Julia Hartley and I are up on Mortimer Forest on the Shropshire/Herefordshire border in England, near the town of Ludlow. The forest covers a hilly terrain, including the marilyn of High Vinnalls which rises to 1,230 ft.

Mortimer Forest was an ancient hunting forest. It is a remnant of the ancient Saxon hunting forests of Mocktree, Deerfold and Bringewood, and later owned by powerful Marcher lords, who had considerable fortified bases at Wigmore and Ludlow. The name of the forest derives from the Mortimers, who were Marcher lords.

The mainly conifer covered forest, with some Douglas Furs and deciduous broad leaf trees on the outskirts, sits on very old limestones and shales laid down by the sea some 400 million years ago.

The forest is under threat from development from luxury holiday homes and hot tubs. Find out more here:
https://www.save-mortimer-forest.co.uk/

This is part two of my exploration of West Dean College Walled Gardens with my friend Richard Suggett from the Veg Grower podcast. But we have slipped away from the chili celebrations to explore the walled gardens that are also open to the public.

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public today.

The Walled Garden heave with fruit, vegetables and cutting flowers and are beautifully laid out in a classic Victorian design.

Check out Richard Suggett’s podcast here: http://theveggrowerpodcast.co.uk/

My videos are funded 100% by people like you. If you enjoy them, please help me make more:

https://www.paypal.me/RichardVobes

Today I am in West Sussex at the Chili Fiesta with my friend Richard Suggett from the Veg Grower podcast. But we have slipped away from the chili celebrations to explore the walled gardens that are also open to the public.

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public today.

The Walled Garden heave with fruit, vegetables and cutting flowers and are beautifully laid out in a classic Victorian design.

My videos are funded 100% by people like you. If you enjoy them, please help me make more:

https://www.paypal.me/RichardVobes

Today I am out on a special jaunt with Julia Hartley and her son, Elijah. We’re in Surrey, in the shadow of Box Hill, part of the Surrey Hills between Dorking and Leatherhead. We meet up with Matthew Holdsworth and his son, Josh, to investigate the ancient ford and crossing point of the river Mole. In place of the ford today are delightful stepping stones which provide a fun way to traverse the river without getting your feet wet.

The walk is peppered with an array of British broad leaf trees, including London Plane, Ash, Oak and Hazel. Others are Box, sloe, Walnut and Horse Chestnut.