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 | 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.
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.
