Environment, Nature, Wildlife & Conservation

Jekka’s Herb Farm is a specialist nursery just 10 miles north of Bristol, growing over 600 herb varieties organically for mail order. The farm is usually closed to the public, so Open Days are a great opportunity to browse and buy amongst the scents and senses of some rare and beautiful herb species, meet award winning writer and broadcaster, Jekka McVicar, and attend her (pre-bookable) herb workshops, plus a FREE farm tour.

Certified organic by the Soil Association, the farm is a haven for bees, birds and butterflies. In fact, the UK Government’s own advisors found that plant, insect and bird life is up to 50% greater on organic farms. The September Open Days begin on the first day of the Soil Association Organic Fortnight 2010, promoting organic as an everyday choice, and the Open Days feature an end-of-season herb plant sale – an excellent opportunity to stock up on perennial bargains for autumn planting (the best time in all to plant hardy, perennial herbs).

Seasonal, locally sourced refreshments available. Click below for further details.
www.jekkasherbfarm.com

New House Farm is a small dairy farm of 140 acres in Tytherington, Gloucestershire. It is run by Bill, Richard and Tom Cornock, and has been in the Cornock family since the 1840s. In a beautiful and diverse collection of photographs, A Year on a Farm captures the day to day workings of a family-run farm in the south Gloucestershire countryside. Tree planting, hedge laying, ploughing fields, planting maize, making hay, calving cows, picking fruit: these are all activities which make up the farming year, set against the striking changing landscape of the region.

As well as depicting the various activities which make up farming life, A Year on a Dairy Farm introduces the characters that make it happen, and the animals, farm, domestic and wild, which are the lifeblood of the farm. Originally intended as a very personal book for immediate family only, A Year on a Farm is a perfect record of what makes a dairy farm tick at all times of the year and in all weathers.
www.thornburybookshop.co.uk

The Stroke Association is urging cyclists to take part in a 42 mile cycle ride between Berkley Castle and Chepstow Castle.

This will be the second year of the event which saw 170 people kick-start the challenge last year.

Steve Chesworth, Regional Fundraising Manager for The Stroke Association explained: “Last year was incredibly successful and we are very much looking forward to celebrating the second year of the event with even more people taking part.

“Besides the amazing scenery you can enjoy along the route, you will have the opportunity to join cyclists from a range of ages and levels of fitness and bring your friends and family too.

“It is estimated that 1,440 people in Gloucestershire will have a stroke each year and 653 people will die from stroke. By taking part in this challenge, your fundraising efforts will help us to combat stroke in people of all ages through research and campaigning and by offering support to people who have been affected.”

Regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of stroke by helping to lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke.

Taking part in Castle 2 Castle challenge will not only help you to lower your risk of stroke but will also help raise funds to enable The Stroke Association to continue to offer support to people in Gloucestershire.

Participants will be offered a choice of five routes. These include a 42 mile circular course starting at either Berkeley or Chepstow Castle, a 21 mile route from either castle or a 10 mile route starting and finishing at Berkley Castle.

Places are available for a £10 registration fee (£20 for families) and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £50 (£90 per family).

For a free information pack and to register please contact the Castle 2 Castle Events team on 0117 953 1200 or email below.
www.berkeley-castle.com
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