UP! In the North Wessex Downs 2009 - North Wessex Downs Area ...

Alternating courses of cut sarsen and flints, ManorFarm, Ogbourne Maizey.This map shows simplified geology and distribution of typical building materials of the North Wessex Downs AONB.Diversity in stone eventsLEARN ABOUT THE North Wessex Downsby joining a talk or guide to identify thelocal building materials and the localgeology. Various events will run throughoutthe year, all funded by the North WessexDowns AONB.Events for the spring kick off on 18 Marchwith a talk/exhibition on ‘Diversity in Stonein the North Wessex Downs’ presented byDenise Dane – project officer for theOxfordshire Geology Trust – in St Mary’scombination of knapped flint and cut sarsenchequerwork with limestone window frames whileAvebury Manor stable demonstrates cut sarsenslaid in courses with shaped blocks useddecoratively around its windows.FLINTFlints that have weathered out of the chalkcan be picked up pretty much anywhere on theNorth Wessex Downs. Knapped and teamed withbrick or sarsen stone, expertly laid flints can forma most decorative wall surface. Craftsmen tend toChurch Hall, Silverless Street, Marlborough,SN8 1JQ from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. On 28March a Guided Geological Walk around Lockeridgeand the Overtons will be led by IsobelGeddes of the Wiltshire Geology Trust from10:30am – 12:00pm, meeting at the NationalTrust sarsen stone field at the southwest endof Lockeridge village, GR SU 147675.See www.northwessexdowns.org.uk orwww.oxfordshiregt.org for details of eventsthroughout the year.knap only the surface to be left exposed andfor good reason; the shiny surface of a knappedflint does not bond well with mortar.There’s a handsome wall built entirelyof flint, save for the brick framing, to admireat Ashmansworth. But to see an example ofsheer bravado on the part of its builder, drivea few miles north out of Marlborough toOgbourne Maizey and find Manor Farm.Its front façade comprises alternatingcourses of cut sarsen and flints and itlooks very fine indeed.BRICK AND TILEThere’s a lot to be said for brick and the NorthWessex Downs AONB says it all. It was the mainbuilding material in those areas underlaid byPalaeogene clays (Inkpen, Hermitage and Kintbury inparticular) but elsewhere in areas where chalk, sarsenand flints were plentiful, builders combined themwith brick thus enhancing their capabilities asbuilding materials.Early brick makers were on to a winner. They couldproduce an expensive building material because theyhad access to deposits of clay and – importantly –to small chalk quarries, even chalk mines, from whichthey secured the chalk needed to ensure that theiron-rich clays moulded well and didn’t break up inthe kiln. Different coloured bricks could be achievedby manipulating the clay/chalk mix and by varyingthe oxygen mix during firing, a blue-grey glazedfinish could be produced.During the 15th century, when brick makingstarted in the area, builders were restrained in theiruse, but as they became less expensive (but stillexpensive nevertheless) in the 16th and 17thcenturies, they were being used in timber-framedbuildings to replace wattle-and-daub infills, and forfireplaces, plinths, cornerstones, windows anddoor frames.At St Mary Bourne, a few miles north east ofAndover, there is an imposing brick and flint housewhere the brick has been used for framing andstrengthening the structure with flint beingrestricted to the wall facing. Then there issomething equally assertive about the almshousesin Lambourn. Constructed entirely of brick, theentrance tower incorporates diamond patterns ofred and grey bricks. Another example of thepleasing effect of red and grey bricks can be seenat Great Bedwyn on the Kennet and Avon Canaland yet another at Chilton in Oxfordshire.Rough field flints with limestone dressings at St Mary’sChurch, Great Bedwyn.Chalk block cottage with brick and sarsen foundationsand wooden lintels at Ashbury.Brick and flint used in combination for decorativeeffect in Oxenwood.UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 9

A little big shopThanks to Kennet District Council, the Village Hall Committee, a grant from the North Wessex DownsAONB and a vast amount of work, time and energy donated by an enthusiastic managementcommittee, All Cannings village now has its own shop.TED FELLOWSAbove: The All Cannings village shop.All Cannings village sits less than a mile south fromthe Kennet and Avon Canal, roughly four miles fromDevizes to the west and seven miles toMarlborough to the north. Not long distances, either of them,unless you want a newspaper, or a wholemeal loaf or a tin ofshoe polish. In those circumstances, even four miles seem avery long way indeed.The people of All Cannings lived without a village shop forthree years, from 2002 to 2005, for a reason that chimeswith thousands of small villages throughout the UK; whatwere once self-sufficient villages because they had shopsenough to cater for most people’s day-to-day needs are nowjust dormitories for nearby towns. In All Cannings’ case, thelast shop to go was the Post Office-cum-village shop.Fortunately All Cannings is a village with a very strongcommunity spirit, keen residents who know how to get thingsorganised and hands-on people who know how to get thingsdone. When their efforts come together, there’s not muchthat All Cannings cannot achieve; a village shop run by thevillagers for the villagers seemed eminently achievable. And soit proved, largely thanks to a grant from the North WessexDowns AONB and other monetary donations, including onefrom Rural Renaissance.The All Cannings village shop opened in December 2005and it has never looked back. Shop cash sales in 2008 totalled£134,000. Not bad from a village population of about 600. Itis now in the throes of being extended to twice its originalsize. Kennet District Council has supported phase one butthere are still three further phases to finance.So what process was involved in getting the shop up andrunning? A year of committee work, meetings at least once aAVEBURY’S ON THE WAYMore than £25,000 of funding, some from the North Wessex Downs AONB, has beensecured by the Avebury Community Shop Steering Group that plans to open a shop inHope Cottage on Avebury's High Street, that currently houses an Outreach Post Officeservice on four half days a week. The objective is to set up a shop that is owned andrun by and for the village. It will be both a social hub and an essential communityservice. For progress see www.aveburyshop.co.uk.EAST GARSTON GETS GOINGWith the assistance of local government funding, a grant from the North WessexDowns AONB, funding from VIRSA and donations, East Garston, in the LambournValley, has started to build its own convenience shop. The shop, which should be openby mid March, will promote the Lambourn Valley and its facilities that include walkingand riding. It will also actively encourage and promote local producers to sell theirproducts in the shop. For progress reports, see www.east-garston.com.month at which seven or eight individual committeemembers were charged with such responsibilities as applyingfor planning and building consents, applying for grants,organising fund-raising events and thinking forward aboutstaffing levels, opening times