On Sunday 13th July, under a blazing summer sun, a truly intrepid group of ramblers gathered for a circular walk through the drovers’ roads, field margins, and footpaths that crisscross Sheepdrove Organic Farm’s 2,000-acre mixed organic landscape on the Lambourn Downs.
Braving the ferocious heat — even by 10:30am it was sweltering — walkers came well-prepared with hats, umbrellas, and even wet towels. Leading the way were Sheepdrove’s naturalist Nick Adams and local Lambourn-based archaeological expert Bob Brewer.
Nick guided the group through the some of the farm’s nature-friendly downland habitats including recently restored dew ponds, thick hedgerows, and scrubby shelterbelts.
A stop at Triangle Field, beside the Natural Burial Ground, had us searching for rare arable plants — this field is home to 37 rare species – and we were rewarded with a tiny Venus Looking Glass flower.
At the Natural Burial Ground, Bob Brewer took the lead, delving into the rich archaeological heritage of the downs, including the site of Roman villa, an Iron Age fort, and the haunting outline of a “ghost” dew pond thought to date back to pre-Roman times.
The walk was such a hit that we’re pleased to announce it will be re-run —
Discovering Dew Ponds at Sheepdrove Organic Farm 21 September 2025 10.30am
Booking: Free
Booking essential
25 places
Book here @northwessexdowns
https://www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/event/discovering-dew-ponds-at-sheepdrove-organic-farm/
