NATURE ACROSS THE DOWNS
THE DOWNS JOURNAL
Discover the wildlife, plants and seasons shaping our Wiltshire landscape.
LIFE ON THE DOWNS
The Wiltshire Downs form part of a globally rare chalk landscape, supporting an exceptional variety of plants, birds, insects and other wildlife. More than 70% of Britain’s chalk grassland has disappeared, making the habitat that remains increasingly important.
Nearby Salisbury Plain contains the largest surviving area of semi-natural dry grassland in the European Union. Through The Downs Journal, we record the wildlife found around the distillery, follow the changing seasons and explore the plants growing across the Downs and within our botanical garden.
Some of these plants flavour our spirits. Others provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Together, they reveal the close relationship between the distillery, this ancient landscape and the conservation work helping to protect it.
THE DOWNS JOURNAL | DOWNTON DISTILLERY
Distillery Garden | When the Dawn Chorus Falls Quiet
Britain’s dawn chorus is growing quieter. Inspired by a recent Guardian investigation, we explore what birdsong reveals about the health of our countryside, the species recorded at Downton Distillery, and...
WILDLIFE ON THE DOWNS | DISTILLERY GARDEN DIARY
Before work starts, take 10 minutes to listen to the world around you. The distillery garden is home to a new ecosystem and it is magical to be part of...
Education | Wiltshire Downs | Wick Down
The hills around the distillery truly are alive with the sound of music. Not from instruments or orchestras, but from the countless birds and wildlife that inhabit the chalk downs...