and potential suppliers.The enterprise comes across with a sense of purpose andplanning; decisions of vital importance were made by themanagement committee early on – for instance deciding ona Portacabin-based shop, against the attractive but muchmore expensive brick-built shop. The Portacabin would becheaper and easier to extend if need be, so that’s what nowhunkers down in the Village Hall car park; not much to look aton the outside but a great deal to look at inside – what thevillagers regard as the staples of their lives, everything fromchocolate bars to wines, jams to washing-up liquid andbleach, bacon and eggs to postage stamps and broccolispears. “Not that different from Waitrose,” said a grinning wagwho had just come in for a packet of cigarettes, “only notquite so much stock and a smidgen less standing room!”TEAM SPIRITThe shop is run by the management committee drawn fromthe 160 share-holding volunteers – one £10 share only, onevote only. Rosy Lock is volunteer co-ordinator, Hilary Antrobusis responsible for green and marketing issues, two paid, parttimemanagers Sue Allsop and Alison Yeatman plusself-employed Sue Watson ensure everything runs as itshould. Hilary is also responsible for shop operations, CeliaGordon for key HR issues and keeping the photo/scrapbookup-to-date, all committee members contribute to strategyissues, Natalie Yates sees to organised events and software,Iain Shaw deals with governance and Health and Safety andJohn Mead is both secretary, fixer and doer and finance man.Anyone out there thinking, from reading so far, that the AllCannings village shop appears to have a voracious appetitefor people’s time should take into account that it is truly a‘little big shop’. As a co-operative it has the same legal statusas the Co-op. Opening hours are 7am until 1pm, then 3pmuntil 7pm on weekdays, 9am until 5pm on Saturdays and9am until 1pm on Sundays. Shop policy is to try to have twopeople behind the counter at any one time. Extraordinarily,not every villager uses the shop.Some still travel to one of the towns close by because, theysay, the shop doesn’t provide all that they need. The point ofthe shop isn’t only about convenience. It’s one of the hubs ofthe village. It will help to keep the village alive by encouragingpeople to meet, buy local and support their local environment.All Cannings is definitely a going concern – just like the shop.10 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS

A treemendous ideaSometime in the near future, North Wessex Downs’ treeswill be made to feel very special indeed. That’s because ofthe Tree Council’s Tree Warden Scheme.If you like trees you’ll like the notion of theTree Council’s Tree Warden Scheme. It is anational initiative that enables people to playan active role in conserving and enhancing theirlocal trees and woods. It was founded by the TreeCouncil and is coordinated by the Council with thesupport of National Grid, local communities andlocal county councils.The Tree Council launched the volunteer TreeWarden Scheme in 1990 as a national force oflocal tree champions dedicated to theircommunities’ trees in town, city or countryside.It has coordinated the scheme nationally eversince, working with local authorities, voluntaryorganisations, parish councils and localpartnerships to set up and develop Tree Wardennetworks. Today there are some 8,000 TreeWardens in communities throughout theUK, devoting a total of more than 1.8 millionvolunteer hours a year to the UK’s trees.JOINING THE SCHEMEA Partnership was set up by Wiltshire CountyCouncil, The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and The TreeCouncil to look at introducing the Tree WardenScheme. The Partnership is the guidingorganisation and has involved other environmentalorganisations such as the Wiltshire and SwindonBiological Recording Centre (WSBRC), the ForestryCommission and the North Wessex Downs AONB.Following successful introductory events inOctober 2008 at Dinton in the south of thecounty and at Lockeridge in the north west, it wasclear that there was public support for aTree Warden Scheme in Wiltshire and itwas agreed that a formal launch eventwould take place in early 2009. However,in the meantime, a woodland walk wasarranged as a get-together for potentialTree Wardens at Oakfrith Wood, an eventled by Wiltshire County Council CountrysideOfficer Steve Russell and attended by 40people who got to know each other asfellow potential Tree Wardens.FORMAL LAUNCHThe formal launch event took place at LackhamHouse on 31 January 2009. Lackham Estate is setin the rural heart of Wiltshire with more than 700hectares of farmland, parkland and woodland; itoffered a magnificent venue at which to launchthe scheme. The Partnership invited all interestedparties, particularly anyone who would like tobecome a Tree Warden, to come along. The eventwas a chance to sign up as one of the first newWiltshire Tree Wardens, and to enjoy somepractical taster sessions on tree identification,veteran and ancient trees in the landscape,woodland biodiversity and trees and the law.Tree Wardens in Wiltshire will be as TreeWardens elsewhere; they will be volunteers whobelieve that trees are important in their local areaand are prepared to put a little time into carryingout or encouraging practical projects. The schemeis supported nationally by the Tree Council, butadministered locally by the Partnership. The projectis not looking for experts, just people withenthusiasm who care. It will be running aprogramme of events and training for those whohave signed up, and details of these are availablefrom Vicky Roscoe the Tree Warden Co-ordinator.Her email address is: vickyroscoe@wiltshire.gov.ukand her telephone number is 01225 713489.The aim is to recruit a Tree Warden in everyparish, with the individual being proposed by theParish Council, and supported by them and by anofficer based at Wiltshire County Council. The workof a Tree Warden may include planting and caringfor trees and local woods, surveying trees andWHAT ARE TREE WARDENS?Tree Wardens are volunteers, appointedby parish councils or other communityorganisations. Tree wardening is a wayfor volunteers to play an active role inchampioning their local treescape, andto be the eyes and ears for trees intheir communities.If you are interested in finding outabout similar schemes in your area orbecoming a Tree Warden yourself, contactthe Tree Council see www.treecouncil.orgor call 020 7407 9992.gathering information about them, providing earlywarning of disease or vandalism, getting togetherwith like-minded people for training and field trips,leading guided tree walks, setting up tree nurseriesusing seeds collected locally, and above all, gettinglocal communities involved to make trees matterto everyone.The Tree Warden will be the link between thelocal community, the Parish Council and the newWiltshire Council thus ensuring that everyone isaware of the importance of trees and that treesare important for all kinds of reasons.HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?North Wessex Downs AONB intends to roll outthis scheme across the whole area – for details call01488 685440....they will be volunteers who believe thattrees are important in their local area and areprepared to put a little time into carrying outor encouraging practical projects...UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 11

