berkshire Soft fruit and vegetables in season eggs, honey, fruit and vegetables, Lower Green, Inkpen RG17 9DX www.tuftonsmallholding.co.uk delivery/box scheme. Farmers’ E: [email protected] and Buckinghamshire. and throughout the year! Open groceries, household goods and T: 01488 668326 Wide selection of plants from our Markets. www.master-thatchers.co.uk Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm. greetings cards. E: enquiries@theswaninn- nursery; homemade preserves; free Thatching for 20 years, the team has STICKS & STONES organics.co.uk range eggs; blankets, throws, hand- TOLHURST ORGANIC won several awards and worked Contact: Garp or Liis Flack HARROWAY ORGANIC www.theswaninn-organics.co.uk knitted items, knitting yarn, fleeces PRODUCE overseas. Free quotations, advice and North Lodge, Shaw Farm, Lockeridge, COMMUNITY SHOP GARDENS Meals cooked using mainly organic and sheepskins, all from our sheep. West Lodge, Hardwick, Whitchurch- a vast knowledge of all reeds. Fire nr Marlborough SN8 4LU The Shop, Back Street, Contact: Mandy Wright and ingredients. All meat organic (hung on-Thames, Pangbourne RG8 7RA retardant specialists. T: 01672 852268 East Garston RG17 7EX Steve Forster and butchered on premises). Pub V & P COLLINS FARM SHOP T: 0118 984 3428 E: [email protected] T: 01488 648241 Kingsclere Road, meals all week. Restaurant Wed-Sat, Contact: Tracey and Phil Collins E: [email protected] K DAVIS & CO THATCHERS www.uksticksandstones.com E: [email protected] Whitchurch RG28 7QB Sunday lunch. Shop Wed-Fri 11am- 81-83 Devizes Road, Bromham, www.tolhurstorganic.co.uk. 17 The Green, Steventon, Bespoke handmade kitchenware such DEWS MEADOW FARM www.eastgarston.com T: 01256 895346 2.30pm, weekend 11am-3pm. Chippenham SN15 2DZ Growers and distributors of organic Abingdon OX13 6RR as individually-designed chopping DELIVERY SERVICE A community shop, opened April E: [email protected] E: [email protected] vegetables. Neighbourhood scheme. T: 07966 229418 blocks, cheeseboards and salad bowls LAUNCHED 2009, selling local foods including Market garden producing organic THE HARROW AT LITTLE Own vegetables sold at Farmers’ E: [email protected] made from blocks of locally sourced Dews Meadow Farm at East homemade fudge, bread, preserves, fruit and vegetables. Local vegetable BEDWYN Markets and our farm shop – all local WooD & thatCh www.kitdavis.co.uk timber and rock. Hanney, Nr. Wantage has just postcards, books and maps. box deliveries. Farm shop. Open Little Bedwyn, Marlborough SN8 3JP produce including smoked meat and A complete thatch, repair and fire launched a delivery service of its Thurs-Sat 9am-6pm. Winchester T: 01672 870871 fish, bacon, sausages, eggs and BARDSLEY & BROWN retardant service. Worked as far afield WESSEX BIOFUELS LTD product range to homes in the EVERLEIGH FARM SHOP Farmers’ Market (July-Nov). E: [email protected] cream. THATCHERS as Taiwan and USA, and recently on Foxley Wood, Hungerford Park, North Wessex Downs area (and Contact: David Hammerson www.theharrowatlittlebedwyn. 1 Cottages, Marlston, the Globe Theatre, London. Hungerford RG17 0UT within a 30-mile radius of the T: 01264 850344 LAVERSTOKE PARK FARM co.uk WOODBOROUGH NURSERY Thatcham RG18 9UN T: 01488 685007 shop) – all for free! E: [email protected] Overton, RG25 3DR Michelin-starred restaurant. Roger & GARDEN CENTRE T: 01635 201546 LOGGYWOOD E: [email protected] Since 1986, Andy and Jane www.everleighfarmshop.co.uk T: 0800 334 5505 and Sue Jones bought the derelict Contact: Alison Parker E: [email protected] Contact: Steve Beale Andover www.wessexbiofuels.com Bowler have built a wide-ranging Wide range of produce for sale via E: [email protected] Harrow Inn in 1998 and have spent Nursery Farm, Woodborough, www.traditionalthatch.co.uk T: 01264 365417 Woodchip fuel is a low-cost, business in the grounds of their online shop, including beef, pork, lamb, www.laverstokepark.co.uk the last 10 years transforming it into nr Pewsey SN9 5PF Partnership of two Master Thatchers, E: [email protected] low-carbon source of heating energy home in East Hanney, selling veal, poultry, fish, cheese and speciality Organic beef, lamb, pork, chicken and one of the most acclaimed T: 01672 851249 established in 1989, with a host of Suppliers of seasoned beech hardwood produced from managed and additive-free pork and locally products such as three-bird roast. buffalo meat. We believe in the restaurants outside London. E: [email protected] satisfied customers with a wide logs, kiln-dried kindling produced on sustainable woodlands within the sourced beef, lamb and free range promotion of biodiversity and slower www.woodboroughgarden range of roof styles and properties. site. Wood briquettes. Tipped bulk North Wessex Downs AONB. chicken. In addition, you’ll find GARLANDS ORGANIC growing plants and animals. On-farm THE KITCHEN GARDEN centre.co.uk loads five miles around Andover. Retail fresh vegetables, dairy products, Contact: Innes and Hannah Ballantyne, butcher’s shop, or buy online. Littlestoke Manor, PYO fruit, vegetables and daffodils at GARY SUGG (THATCHER) and wholesale. WEST MILL FORESTRY bread and local jams and 6 Reading Road, Pangbourne RG8 7LY Wallingford OX10 6AX nursery Apr-Oct. Garden centre with T: 01380 859522 Watchfield, Nr Faringdon, preserves. Now you can look out T: 0118 984 4770 LITTLE HIDDEN FARM T: 07983 457150 farm and gift shop. Open Mon-Sat- E: [email protected] MARNIE MOYLE & GREEN Oxon SN6 8TH for the smart new Dews Meadow E: [email protected] Contact: Bill and Sue Acworth E: [email protected] 9am-5pm; Sun- 11am-5pm. www.garysuggmasterthatcher.co.uk OAK FURNITURE T: 07855 465515 Delivery Van which arrived in www.garlandsorganic.co.uk Wantage Road, www.thekitchengarden.org A Master Thatcher, Gary Sugg works Contact: Marnie Moyle E: [email protected] February “We’re delighted to have Over 1,500 organic and natural Hungerford RG17 0PN Small organic market garden certified VeGetaBLes with all types of thatch, water reed, 1 Road, www.westmillforestry.co.uk received support from South products including local bread, T: 01488 683253 by the Soil Association. Vegetables, combed wheat reed, and traditional RG20 7AT Small, friendly company offering a Oxfordshire LEADER to help us honey, meat, cheese. Open Tuesday E: [email protected] herbs and fruit. Courses in growing BROMHAM GROWERS Wiltshire-style long straw. T: 01635 281786 wide range of woodland services: expand this new service which to Friday 9am-5.30pm; Monday and www.littlehiddenfarm.co.uk vegetables and practical days. Contact: Ross Paget E: marnie@ greenoakfurniture.co.uk woodland management, estate customers have requested” says Saturday 9am-5pm. Weekly Mixed organic farm with Riding Barley Close Farm, Bromham, GEORGE MEDLIN www.greenoakfurniture.co.uk management, woodland development, Jane, a familiar face to many of deliveries – order online. School. Birthday party and corporate THE OLD FARM SHOP Chippenham SN15 2JA WOODWORKS Simple, sturdy outdoor designs using forestry, planting and maintanance. you who visit Hungerford, rides. Beef, lamb, pea and bean sticks, Contact: Mrs Caroline Tyler T: 01380 859891 Contact: GeorgeMedlin locally harvested, unseasoned green Newbury or Wantage Farmers’ HAMSTEAD GROWERS rockery stones, dung and firewood. Milton Hill, Harwell, E: ross.paget@ The Medlin Workshop, oak. Carved with words or designs. All YATTENDON ESTATE LTD Markets, “it means that if you EQUESTRIAN Educational visits. Abingdon OX14 4DP bromhamgrowers.co.uk Little Hidden Farm, Wantage Rd, furniture is made to commission. The Estate Office, can’t get to a local farmers’ Contact: Keith Webb T: 01235 831247 www.bromhamgrowers.co.uk Hungerford RG17 0PN Yattendon RG18 OUY market or farm shop – we can Redhill, Hamstead Marshall, Q GARDENS FARM SHOP E: [email protected] Wholesale operation producing T: 07881 570301/01672 811886 RJ BOULTON MASTER T: 01635 203900 bring it to you!” Newbury RG20 0JL Contact: Katie Napper Award-winning sausages and free freshly prepared and whole E: [email protected] THATCHERS LTD E: [email protected] For more information look on T: 01635 254091 Milton Hill, Steventon, range eggs produced on the farm. vegetables grown mainly on farms in www.georgemedlin.co.uk Contact: Bob Boulton www.yattendon.co.uk www.dewsmeadowfarm.co.uk E: sales@ Abingdon OX13 6AB Pesticide-free fruit and veg. Veggie Bromham. Bespoke furniture using local AONB, The Maples, Wantage Road, The largest selection of fresh or call into the farm shop and hamsteadgrowersequestrian.co.uk T: 01235 820988 box scheme, delivered free of charge. British and European woods. Eddington, Hungerford RG17 0PJ Christmas trees in the area, seasonal meet the team at Oxford Road, www.hamsteadgrowersequestrian E: [email protected] MAPLELEAF WATERCRESS Commissioned work. Visit by T: 01488 683000 decorations, associated fare. Open Dec East Hanney, T: 