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 | 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...
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...