A climatefor changeThere’s a different air in Marlborough these days; one ofpurpose and cautious satisfaction as the efforts of a groupcalled Marlborough Climate Pledge make a discernibledifference to the local climate.oin us, a group of local people, convincedthat if we work together we will make adifference. Working together as individualsand as a town, encouraging and informing eachother, we can make significant differences to ourenergy use.”That plea, addressed to the people ofMarlborough in Wiltshire, has resulted in theformation of Marlborough Climate Pledge (MCP)that was launched as a community initiative in2006 by former Environment Minister MichaelMeacher, in response to increasing concern aboutclimate change.MCP’s main aim as it affects the citizens ofMarlborough is to reduce their individual andcollective impact on climate change by promotingboth a change in their behaviour and culture and achange in the institutions that underpin and mouldthat culture at the local, national and internationallevel. Promoting renewable energy is a key priorityfor conserving the North Wessex Downs.Central to the project is MCP’s pledge booklet(see www.climatepledge.org.uk) with a range ofpledges in four major areas: Energy, Food, Transportand Waste. The group follows up pledgers to recordand evaluate their impact by calculating the CO 2 thepledgers are saving, according to estimates approvedby Defra and other accredited bodies.The first pledge feedback process of 100households resulted in savings of 125 tonnes (at aconservative estimate) of CO 2 , i.e. 1.25 tonnes perhousehold. This was calculated through the MCP’sown research linking local pledges to national figuresfor estimating savings.MCP organises and runs a varied programme ofpublic events designed to promote awareness andeducate, both about climate change related issuesand MCP’s pledge process. This also helpsbuild support within the pledgercommunity and to encourage furtherparticipation as well as recruiting newpledgers and supporters.Events have included public meetingswith invited speakers to address specific issues, AlGore’s film An Inconvenient Truth, hosting the playBreaking the Silence (the powerful story aboutenvironmentalist Rachel Carson), organisingchildren’s ‘scrapstore’ workshops, holding ideasharingforums, a ‘solar open houses’ day, energysurveys, the Climate Day in May which sawMarlborough’s seasonal ‘human fruit and vegmachine’ humming on the High Street, and – vital tothe central process – holding regular informationand pledge stalls.MCP has been instrumental in getting additionalcarbon savings from Marlborough’s mainsupermarket. After addressing a MCP meeting, themanager of Waitrose made a commitment to reducethe number of plastic carrier bags in the store.Marlborough’s Waitrose store has, since then, made avery impressive 50% reduction, using 36,000 fewerplastic carrier bags each week, equating to around25 tonnes of CO 2 saved annually. This reduction faroutstripped the national voluntary code of practiceagreed to by Waitrose HQ.The group also highlights the importance of thepolitical process as a crucial means of bringing aboutnecessary changes; MCP knows from Marlborough’sMP that people are being encouraged to write tohim about climate change issues and, to quote froma letter from him, he “has no doubt that this is in nosmall part due to the work MCP has done inhighlighting the issues”. MCP has encouragedparticipation in the campaign for a Climate Bill byholding letter-writing stalls and delivering aChristmas card in December 2007 (‘We're Dreamingof a White Christmas’) to the Prime Minister, withhundreds of signatures calling for a strong Bill.With support from North Wessex Downs AONB,MCP launched a Community Allotment project forthose wanting some help to get started withgrowing vegetables. The response to this reflects thenational growth in enthusiasm, as more people arekeen to take control over their food.The community allotment has now been ‘dug anddivided’ in preparation for the growing season. Theallotmenteers are organising community tools and asecure lock-up; compost will be made and boughtand there will be a range of composting techniquesfor the wider community to view – it is known thereis a healthy interest in worms and compost from theinterest shown for the ‘Open Compost Gardens’ daythat MCP has previously organised.MCP shares the concerns highlighted by majorenvironmental organisations about the increasingthreat to food security, in part resulting from theimpacts of climate change.In the autumn, MCP invited a geographicinformation expert who used data and mappingtechnology to explore the issue of climate changeand our food supply and to address the question:can existing UK farmland keep us fed, clothed andhoused? Early next year, it plans to show the film:The Power of Community: How Cuba survived peakoil, illustrating the transition to less energyintensiveagriculture.MCP has recently taken over ‘ownership’of Marlborough’s monthly Farmers’ Market(for details of opening times see www.livingheritagesouthwest.co.uk/main/en/eveprovider-14256.html)and the AONB grant alsoprovides important development support, helpingto strengthen local food links and promote thelocal food economy.OTHER GREEN INITIATIVESElsewhere across the North Wessex Downsother projects are keeping villages green. InBlewbury, Oxfordshire, an energy initiativehas reduced domestic energy consumption(see www.blewbury.co.uk/energy fordetails); in Lambourn a community forumdiscusses ways to tackle climate change(see www.lambourn.info for details); and inHungerford the Hungerford EnvironmentalAction Group is encouraging localresidents to reduce their impact onclimate change with respect to lowcarbon initiatives and buying local food.

Goring and Streatley Parish Councils turned toArchimedes when their plan to turn the flowof the river Thames into hydro-electric powerproved too expensive and too cumbersometo achieve by more mundane means.Archimedes solves amodern problemIf you stand on the bank of the river Thames at Goring andlook at the water flowing past you are likely to think “That’s alot of water!” And then you might start wondering what thevolume of the flow could possibly be and whether or not it couldbe transformed into useable energy.When the Goring Parish Council (GPC) looked into the prospectof transforming the energy of the Thames into useable power itwas pleasantly surprised; an average of five million tonnes ofwater flows through the Goring Gap every day, much more afterheavy rains. Surely, the Council conjectured, that’s got to beenough to do something with?So back in 2005 the GPC decided to investigate the feasibilityof extracting hydro-electricity from the river. The idea took holdand the Council part-funded a feasibility study with SouthOxfordshire District Council. They researched specialistconsultancies, obtained three quotes and commissioned one ofthem to do the groundwork. At the same time the GPC addedhydro-power to its Parish Plan – an important requirement whenseeking funding. The consultancy reported in 2006 stating that itwas possible to obtain 170kW (about enough to keep 170 homessupplied with power) from no fewer than 