01235 868634 .co.uk www.qgardensfarmshop.co.uk THE POT KILN Contact: Alison Brown appointment only. E: [email protected] 9am-6pm, otherwise by appointment. Plants, equestrian supplies, feeds, Farm shop and butchery. Q’s own Frilsham, nr Yattendon, Parrotts, Greywell Road, bedding, arena for hire, leather beef and lamb, locally produced pork, Thatcham RG18 0XX Mapledurwell, Basingstoke RG25 2LS repairs. Open Monday to Friday 9am- poultry and game. Seasonal fruit and T: 01635 201366 T: 01256 464221 If you would like a FREE listing in our next Local Products Directory call 01488 685440 or email [email protected] 5:30pm, Saturday 9am-5pm. vegetables. PYO. Tea room. E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

20 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS Visit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/products Visit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/products UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 21 PEWSEY HERITAGE CENTRE

Pewsey Heritage Harwell • Abingdon • Oxon • OX14 4DP Centre is open from 01235 831247 • [email protected] the beginning of How many reasons do you need to April until the end come and visit our farm shop? of October. 1. We will be lambing at Easter, you can visit the lambs and feed the sheep; 2. You can buy our award-winning free range eggs and award-winning sausages from our shop; Opening times are: 3. We grow our own fruit and veg, without any sprays or chemicals, and rear Monday – Friday: our own animals that are free range and fed good wholesome food; 4. We do a veggie box scheme, and offer free delivery within a 15 mile radius 10.00am to 4.00pm of the shop; 5. We do lots of home-made goodies, including: cakes, pies, quiches, jams, Saturday: pickles and bread, and have a wide range of cheeses. 10.00am to midday So now we have got your taste buds Sunday: going, come and pay us a visit! Closed all day (other times by special arrangement) Celebrity chef Mike Robinson is a TV star and ADMISSION FREE!! published author, but cooking fresh, local food in www.pewsey-heritage-centre.org.uk his pub near Frilsham is where his true heart lies. The Museum of the Iron Age Lambourn Trainers’ Open: Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm (last entry Association 4.30pm); Free admission and parking; Small gift and coffee shop. Stable tours of Racehorse Stables. Family friendly museum telling the Includes gallops, racing stables, Wild about story of and life in food equine swimming pool, Hall of Fame LAMBOURN TRAINERS’ OPEN DAY Hampshire over 2000 years ago. and a tour of new staff housing. 2 APRIL 2010 Real objects and reconstructions bring the Iron Age to life. Open: Weekdays 7.30am-12:30pm or the last decade, Mike Robinson has been splashed across our screens A-list with signature dishes including chunky wild venison with mashed potato by arrangement. dishing up delectable delights on numerous cookery programmes, from and a peppercorn sauce, served with wild mushrooms or local truffles, and 6 Church Close, Andover SP10 1DP; 0845 603 5635 No Sundays or Bank Holidays. FBBC’s Saturday Kitchen to UKTV Food’s Great Food Live. warm wood pigeon salad with bacon and black pudding. As Mike is keen to www.hants.gov/museum-of-the-ironage But in 2005, he decided to give television a backseat and put all his energy point out, “The dishes are all correct for the region and they’re all seasonal.” Windsor House, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 8NR into The Pot Kiln, a pub near Frilsham in west Berkshire which he had just T: 01488 71347 E: [email protected] bought. For Mike this country pub, part of a former brick works, was so much CELEBRITY PERKS W: www.lambourntraining.org more than just a business venture. Mike admits that being involved in television certainly has its perks, not least “I grew up in Bucklebury, just over the hill, and I was at school in Brockhurst that it’s good for business, something worth a great deal when your business and Bradfield, so this is my manor!” laughs Mike. “And I’ve been frequenting is a pub in the middle of a large field with very little passing trade. And he’s ROADMEAD The Pot Kiln since I was in a pram! So the pub is definitely my baby.” happy with the public’s perception of him. B His close relationship with the local countryside is ever-present in his “People know me for the wild food, and I’ve got a real sense of ESTATE SERVICES LTD menus, with an obvious