Hidden among the grasses and wildflowers of our meadows is a rather extraordinary insect—one that’s become something of a mascot for the wild and wonderful biodiversity we’re so proud to protect here at The Cholderton Estate. Meet the Oil beetle—a glossy, slow-moving beetle with a life cycle so strange and specialised, it feels like something from another universe.

April is a time of renewal—a season when the countryside stirs into life, and nature begins to reclaim the landscape after winter’s grip. Here at Cholderton Estate, this resurgence of life isn’t just a seasonal spectacle; it’s at the heart of our farming philosophy.

Amphibians, dew ponds and regenerative farming at Cholderton Estate, a mixed organic farming estate on the Hampshire and Wiltshire border.

On the 25th of February 2025, a striking planetary alignment will grace the night sky, with Venus, Mars, and Mercury appearing close together on the horizon. This celestial event offers a rare opportunity to reflect on how astronomy has shaped our understanding of time, the seasons, and the land itself. At The Cholderton Estate, just 10 minutes from the world-famous Stonehenge, we are surrounded by an ancient landscape that has been intrinsically linked to the movements of the stars for thousands of years.

The Cholderton Estate are proud to farm this historic flock of rare breed Hampshire Down sheep. Lambing encounters are being held this Spring half term.

At the core of our farming philosophy is regenerative agriculture, a system that restores soil health, enhances biodiversity, and creates a more sustainable future. And at the heart of it all? Our livestock.

Estate Owner, Henry Edmunds, reflects on how the lambing of our rare breed Hampshire Down sheep has been managed over the years

How we manage our hedgerows to support visiting birds

How can we adjust farming practices and mindsets for a sustainable future?

How can we support pollinators in early Spring?

How we support ground-nesting birds on the Estate