15 turbines at sixlocations on the weirs.In 2006 the fledgling Goring and Streatley Sustainability Group(GSSG) developed a constitution and appointed a chairman, asecretary and a treasurer, and opened a bank account all of whichproved essential when the Group started applying for grants.Independently, Streatley had included hydro-power into its VillageStatement in the same year. Fortunately for everyone’s morale, nomember of the Group knew of the proposed scheme at Romneynear Windsor to supply the Queen in her castle; a long-runningendeavour that took 12 years to obtain all permissions and is onlynow on the verge of ordering turbines.The Feasibility Study gave everyone hope but more detailedinformation was needed. The scale of the engineering worksrequired to install 15 turbines was such that an alternative solutionhad to be found. Their search took them back about 2,050 years tothe invention of the Archimedes screw, a solution suggested by theEnvironment Agency (EA). The Agency recommended theinstallation of fish-and-eel-friendly Archimedes spirals, so theswitch was made to this ancient-and-modern technology.The UK’s leading expert, Dave Mann ofMannpower, produced an outline design study whichindicated that 246kW of electrical power could beproduced from three 3.5m diameter reverseArchimedes spirals in one location. Added benefits ofthe scheme include zero pollution, reduction ofmore than 500 tonnes of CO 2 a year and anexpected lifetime of three generations.To fund this study GSSG has successfully appliedfor grants from Chilterns Sustainable DevelopmentFund (SDF), North Wessex Downs SDF, StreatleyPC and SODC. This phase was completed in March2008. The quest for cash continues. The process isnow part way through the Environment Survey – for which theyhad to obtain further funds – with the EA funding the baselineflood risk analysis.More grants are needed to complete these so that the necessarypermissions and licences can be obtained from the EA to allowinstallation of the spirals. To finance the actual construction, localcommunities have been sounded out regarding a local share issueand the response has been encouraging, but significant funds fromthe EU will also be needed to make it all happen. John Howell MPand James Elles Euro MP have already visited Goring Gap to see forthemselves what is entailed in this ambitious development. Theyare both very supportive and have offered invaluable advice onwhere to find EU funding.It’s a long road the GPC still has to travel and much of it isstrewn with fund raising to pay for the various studies and analyses.It will be a great educational destination that will increase tourismto Goring by river, coach and train. The GPC has been approachedby about nine other communities in a similar situation to Goringalready, so Archimedes may soon become a familiar name toschool children that live close to UK’s major rivers.GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONSThis project would not have made any progress without thegenerous contributions from the following organisations: NorthWessex Downs AONB SDF, Chilterns AONB SDF, GSSG voluntaryfund raising activities, Streatley Parish Council, South Oxon DistrictCouncil, Goring Parish Council, Goring Amenity Association.Top left: The weirs atGoring and Streatley, 2008.Top right: Weir with three3.5m Archimedes spirals.Above: The Archimedesspiral is the preferredtechnology. It allows fishand eels to pass throughwithout harm, is low maintenance,relatively easy toinstall, visually entrancingand audibly relaxing.FURTHERINFORMATIONFor up-to-datedetails on thescheme, seewww.gssg.org.ukUP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 13

Once threatened, buzzards havea remarkable comeback story,and are enjoying life in the skiesabove the North Wessex Downs.The chances of seeing a buzzard are muchmore likely now than they were 50, or evenjust ten, years ago. The buzzard is a keyexample of how in a relatively short time a speciescan re-establish itself with the ability to recoloniselost territory.Recognisable by its mewing cat-like calls whilesoaring overhead in wide, wavering, rising slowcircles, or perched motionless on telegraph poles,fence posts or dead branches, watching out for anyyoung rabbit, rat or mouse that chances to passbeneath it, there are signs that this once rarely-seenbroad-winged hawk is once again becoming morecommon in the skies over Britain and especially soover the North Wessex Downs. The habitat here isparticularly suited to buzzards, with its open countryfor hunting, and woodland for nesting. Theundulating hilly ground in the area also helpsgenerate varied winds and rising air currents thatallow them to take full advantage of their skills inthe air.Buzzards are stocky birds of prey – their wingspancan be more than one metre, while their body isabout half a metre in size. Their plumage varies froma rich brown to a pale grey, with lighter markingsbeneath, giving it excellent camouflage. In flight thewing tip feathers spread into ‘fingers’ and have aragged, moth-like appearance. They have yellow,unfeathered legs and a brownish hooked beak.DARIN SMITHThe rise ofthe buzzardThey find roughly ten percent of their bodyweight in food daily – mostly carrion, road kill(especially in the winter), small mammals such asrabbits, large earthworms, beetles, and large insects.Buzzards hunt and forage in a variety of ways, eithersoaring high above with their wings held in a shallow‘V’ shape looking for movement on the groundbelow or watching for small mammals from a postfor hours at a time, or walking on the ground lookingfor worms.spot them on their untidy raggedy nests made fromsticks. They breed early in the year so that by thetime their chicks hatch and are demanding meat,young rabbits are out and about for food – usuallyin May.But they haven’t always been this widespread andeasy to see. In Britain’s early pre-history the buzzardwas common. It was at its strongest while feudalBritain was undergoing an agricultural revolution,because forests were being fragmented into smallAs raptors are towards the top of the food chain,if their populations are healthy it implies otherlower levels of the food chain are plentiful.When there are problems in the environmentit will show in the raptor populations...They are relatively social birds – nestlings of oneyear stay together. But the reason they are morevisible than many other raptors is because they arehighly territorial.In the UK they are sedentary and will defend aformal territory, within which they will probably havea number of nests. Disputes usually take place in theair, with the birds circling each other and calling. Inthe spring these aerial dog-fights and calling aremore likely to be courtships with mutual soaring,swooping and diving.Buzzards form long-lasting pairs, and traditionallylay their eggs and hatch them in April, although thisappears to be getting earlier with climate change.Some are now nest building in early March, andlaying at the end of March. As this is taking placebefore the leaves come out on the trees, it is easy tocopses as the need for land, building supplies andfuel increased. The fields and enclosures encouragedrabbits to flourish, and by 1544 buzzards wereregarded as being ‘everywhere’. They were eveneaten and used in medicine.CHANGE IN FORTUNESLike most raptors in the UK, the buzzard’s change infortunes came in the 1800s. Country estates beganto exploit the profit and sport derived from gamebirds and with the development of better guns,gamekeepers were able to keep all predators awayfrom the game in a more effective way. Thispersecution caused their numbers to fall.Their numbers fell again throughout the 1950sand 1960s as DDT and other pesticides that werebeing used on farmland, travelled up through the14 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS

DARIN SMITHAbove: Skylark.The farmlandbirds projectfood chain and affected their eggshells (bymaking them thin and fragile), as well as makingthem infertile.To further decimate their numbers, Myxomatosiswiped out 95 percent of their chief food source,rabbits, within two years (1953-1955). Sodependent were buzzards on rabbits for food thatthere was an almost immediate drop in buzzardnumbers by up to 50 percent.The first glimmer of hope for all of Britain’sraptors came in 1966 when some pesticides werebanned and later on, in 1984, DDT was banned too.This action relieved the strong pressures that existedlower down the food chain and enabled food websthat supported more top predators to become reestablished.Further legal protection for many speciescame in 1981 with the Wildlife and Countryside Actand buzzards were placed on the list of protectedbirds. Rabbit numbers started to increase too, sobuzzards’ recovery could begin in earnest. Now thereare an estimated 50,000 pairs in Britain.As raptors are towards the top of the food chain,if their populations are healthy then it implies otherlower levels of the food chain are plentiful. Whenthere are problems in the environment it will showin the raptor populations.NEW LIFE FOR CHALKGRASSLANDS PROJECTThe Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s New Life for ChalkGrasslands Project is helping the buzzards to recoverfurther. About 80 percent of the world’s chalkgrassland is in the UK, and half of this is in Wiltshire,making it an incredibly important resource on theglobal scale. Catherine Hosie, the project managersays: “Chalk grassland is a very diverse habitat whichcan support up to 200 plants and thousands ofinvertebrates on a single site.” But one of thedifficulties of maintaining the landscape’s stunningsummer beauty and sheer diversity of species is thatfewer landowners now keep any livestock of theirown so that downland sites are frequently neglected,and the lack of grazing allows them to becomeovergrown with scrub. The project aims to changethat by conserving and restoring this nationallyimportant UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitatby knitting together downlands, coombes and valleysstretching from the North Wessex Downs throughthe Salisbury Plain to the Cranborne Chase and WestWiltshire Downs.PROJECT RESERVESTrust reserves that will be incorporated into theproject within the North Wessex Downs AONBinclude Morgan’s Hill, Ham Hill and High ClearDown. One huge element of the project will be towork with Trust partners such as Natural England,the AONBs, RSPB, and Plantlife to name a few, tohelp wildlife on a wider scale withstand climatechange. One aim of the project will be to identifyareas between downland sites that could bereseeded with downland species, thereby startingthe whole process of linking isolated areas.DARIN SMITHThe South West Farmland BirdsInitiative is a partnership project tohelp farmland birds. It currently coverstwo areas, the North Wessex Downsand the Cotswolds.Sarah Dullage ofRSPB (right) tells us:“For me nothingheralds the arrival ofspring quite like theskylark’s song overhead,or the soaringdance of the lapwing,but for the past 30years farmland birds have been decliningsteadily. Here in the South West we havenationally important populations of someof our most threatened farmland species,including lapwing, grey partridge, cornbunting, tree sparrow, turtle dove andyellow wagtail. We want to help thosepopulations to thrive and grow.”Sarah tells us: “There will be a series ofevents throughout the project areas,covering what the birds need and how toprovide it. We’ll also be working with localfarmers and advisors to help them get thebest out of Environmental Stewardship. Byworking together we can provide a rangeof habitats for our farmland birds to nestand feed in, giving them a helping hand.”For more details contact Sarah Dullage,on 01380 737008 or 07818 807480 oremail her at sarah.dullage@rspb.org.uk.The South West Farmland Birds Initiativeis a partnership project between NaturalEngland, Defra, RSPB, FWAG, the CotswoldsAONB, North Wessex Downs AONB,Cranborne Chase AONB and West WiltshireDowns and Dorset Downs AONBs, withsupport from GWCT, National Trust,Plantlife, NFU and the MOD.PETE BLYTHUP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 15

Setting highstandardsMany producers workingwithin the North WessexDowns AONB pride themselves onthe quality of their produce andtheir concern for the environmentin which they operate.They realise that their type ofwork, the way they operate andthe careful management of theirlocal environment are cruciallylinked with the ongoing wellbeingof the North WessexDowns and the future successof their businesses.Many have joined assuranceschemes, these are highlighted inour list as “Env-Links”.KeyWFCP: Whole FarmConservation Plan:Dedicated, tailor-mademanagement plan forall aspects of a farm,dependant on its farmtype, location andhabitat, wildlife value.Bio: Biodiversity ActionPlan: Individuallytailored managementplan for selectedhabitats and species.WMP: WoodlandManagement Plan:Provides tailoredmanagement advicefor a particularwoodland or complexof woodlands.Org: Organic Schemes:Mainly addresschemical inputs –fertiliser, pesticideuse in crops andveterinary medicinesin livestock production.FAS: Farm AssuranceScheme: Voluntaryschemes establishingproduction standardscovering food safety,environmentalprotection, animalwelfare, and otherimportant consumerissues. Eg. British Farmstandard with redtractor logo.Demeter: Certifiedfood comes withbiodynamic farmingwhich is ecological andholistic. It takesaccount of the soil,plants and animals, andthe influence of themoon and stars.CSA: CountrysideStewardshipAgreement: ThroughCSA schemes thegovernment makespayment to farmersand land managersto enhance andconserve landscapes,wildlife, history andhelp people enjoythem.LEAF: LinkingEnvironment AndFarming: Promotesefficiency, transparencyand standardsthroughout the foodand farming industry.LEAF marque farmersfollow integratedfarm managementprinciples.FSC: ForestryStewardship Council:International,non-governmentalorganisation promotingresponsiblemanagement ofthe world’s forests.Uses certificationand product labellingwith its tree-tick logo.Criteria for directoryinclusion: Productionsite must be located,or product must begrown, reared orharvested within theNorth Wessex DownsAONB or within fivemiles of its boundary.Product must beavailable locally.All information hasbeen provided by theproducers and neitherthe publishers norNorth Wessex DownsAONB accept anyresponsibility for anyerrors or ommissions.Farm, Axford, Marlborough SN8 2HAT: 01672 541407/07843 289527E: dgolding@ramsburyestates.comwww.ramsburybrewery.comEnv-links: CSA, FAS, FSC, WFCP, WMP.Products: 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.