Re-wilding on the farm
Sustainability is at the heart of our thinking
Re-wilding & Regeneration
Sustainability is really important to us all. Lorna, Anna’s mother who lives at Preston Court and manages the farm is a passionate environmentalist and embarked on a re-wilding and regeneration project 26 years ago.
Re-Wilding and Sustainability of The Water Meadows: The Wilderness is, at its heart, a family run farm with a long-term vision to restore nature and a commitment to the sustainability of the landscape and land. Having been part of a re-wilding project for nearly three decades the lake is a sanctuary for wildlife. In summer there are dragonflies, butterflies and you may even spot a swan or two. Dipping birds such as lapwing are often visiting and you may hear the sound of the marsh frogs.
‘Re-Wilding’ & Natural Regeneration Programme,’
The Boat House on the water meadow may not be fully ‘viewable’ during winter months. When we don’t have any events, we allow the 30 acre water meadow to return to its natural state. During winter the grass will be uneven and the water meadow is often waterlogged. This encourages dipping birds and in the Spring & Summer many rare birds nest here. Turtle Dove, Lapwing, Plover & Skylark have all been spotted.
The undisturbed ditches and water ways around The Wilderness allow for unusual aquatic plants and insects to thrive.
The tall Reeds provide a habitat for rare birds such as Bearded Tits.
The other benefit of the re-wilding project is that the peat in the soil captures and stores atmospheric carbon dioxide, reducing the amount of harmful carbon, therefore reducing global climate change. Pesticides and herbicides are not used & any mechanical movements are kept to an absolute minimum.
The Role Cows have in Re-Wilding
In the Autumn and Spring, Farmer Bertie’s cows can be seen grazing the pastures which are made of peat. The grazing activities of the cows can indirectly contribute to the maintenance of vegetation, which is essential for carbon sequestration in these ecosystems.
When cows graze in peatlands, they help maintain the vegetation in these areas. Healthy vegetation, such as grasses and sedges, play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by capturing CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.
Additionally, cows’ grazing activities can also stimulate the growth of certain types of vegetation, particularly in areas where they disturb the soil with their hooves. This disturbance can create opportunities for new plant growth, contributing to the overall productivity of the peatland ecosystem.
Furthermore, by keeping the vegetation in check, cows can prevent the overgrowth of certain plant species that might outcompete others, thus promoting a diverse plant community.
We all love our environmental ethos and last year we made a pledge to plant a tree on the farm, to celebrate every event we host.
What we do
We make dreams come true. No really we do. We have a stellar team of talented people who thrive on hosting.
Rustic simplicity is what it’s all about if you choose to marry at the Naked Tipi. Handcrafted from Chestnut coppice, felled right here on the farm. This tranquil spot is right by the water, surrounded by wildlife & views across the Water Meadow.
The Woodland Glade is the place to relax, feast & party. Home to the Big Hat Tipi, fire pit, rustic tree house, Champagne Shack Bar, Wild Roots Pizza Shack & Chapel Bathrooms the Glade has a cozy village-like feel.
With meandering paths cut through the long wild grasses you are taken on a journey through nature, from the boathouse, past the naked tipi and on over the footbridge to the magical Woodland Glade in the ancient woodland.
Gather together, relax and have some fun! We have a range of fabulous quirky ways to serve your wedding day drinks including Aris, our vintage car bar, gold barrows, brimming with cold beers and Kilner jars of your favourite cocktail.
Our extensive selection of accredited caterers is second to none & they will work with you to create your perfect wedding day feast, using fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Please have a look on our accredited caterers page.
As you cross the footbridge it’s like entering a different world, as you leave the vast views and big skies of the Water Meadow to the cosy sanctuary of the Woodland Glade…here you can capture the best golden hour photos.
Spend the night with your loved ones, sleeping under the stars in one of our 10 beautifully curated bell tents. Then wake up and enjoy a breakfast together as the sun rises over the Meadow. Hot showers, luxury bed linen & proper beds.
Sustainably built & always fully stocked, our Champagne Shack bar is nestled into the heart of the Woodland Glade, ready to serve your favourite tipple. We are proud to also stock a selection of delicious, locally produced beer, wine & apple juice.
Sunsets here are simply spectacular – with big skies and miles of open views, the Water Meadow is the perfect spot for your photographer to capture the most beautiful golden hour pictures. The photographers seem to agree!
Feel connected to the woodland, with one side of the tipi open during the day, as you dine at our rustic refectory tables. As night falls the space transforms for your party with a dance floor area & stage for your band or DJ to set up.
The Tipis in the Woodland Glade take on a whole new dimension at night with hundreds of twinkly lights- if you have newer partied in the woods before, prepare to be blown away. Don’t forget your dancing shoes.
Sunsets here are simply spectacular – with big skies and miles of open views, the Water Meadow is the perfect spot for your photographer to capture the most beautiful golden hour pictures.
The Woodland Glade comes alive at night time with hundreds of twinkly lights, the fire pit, Champagne Shack and the tree house.
We would love for your beloved dog to be part of your wedding...they are even welcome to stay with you at the Glampsite. But if a full day is too much for your furry friend, we can recommend doggy daycare providers who will chaperone.
We are a family run farm, with a long-term vision to restore nature. Having been part of a rewilding project for nearly 30 years, The Wilderness is now a sanctuary for flora & fauna, with wildflowers, dragonflies, butterflies, and may rare wild birds.