emphasis on wild venison. In fact, when Mike is not responsibility and interest in the countryside, so I feel pretty happy about Saturday 10 April 2010 in front of a camera, writing one of his many books, serving up fine cuisine in that,” he says. “I’m not hugely well known, which suits me down to the Environmental Property Management & Maintenance The Pot Kiln, or teaching students at his Game and Wild Food Cookery School ground, so I still have some privacy. All in all I’m just happy with my life in the 10am – 4pm for Berks, Hants, Wilts & Oxon in Yattendon, then he’s most likely to be found deer stalking. countryside: cooking this food, eating it, making people happy and seeing the Marlborough College Marlborough SN8 1PA • Woodland Management & Contracting “I control the deer on a few pieces of lovely land in the area, and manage countryside prosper.” • Hedgerow/Tree Planting & Maintenance them so that the herds are well looked after with the right numbers of hinds Mike’s TV career stepped up a gear this spring when he took the reins of Over 60 trade stands with great • F.C. Woodland & DEFRA Grant Schemes products for your home, your garden, and stags,” he explains. “This means we have a constant supply of venison at ITV’s Countrywise programme as a presenter in March. But no matter how big for you …something for everyone • Landscape Design & Construction The Pot Kiln and it works very well. This area is amazing for me as a chef. a star he becomes, Mike’s adamant about one thing… • Grounds & Paddock Maintenance For details: • All types of Gates and Fencing We’ve got all the wildlife you could want: pheasants, rabbits, pigeons, “I’ll never leave this area. It’s perfect. It’s got everything: lovely countryside, www.marlboroughcancerresearch.org partridges, venison and wild mushrooms. Then there’s locally produced wildlife, access to London and the North. It couldn’t be better.” T: 07887 924539 Orwell House, 50 High St, Hungerford RG17 0NE pork and beef too.” For further information, visit www.potkiln.org, or see the producers Tel: 01488 686004 Fax: 01488 681908 The Pot Kiln’s ‘shot to pot’ menu reads like a who’s who of the wild food directory, page 19. Email: [email protected]

22 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 23 WILTSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE HAMPSHIRE WEST BERKSHIRE

• West Berkshire Museum, Newbury • Oxfordshire Walks Find out more www.westberks.gov.uk www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/walksandrides • Wiltshire Heritage Museum, Devizes • Walking for Health VISITOR ATTRACTIONS www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk www.wfh.naturalengland.org.uk • Ashdown House and other National Trust • Walks with Buggies properties www.nationaltrust.org.uk TRANSPORT LINKS www.walkswithbuggies.com • Avebury and other English Heritage sites • Bus and train information • Walks with Wheelchairs www.english-heritage.org.uk www.traveline.org.uk 0871 200 2233 www.walkswithwheelchairs.com • Crofton Beam Engines • Cycle routes www.sustrans.org.uk • West Berkshire Ramblers www.croftonbeamengines.org • First Great Western railway services www.wberksramblers.org.uk • Highclere Castle www.fgw.co.uk • West Berkshire Walks www.highclerecastle.co.uk • Kennet & Avon Canal for boat users, www.visitwestberkshire.org.uk • Kennet & Avon Canal www.katrust.org cyclists and walkers www.visitkanda.com • Wiltshire Ramblers • Lambourn Open Day www.lambourn.info www.ramblers-wilts.org.uk • Living Rainforest www.livingrainforest.org WALKING LINKS • Wiltshire Walks www.visitwiltshire.co.uk • Pewsey Heritage Centre • Countryside 2010 – a breath of fresh air www.pewsey-heritage-centre.org.uk www.countryside2010.org.uk WILDLIFE TRUSTS • Project Timescape • Friends of the Ridgeway • Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and www.northmoortrust.co.uk www.ridgewayfriends.org.uk Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) • Museum of the Iron Age • Hamstead Marshall Walks www.bbowt.org.uk www.hants.gov/museum-of-the-ironage www.hamsteadmarshall.net • Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust • Savernake Forest • Hampshire Walks www.hwt.org.uk www.savernakeestate.co.uk www.hants.gov.uk/walking • Wiltshire Wildlife Trust • Vale and Downland Museum, Wantage • National Trails: Ridgeway and Thames Path www.wiltshirewildlife.org www.wantage.com/museum www.nationaltrail.co.uk

www.northwessexdowns.org.uk