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. LTD.Contact: Jonathan Pollock, NorthgateBrewery, Devizes SN10 1JWT: 01380 723361E: jonathanpollock@wadworth.co.ukwww.wadworth.co.ukProducts: 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 1.30pmto 3.30pm Monday to Thursday.A master cooper making andrepairing wooden beer casks. VisitorCentre – discover the history andheritage of Wadworth brewing, andunderstand what makes this local,family-owned brewery so unique inan ever-changing industry.WEST BERKS BREWERYContact: Mrs Helen MaggsThe Old Bakery, Yattendon,nr Thatcham RG18 0UET: 01635 202968E: info@wbbrew.co.ukwww.wbbrew.comProducts: Micro-brewery establishedin 1995 and celebrating 14 years ofbrewing award-winning real ales,notably Good Old Boy, Maggs’Magnificent Mild, Mr Chubb'sLunchtime Bitter. Polypins for partiesand events to order. Bottled beersavailable. Brewery tours byarrangement. Shop open Monday toFriday 9am to 4pm, Saturday.10am-1pm, or by appointment.Other outlets: Owns The Rising Sun,Stockcross, nr Newbury. Supplies pubsin Berks, Hants, Oxon, Wilts, Glos.BREAD, CAKES &FLOURDOVES FARM FOODSContact: Clare Marriage, SalisburyRd, Hungerford RG17 0RFT: 01488 684880E: mail@dovesfarm.co.ukwww.dovesfarm.co.ukEnv-links: Bio, CSA, FAS, Org, WFCP.Products: Specialist flour miller andbaker est. 1978. Range consists ofover 20 flours (including organic andwheat/gluten free), cake/bread mixes,breakfast cereals and pasta. Bakeryproduces Fairtrade, organic andwheat/gluten free cookies, plus cerealbars and flapjacks. Soil Associationcertified, BRC certified, VegetarianSoc., Fairtrade Foundation, Vegan Soc.,Coeliac Soc., Slow Food member.Other outlets: Independents, naturalfood and multiple retailers.LACOCK BAKERYContact: Jean Sheard, 8 Church Street,Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LBT: 01249 730457E: jean@lacock.comProducts: 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 to 5pm. Winter opening: fromstart of Nov until 28 Feb 10am to4.30pm. Baking: Monday, Wednesday,Friday, and three Saturdays a month.MAPLEDURHAM WATERMILLContact: Lola Andrews,The Estate Office, Mapledurham,nr Reading RG4 7TRT: 0118 972 3350E: enquiries@mapledurham.co.ukwww.mapledurham.co.ukEnv-links: FAS, LEAF, WFCP, WMP.Products: Wholemeal flour from lastworking watermill on Thames,available for visitors or by order fromEstate Office. Open Easter to endSept: Sat, Sun & Bank Hols 2 to 5pm.THE OLDFARMHOUSE BAKERYContact: Rodney, Kate or BeccieBitmead, By The Meadow Farm,Steventon OX13 6RPT: 01235 831230E: oldfarmhousebakery@bythemeadowfarm.co.ukwww.theoldfarmhousebakery.co.ukVisit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/productsUP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 17

Products: 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, 100%rye; and, if you’ve a sweet tooth, tryour lardy cakes or chelsea buns!Opening times: Wednesday, Thur, Fri9am to 5pm; Sat 8.30am to 1pm.Other outlets: Farmers Markets -Abingdon, Didcot, Hungerford,Newbury, Reading and Woodley.FRUITBOURNE VALLEYPICK-YOUR-OWNContact: Daniel Culley, Lone BarnFarm, St Mary Bourne,nr Andover SP11 6AJT: 01264 738888E: enquiries@bournevalleypyo.co.ukwww.bournevalleypyo.co.ukEnv-links: FAS.Products: 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 juices andhoney. Special Christmas boxes.Opening times: Seasonal, endAugust to mid-Jan Wednesday toSaturday 10am-6pm.Other outlets: Various Farmers’Markets including Reading, Abingdon,Newbury, Wallingford; and Oxford.Mail order for UK; internet.HILDRED’SContact: George Hildred, SpringLeys, Wallingford Road, Goring onThames, Reading, RG8 0HPT: 01491 874471E: georgehildred@hotmail.comProducts: Pick your own asparagus,rhubarb, strawberries, raspberries,gooseberries, red and blackcurrants.Gladioli, when in season.MEAT & FISHBROOKLEAS FISH FARMContact: Tim Lobb, Brookleas, EastHendred, nr Wantage OX12 8LNT: 01235 820500E: brookleas@hotmail.comwww.brookleas.co.ukProducts: 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 Association.Opening times: Monday to Friday,10am to 5pm.Other outlets: Farm shop and attends13 local Farmers’ 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: alan@vicarsgame.co.ukwww.vicarsgame.co.ukProducts: Farm shop and butcheryselling high quality local meat atBROOKLEAS FISH FARMwholesale 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.CHALLOW HILL MEATSContact: Lucy Blackwell, ChallowHill Farm, East Challow,Wantage OX12 9PDT: 01235 765792E: info@challowhillmeats.co.ukwww.challowhillmeats.co.ukEnv-links: FAS.Products: Dexter beef, seasonal lamband rare breed pork.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets atAbingdon, Faringdon, Wantage,Didcot, Henley, Newbury andHungerford.CHERRY ORCHARD MEATSContact: Nick Venters, CherryOrchard Cottage, East Sands,Burbage SN8 3ANT: 01672 810257/07866 452611E: nicholasventers@tiscali.co.ukProducts: 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.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets atPewsey, Marlborough; local caterers;retailers.DEWS MEADOW FARM SHOPContact: Jane and Andrew Bowler,Oxford Rd, East Hanney OX12 0HPT: 01235 868634E: bowler.jane@btinternet.comwww.dewsmeadowfarm.co.ukEnv-links: Org.Products: Traditional homeproducedpork, 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: 12 Farmers’ Markets.DOWN BARN FARMContact: Mrs Penny Reid, Down BarnFarm, Sparsholt Down,Wantage OX12 9XDT: 01367 820272E: pendomeffect@aol.comEnv-links: Org, WMP.Products: Organic Shorthorn beef andTamworth pork on 100-acre (42ha)farm. Horse livery and escorted rideson Downs. Providing agri-tourism viabed and breakfast/dinner for RidgewayNational Trail visitors.Other outlets: Supermarkets;specialist rare breed butchers.EASTBROOK FARMSORGANIC MEATContact: Carolyn Curtis,Eastbrook Farm, Cues Lane,Bishopstone, Swindon SN6 8PLT: 01793 790460E: orders@helenbrowningorganics.co.ukwww.helenbrowningorganics.co.ukEnv-links: Org.Products: 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 359422E: martinanddawn@greenfield-pork.co.ukwww.greenfield-pork.co.ukProducts: Free range pork, Wiltshiredry-cured bacon and gammons. Prizewinning sausages in Great HampshireSausage & Pie Competition 2005,2006, 2007 & 2008. Hampshire LifeBest Butcher/Meat Producer 2005.Refrigerated delivery service. Hogroast hire.Other outlets: Hampshire Farmers’Markets; local shops.HAMPSHIRE GAMEContact: Janet Lane, Pollards Farm,Clanville, Andover, SP11 9JET: 01264 730294/07719 613906www.hampshiregame.co.ukProducts: Oven-ready game. Tradingsince mid-1970s.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets.KILN MEADOWS FARMContact: Gordon Hedges, Cox’s Lane,Midgham, Reading RG7 5URT: 0118 971 2138E: gordon@bynghedges.plus.comProducts: 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.Visit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/products

