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 Plants | The Dog Rose and Rosehip
Discover how locally foraged rosehips from Salisbury Plain bring bright fruit, gentle floral notes and a dry finish to two Downton Distillery gins.
Distillery Garden | Harvesting Angelica Seed
Harvesting Angelica. Capturing the aromatic seeds that bring depth, structure and character to every bottle of Explorer's Gin.
Distillery Plants | Angelica and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Discover Angelica, one of the most important botanicals in gin making. Explore how its roots and seeds bring structure, depth and complexity to our spirits, while supporting wildlife, carrying a...
Distillery Plants | Borage and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Borage is a versatile botanical used in distilling for its fresh, cucumber-like flavour and subtle floral notes. It enhances spirits, elevates cocktails, and supports pollinators. With roots in herbal medicine,...
Distillery Plants | Oregano and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is a reliable nectar source that supports bees, including solitary and mining species like Andrena. Its long flowering period, open blooms, and high nectar content make it...
Distillery Plants | Lovage and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Lovage is one of the distillery garden’s most powerful botanicals. Its deep savoury aroma lifts food, strengthens spirits, and supports digestion. Used since Roman times, this tall herb delivers intense...
Distillery Plants | Valerian and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Valerian is one of Europe’s most powerful medicinal plants. Grown in our distillery garden, its roots, flowers, and aromatics support calm, sleep, and digestive health while adding depth and structure...
Distillery Plants | Mullein a Botanical Powerhouse
In the distillery garden, mullein stands tall among the botanicals. Often dismissed as a weed, this versatile plant is packed with natural healing properties. From soothing respiratory teas to ear...
