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 | BERGAMOT
Discover bergamot, Monarda didyma, in the Downton Distillery garden. Grown beside our juniper and salvia, its scarlet flowers attract bees and hawk moths, while its aromatic leaves have a traditional...
DISTILLERY GARDEN | SCABIOSA COLUMBARIA
Small scabious is a native chalk grassland wildflower that blooms into autumn. We do not use it in our spirits, but grow it to support bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
WILDLIFE ON THE DOWNS | THE IVY BEE | AUTUMNAL POLLINATOR
Ivy bees are now active across our gardens, emerging as ivy begins to flower. Often mistaken for honey bees, these striking autumn visitors are solitary pollinators. Each female creates her...
WILD LIFE ON THE DOWNS | FIRECREST | A Tiny Flame in the Woods
One of Britain’s smallest birds, the Firecrest is a remarkable woodland resident. Discover why encounters with this tiny, fiery-crowned bird are particularly special on the Wiltshire Downs.
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 Plants | Wormwood and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Wormwood is one of Europe’s great bitter herbs. We grow its silver-green leaves in the distillery garden, where its powerful aroma helps deter deer from more vulnerable plants. In spirits...
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...
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,...
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...
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 | Lemon Verbena Wonderfully Aromatic.
At Downton Distillery, we grow lemon verbena in our garden for use in Explorer’s Gin. Thriving in the sunshine and chalky soil of the Downs, it fills the air with...