LITTLE WITTENHAM BEEF& LAMBContact: Rachael Lee,2 Hill Farm Cottages,Little Wittenham OX14 4QZT: 01865 408196E: rachael.lee@homecall.co.ukwww.northmoortrust.co.ukEnv-links: Bio, CSA, FAS, WFCP, WMP.Products: Beef & Lamb born andreared on Northmoor Trust’sconservation farm where animalwelfare, wildlife conservation andenvironmental best practice aregiven high-priority. Full range of cutsavailable throughout the year.Mutton seasonal. Sheepskin RugsOther outlets: Farmers’ Markets. Farmgate, farm/lambing open days, seeNorthmoor Trust website for details.Visit by appointment.FLOWER FARMS – MIKE BAILEY/STEVE WILLIAMSROYAL BERKSHIRE PORKContact: Russell Kilvington,Tamarisk, Pudding Lane,Brightwalton RG20 7BYT: 01488 638155E: info@royalberkshirepork.co.ukwww.royalberkshirepork.co.ukEnv-links: FAS.Products: Accredited RSPCA FreedomFood pig breeder retailing own-brandpork products – sausages, bacon,gammons. Russell farms 40 acres offree-range pigs and is a formerMeridian TV Young Entrepreneur ofthe Year in South-East.Other outlets: Local shops;supermarkets; caterers; also Waitroseand Sainsbury’s.SANDRIDGE FARMHOUSEBACON LTDContact: Mrs R Keen, Sandridge Farm,Bromham, nr Chippenham SN15 2JLT: 01380 850304E: info@sandridgebacon.co.ukwww.sandridgebacon.co.ukProducts: Speciality hams; Wiltshirenaturally-smoked and dry-curedbacon; sausages. Home-rearedAberdeen Angus and Hereford beef.Opening times: Farm Shop openTuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets atDevizes and Wanborough;independent butchers; delicatessens;caterers; farm shops.SHEEPDROVE ORGANIC FARMContact: Sales Team Warren Farm,Lambourn , RG17 7UUT: 01488 674747E: sales@sheepdrove.comwww.sheepdrove.comEnv-links: Bio, CSA, Org, WFCP, WMP.Products: Award-winning organicfarm with Eco Conference Centre.Home delivery direct from the farm,free local delivery. Producer of organicfree-range chicken, beef, lamb,mutton, and pork. Online shop andfamily butchers in Bristol and London.Other outlets: Online shop;telephone orders; SheepdroveOrganic Farm Family Butchers atBristol and London.STARK HOUSE FARMContact: Mrs Frances Paget, StarkHouse Farm, Goose Hill, Headley,Thatcham RG19 8ART: 01635 268205E: francespaget@uk2.netEnv-links: CSA.Products: Rare-breed Saddlebackpork, bacon and sausages. Farm salesavailable, telephone first.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets atNewbury and Winchester.YATESBURY HOUSE FARMContact: Richard Gantlett, GRGantlett & Son, Yatesbury HouseFarm, Yatesbury, Nr Calne SN11 8YFT: 01672 539039www.yatesbury.netEnv-links: Bio, CSA, FAS, Org, WFCP.Products: Pedigree, Aberdeen Angus,Clover fed beef produced in rotationwith cereals.PLANTS & SEEDSENGLEFIELDGARDEN CENTREContact: Miss Janet Smith,The Street, Englefield, nr Theale,Reading RG7 5EST: 0118 930 4898www.englefieldgardencentre.co.ukProducts: Charity-run garden centreproviding training for people withdisabilities. Produces high qualitybedding and herbaceous plants.Opening times: Mon to Sat 9am-5pm, Sun May to June 12 to 4pm.FLOWER FARMSContact: Bob Anderson,Carvers Hill Farm, Shalbourne,Marlborough SN8 3PST: 01672 870782E: flowerfarms@btinternet.comwww.charlesflowerswildflowers.co.ukEnv-links: CSA, FAS.Products: Wild flower seed and plants.Consultancy service available.Other outlets: Mail order, brochureavailable, or order from the website.MEADOWMAKERContact: Sue Everett, 122 DerwentRoad, Thatcham RG19 3UPT: 01635 847164E: suejeverett@hotmail.comwww.meadowmaker.me.ukProducts: Wild-harvested seed, bycontract only, for re-creating nativegrassland (lowland meadow/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 0DQT: 01793 790327E: wanboroughnursery@btinternet.comwww.wanboroughherbnursery.moonfruit.comProducts: A chemical free retailnursery promoting interest in herbsand their uses. Also unusual orforgotten plants. We can alsoundertake plant searches for thatspecial plant for your garden.Garden design/consultation as wellas maintenance is available throughPeters' Garden Design an awardwinning designer.Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets;Summer Shows/Fetes; talks to gardenclub/societies. Food & Drink Fairs.Visit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/productsUP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 19

T: 01235 831247E: theoldfarmshop@aol.comProducts: Spray and chemical-freeproduce. Own fruit, vegetables, meat,cakes, bread, pies, jams. Free-rangeeggs. Local cheese, honey. Veggiebox delivery service. PYO site.Animals to feed, visits on farm(9am to 6pm).Other outlets: Farmers’ Markets atWantage and Wallingford.Q GARDENS FARM SHOPContact: Katie Napper, Milton Hill,Steventon, Abingdon OX13 6ABT: 01235 820988E: info@qgardensfarmshop.co.ukwww.qgardensfarmshop.co.ukEnv-links: FAS.Products: Fully stocked farm shopand butchery. Q’s own beef andlamb, locally produced pork, poultryand game. Seasonal fruit andvegetables, including asparagus,cherries, strawberries, raspberries,blackberries, currants, gooseberries,plums, greengages, damsons, apples,and pears. PYO. Tea room andchildren’s play area. Veg box schemefor local primary schools.SWAN INN + ORGANICSHOP & RESTAURANTContact: Mrs Mary Harris, The SwanInn, Lower Green, Inkpen RG17 9DXT: 01488 668326E: enquiries@theswaninn-organics.co.ukwww.theswaninn-organics.co.ukEnv-links: CSA, FAS, Org.Products: Village pub, hotel and shopwhich serves meals cooked usingmainly organic ingredients. All meatorganic (hung and butchered onpremises). Pub meals all week. A lacarte restaurant Wed-Sat, Sundaylunch. Shop Wed-Fri 11am to 2.30pm,weekend 11am to 3pm. Won theRSPCA Good Business Award 2007.VITALITY FARM SHOPContact: Marianne Penny,Pangbourne Road, Theale, RG7 5EAT: 0118 930 5159E: info@vitalityfarm.co.ukwww.vitalityfarm.co.ukProducts: Wide range of local produceincluding home-produced free-rangechicken, local beef, organic lamb andmutton, free-range and rare breedpork, delicatessen, award-winning localcheeses, cakes, bread, wines, beers etc.Opening times: Wed-Sat 9am-5pm.W CUMBER & SON(THEALE)/RUSHALL FARMContact: John Bishop, Rushall Farm,Scratchface Lane, Bradfield, RG7 6DLT: 0118 974 4547E: john@rushallfarm.org.ukwww.rushallfarm.org.ukEnv-links: Bio, CSA, FAS, Org, WFCP,WMP.Products: 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; CumbersFarm Shop at Manor Farm, Mill Rd.,Marcham, near Abingdon, OxonOX13 6NZ where we sell beef, lamband pork, rose veal and mutton,sausages and bacon.WOODBOROUGHGARDEN CENTREContact: Alison Parker Nursery Farm,Woodborough, nr Pewsey SN9 5PFT: 01672 851249E: clanparker@aol.comwww.woodboroughgardencentre.co.ukEnv-links: Org.Products: PYO fruit, vegetables anddaffodils at nursery April-October.Garden centre with coffee shop.Plants, shrubs etc.Opening times: Monday to Saturday9am to 5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm.YATTENDON ESTATE LTDContact: Alastair Jeffrey, The EstateOffice, Yattendon RG18 0UYT: 01635 203905E: alastairj@yattendon.co.ukwww.yattendon.co.ukEnv-links: Bio, CSA, FAS, FSC, LEAF,WFCP, WMP.Products: The Largest selection offresh Christmas trees in the area,seasonal decorations, associated fare.The Foresters’ yard.Opening times: December 9am to6pm, otherwise by appointment.VEGETABLESBROMHAM GROWERSContact: Ross Paget BromhamGrowers Ltd, Barley Close Farm,Bromham, Chippenham SN15 2JAT: 01380 859891E: ross.paget@bromhamgrowers.co.ukwww.bromhamgrowers.co.ukEnv-links: FAS.Products: Wholesale operationproducing freshly prepared andwhole vegetables grown mainly onfarms in Bromham. Operates six daysa week at Barley Close Farm. Producesold all over UK. All farms underAssured Produce Scheme andpackhouse SALSA approvedOther outlets: Specialising inBunched Carrots, which can be foundin a range of high street storesincluding J.S.Sainsbury’s and Stokes’sgreengrocers. Other produce alsogrown, graded, washed, packed anddistributed through the wholesalemarkets around the UK.High care facility preparing,shredding, dicing, fruit andvegetables for food manufacturers.MAPLELEAF WATERCRESSContact: Alison Brown, ‘Parrotts’,Greywell Road, Mapledurwell,Basingstoke RG25 2LST: 01256 464221E: mapleleafwcress@aol.comProducts: Suppliers of traditionalbunched watercress available fromthe site daily to trade outlets andthe public.Other outlets: Local Farmers’Markets.OGG VALLEY ORGANICSContact: Tracy Gough, 1 WestfieldFarm, Ogbourne-St-George,Marlborough SN8 1SXT: 05601 159971E: oggvalleyorganic@btconnect.comEnv-links: Bio, Org, WFCP.Products: Family-run business est.in 1999 as organic, chemical-free210-acre vegetable farm. Seasonalroot, brassica and salad vegetables.Farm sales: 9am to 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: tolhurstorganic@yahoo.co.ukwww.tolhurstorganic.co.ukEnv-links: WFCP, Bio, Org, CSA.Products: Established in 1976,growers and distributors of organicvegetables. Operate a four-sizeveggie-box delivery scheme inReading and Oxford areas. Won ‘LocalBox Scheme of the Year 2000’ awardfrom Soil Assoc. Finalists in the BBCradio 4 Food and Farming, Farmer ofthe year 2007.WOOD & TREESGEORGE MEDLINWOODWORKSContact: George Medlin, The MedlinWorkshop, Little Hidden Farm,Wantage Rd, Hungerford RG17 0PNT: 07881 570301/01672 811886E: georgewoodworks@onetel.netwww.georgemedlin.co.ukProducts: Bespoke furniture usinglocal AONB, British and Europeanwoods. Commissioned work:Specialises in individually designedfurniture crafted to suit all homes,styles and client requirements. Medlindesignedtraditional specimen piecesavailable. Visit by appointment only.MARNIE MOYLE & GREENOAK FURNITUREContact: Marnie Moyle,1 Catmore Road, West Ilsley RG20 7ATT: 01635 281786E: oak@twang.co.ukwww.marniemoyle.co.ukProducts: Marnie’s simple, sturdyoutdoor designs use locally harvestedunseasoned green oak, which isexpected to shrink or distort to adduniqueness and character. Each pieceis additionally carved with words ordesigns, and the site-origin of thewood used is carved on the undersideof the bespoke work. All furniture ismade to commission.STICKS & STONESContact: Garp or Liis Flack, NorthLodge, Shaw Farm, Lockeridge, nrMarlborough SN8 4LUT: 01672 852268E: info@uksticksandstones.comwww.uksticksandstones.comProducts: Bespoke handmadekitchenware such as individuallydesignedchopping blocks,cheeseboards and salad bowls madefrom blocks of locally sourced timberand rock.Other outlets: Sticks and StonesShop, 2 Thached Barn, WoodboroughGarden Centre, Woodborough, Open:Tuesday-Sunday; Marlborough HighStreet market (Weds and Sat); website.If you would like a FREE listing in our next Local Products Directory call 01488 685440 or email info@northwessexdowns.org.ukVisit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/productsUP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS 21

NewsLeader FundingAvailableTHE NORTH WESSEX Downs Leader Action Group(LAG) was delighted to secure £2.5 million fundingfor supporting the rural economy of the areabetween 2009 and 2013 from the LeaderProgramme. The programme is now open andreceiving applications. If you have a project which isin need of funding, now is the time to apply. Projectswill be considered for funding if they meet one ormore of the following criteria:1. Creating opportunities to enjoy the NorthWessex DownsWe wish to develop and deliver a vision of theNorth Wessex Downs as an area for green tourism,with easily accessible information about its wildlife,culture and history, and with many opportunitiesto explore, walk, cycle and ride. We also wish tobuild on the existing culture of volunteering andeducation in the area.2. Supporting community development andbusiness transformationThe North Wessex Downs contains some areas ofreal economic and social deprivation, especially interms of access to services and opportunities. Wewish to generate support in these areas. Tourism willprovide an opportunity for economic development,but we wish to support a wider range of activities.We also wish to support activities that enablethe farming and forestry sector to connect withcommunity and economic development.3. Promoting local foodFood production is key to maintaining the landscapeof the North Wessex Downs. We wish to ensure thatthere is more opportunity for those living in and,more importantly, the two million people livingaround the North Wessex Downs to buy local food.To this end, we want to support the production,processing, and consumption of local food in theNorth Wessex Downs.4. Climate change adaptation and mitigationWe strongly believe that the North Wessex Downshas a role to play in becoming a place that usesenergy carefully, produces renewable energy, andprepares for the changing climate. We will, inparticular, be encouraging activities that lead to themanagement of woodlands in the North WessexDowns to produce wood for woodfuel, and toencourage the uptake of the technology for the woodto be used locally to provide heating and electricity.New Management PlanA NEW MANAGEMENT Plan for the NorthWessex Downs AONB will be published inlate 2009. The North Wessex DownsAONB Management Plan is not just forthe North Wessex Downs AONB team; itguides the activity of all who live and workin the protected landscape, to helpconserve and enhance its natural beauty.The new plan builds on the previousplan. The review process, started inSupport for PartnersMany organisations andindividuals are involved inmanaging the landscape ofthe North Wessex Downs AONB sothat it retains its natural beauty. Manymore are involved in researching andhelping others to learn about and enjoythis special landscape.The Council of Partners is the formal‘Board’ for overseeing the managementof this area. It brings together all theinterests in the North Wessex Downs. Itconsists of government agencies, localauthorities, land managers, localcommunities, and conservation,autumn 2007, has involved the localauthorities, community and businessorganisations, farmers, wildlife andenvironmental groups and parish councils.The draft will be available for consultationin 2009. If you would like to get involvedor just to keep up-to-date with progressvisit www.northwessexdowns.org.ukor contact the North Wessex DownsAONB team.recreation and heritage interests.The North Wessex Downs AONBteam advises the Council of Partners,and implements its decisions andpolicies. It undertakes activity onbehalf of the Council of Partners toprotect and enhance the naturalbeauty of this landscape. Much of thework of the team is in collaborationwith a wide range of individuals andorganisations. Articles in this magazinehighlight several of these projects, andthe items here give a small flavour ofour work. For more information, pleasesee www.northwessexdowns.org.uk.LEADER is a European funding programme.To find out more or to apply visitwww.northwessexdowns.org.uk or contact theNorth Wessex Downs AONB office 01488 685440.22 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS

The North Wessex Downs AONB24 UP! ON THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS