Regenuary at Downlands Farm

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Here at Downlands Farm we’ve been embracing Regenuary, a month dedicated to celebrating regenerative farming.

We’re leading the way in the UK in regenerative livestock farming, producing the best tasting products possible, within a regenerative system which also has a net positive impact on the environment.

On the farm we have a range of animals, including our English Shorthorn cattle, which are able to graze naturally, contributing to the health of the land rather than degrading it.

A project we began this month is mob grazing our pigs.  We introduced native breed pigs into a field that has been unfarmed for the past 20 years, This neglect resulted in a large number of invasive plant species taking over the field, leaving no space for grass or valuable farm crops to grow. Their role is to use their natural rooting behavior to destroy the invasive species on the top layer, disrupt the soil, and allow more productive plants like wildflowers, grasses, legumes, and herbs to grow through.

So, instead of using machinery and synthetic chemicals to bring the field back to life, we are doing it naturally whilst producing some of the best tasting pork in the world

Choosing to support regenerative farming systems not only improves the eating experience of your meals, it also helps us to progress the future of net positive food production.

Christmas at Downlands

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Our Woodland Christmas Turkeys

It’s Christmas at Downlands and our woodland bronze turkeys have once again enjoyed five acres of woodlands on the Estate. Living beneath the canopy and foraging throughout autumn, their days were spent exploring, scratching and feeding on a diverse natural diet of nuts, berries and insects, a way of life that closely mirrors their natural habitat.

Ranging between 5kg and 10kg, a Downlands turkey grows slowly and remains active, developing a firmer texture and a more complex, deeper flavour. During autumn, the nuts they forage help build intramuscular fat, resulting in meat that is succulent, rich and full of character and exactly what you want at the centre of a Christmas dinner.

James Gilboy, Farmer and Steward of Downlands Farm, says:  “This is our second year rearing turkeys at Downlands Farm, and after selling out last Christmas, we’ve increased our numbers for 2025 while staying true to our values of high welfare. The response to our woodland turkeys has been incredibly encouraging, and it’s a real testament to the flavour and quality that comes from raising birds slowly in a natural environment. We’re also proud that in 2025 our turkeys are being served at Brown’s Hotel restaurant Charlie’s Mayfair, which reflects a growing appreciation from both home cooks and leading kitchens for produce that has a genuine sense of place and provenance.”

Choosing a Downlands turkey means supporting a local Hampshire farm and a way of farming that restores the countryside rather than depleting it. It also means serving a Christmas bird that truly reflects the care, time and environment that went into raising it. Our produce is sold in partnership with The Ethical Butcher, ensuring transparency, traceability and the highest standards from field to fork.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and for those with a Downlands turkey, thank you for your support.

 

Discover Downlands

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Discover Downlands: A Timeless Estate in the Heart of the South Downs

Rooted in a history that stretches back to 1550, Downlands is a place where time slows and nature takes centre stage. Set across the Surrey–Hampshire borders, the estate unfolds within a secluded valley, threaded with private lakes and ancient woodland on the edge of the South Downs — a landscape shaped by centuries of quiet stewardship.

At the heart of the estate stands the main house, built in 1750 by Nicholas Kent. Its presence anchors Downlands’ rich architectural story, complemented by a collection of heritage buildings, including the remarkable 16th-century Sussex Barn. With its flint walls, soaring timber beams, open fire, and candle-lit dining table, the barn has been lovingly preserved and reimagined as a dramatic centrepiece of life on the estate — a place for long dinners, meaningful gatherings, and unforgettable moments.

Downlands is renowned for its commitment to bespoke hospitality and regenerative farming. Every stay is thoughtfully curated, whether guests are gathering with family and friends or hosting a corporate retreat. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and unpretentious — designed to feel effortlessly like home, yet undeniably special.

Just one hour from central London and major airports, arrival at Downlands is an experience in itself. A tree-lined drive leads guests into a world where historic charm meets countryside pursuits and contemporary comfort. It’s a rare blend — and a true escape from the ordinary.

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