Downton Distillery proudly supports the Great Bustard Conservation Group, working to reintroduce one of Britain’s most iconic and endangered birds to its native Salisbury Plain. Once extinct in the UK, the Great Bustard is making a remarkable return through habitat restoration, breeding programmes, and public awareness.

Sales of our Great Bustard Gin provide a monthly contribution, funding vital conservation work from chick rearing and population monitoring to protecting the wildflower-rich landscapes these birds rely on. Every bottle sold plays a part in safeguarding this magnificent species, ensuring it continues to soar over Wiltshire for generations.

This is our legacy.

Downton Distillery is proud to support TUSK, a leading conservation charity dedicated to protecting Africa’s most vulnerable wildlife and habitats. For over 30 years, TUSK has worked in partnership with local communities to combat poaching, promote sustainable livelihoods, and safeguard endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, and big cats. Their projects not only protect biodiversity but also address the root causes of environmental decline by investing in education, eco-tourism, and community development. By supporting TUSK, we help ensure that Africa’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes are preserved for future generations while empowering the people who live alongside them.

Downton Distillery is delighted to support the wonderful Hannah Shergold, a celebrated British wildlife artist and proud TUSK ambassador.

Known for her bold, dynamic style and remarkable ability to capture the spirit of the natural world, Hannah’s work raises significant funds and awareness for wildlife conservation across Africa. Her paintings often feature the very species TUSK works to protect, from elephants and rhinos to big cats, blending artistry with advocacy.

By championing Hannah’s work, we not only celebrate exceptional British talent but also contribute to the protection of endangered species and the preservation of their habitats.

Downton Distillery is honoured to support the Navy Wings Heritage Flight, a charity dedicated to preserving Britain’s historic naval aircraft and keeping the story of naval aviation alive. These iconic planes, from wartime fighters to Cold War jets, are a vital link to our maritime heritage and the courage of those who served at sea. By maintaining and flying these aircraft, Navy Wings not only honours past generations but also inspires future ones, educating the public about the role naval aviation has played in safeguarding our nation. Supporting this charity helps ensure these extraordinary machines and the history they represent continue to take to the skies.

The public can see Navy Wings aircraft mainly at:

• Home of the Navy Wings Heritage Flight. The aircraft can sometimes be viewed during open days, heritage events, and airshows based at Yeovilton.
  
• Navy Wings regularly participates in major UK airshows such as Duxford, Old Warden (Shuttleworth Collection), and Bournemouth Air Festival, as well as heritage flypasts and commemorative events.
• Occasionally, the charity hosts open hangar days and fundraising events where visitors can get closer to the aircraft and meet the pilots and engineers.

At Downton Distillery, we believe giving back should be as bold as our spirits. That’s why we’re proud to support the Velodrome Cycle Challenge in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. This high energy, high adrenaline event sees riders push themselves to the limit on the track, raising vital funds for one of the UK’s most renowned children’s hospitals.

Every mile cycled helps fund life-saving research, pioneering treatments, and essential family support services, ensuring young patients receive the very best care. By backing this challenge, Downton Distillery continues its commitment to making a positive impact both in our own community and for those whose lives depend on the dedication and expertise of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The Velodrome Challenge is a high-energy, competitive cycling fundraiser held at the iconic Lee Valley VeloPark—site of the 2012 Olympic track cycling events. The event invites cycling enthusiasts and novices alike to form teams (typically of four), receive coaching from former Olympic and professional riders such as Victoria Pendleton CBE and Alex Dowsett, and take part in team sprint competitions on the world-class track. Participants then cap the day with a glamorous gala dinner complete with live auctions and gourmet dishes crafted by Gordon Ramsay’s team.

Since inception, the Velodrome Challenge has raised over £2 million for GOSH Charity. For instance, its seventh edition alone brought in £290,000, and earlier iterations raised around £316,000, all in support of the Children's Cancer Centre and pioneering paediatric care at GOSH.

Downton Distillery is proud to support the Buffalo Foundation and the extraordinary work of endurance cyclist James Golding.

Having overcome life-threatening illness twice, James has channelled his resilience into inspiring others through the Foundation’s mission using sport, education, and business mentoring to create opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. His ongoing efforts include world-record cycling attempts, high-profile charity rides, and mentorship programmes that empower people to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

James’s determination, courage, and commitment to giving back embody the very spirit of the Buffalo Foundation, making a tangible difference in communities both locally and internationally.

Beyond our support for local and national charities, Downton Distillery invests in long-term environmental projects such as rewilding juniper on the Wiltshire Downs. Far from a token gesture, this is a high-cost, high-commitment initiative many saplings cost over £25 each, and juniper cannot be commercially cultivated.

It is notoriously slow-growing, often taking years to establish, and success is never guaranteed. Yet its role in supporting biodiversity and preserving our natural heritage makes it a true legacy project, ensuring future generations inherit a richer, more resilient landscape.