FOR the first time, the UK is home to more than 1,000 vineyards-and counting. Hampshire, Kent, Sussex and Surrey are positively awash with acres under vine, after an increase in temperatures over the past decade ramped things up for an industry that had historically fallen somewhat flat.
From as early as 43BC, wine-loving Romans, Catholics and Normans established vineyards on these shores-indeed, the Domesday Book of 1086 recorded 42 vineyards in England, 12 of which were attached to monasteries. However, these efforts were scuppered by powerful adversaries such as Vikings, the Black Death, imports and the great British weather.
English wine as we know it was born again after the World Wars, when 'founding father' Ray Barrington Brock trialled more than 600 varieties in Surrey, forming a selection that still informs winemaking in this country today; this was followed by the publication of pioneer George Ordish's book Wine Growing in England in 1953. In 1952, Maj-Gen Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones planted the first commercial vineyard (Seyval Blanc) at Hambledon in Hampshire -and the rest is history.
Denne historien er fra October 16, 2024-utgaven av Country Life UK.
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Denne historien er fra October 16, 2024-utgaven av Country Life UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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A Nose for Nature -With an uncanny ability to detect elusive species in the wild, dogs are poised to play a vital role in conservation and biosecurity.
Ꮓiba seems to be the perfect colleague: hard-working, efficient and fun to be around. However, Ziba isn't a person; she's a conservation detection dog, especially trained to sniff out the presence of rare bats and birds. The sixyear-old German shorthaired pointer is one of an increasing number of dogs helping to conserve wildlife. Similar to sniffer dogs employed to detect drugs or explosives, these detection dogs are using their extraordinary sense of smell to identify anything from great crested newts to pine martens.
Duck and Cover - With a comical and heart-warming call, the eider or 'cuddy duck' is a convivial bird that was highly favoured and protected by Northumberland's patron saint, says
Anyone who has spent time on the rugged, castle-fringed coast of Northumberland will be familiar with the call of the eider duck. The male emits a fluty 'ahoooh' that sounds amazed and a little censorious. The female responds with a throaty cackle-Dame Barbara Windsor to the drake's Kenneth Williams, if you like. There's something good humoured, fond and comforting in the eiders' calling. It evokes feelings of nostalgia even in those hearing it for the first time.
Not to be sneezed at
The ritual and performance of snuff, the 'titillating dust' that has fuelled creativity and enhanced social situations since the 16th century, is still popular today, discovers
Where her tears fell, asters grew
Small-flowered asters, with their quiet beauty and clouds of starry blooms, are the final shout of autumn, advises
You had me at Merlot
The British wine industry is growing at a rate of Nebuchadnezzars, altering the palate of the countryside market, finds
And they're off!
Four historic country houses with long-standing racing credentials come to the market in prime sporting areas of Berkshire and Oxfordshire
Hooked on classics
A new generation of designers is learning the language of Greek and Roman architecture, finds
England at its best
The Exmoor National Park Authority is celebrating its 70th birthday. Kate Green recounts what makes this 'high country of the winds', of deer, dark skies, tough ponies and resilient farmers, so special
Once upon a time in the west
Having returned to the fabled Grimersta lochs and streams of Lewis for the first time in 40 years, our correspondent finds himself reliving the glory
Meet the tusk force
The Chinese water deer, with its distinctive tusks and delicious venison, has thrived here since escaping from deer parks in the 19th century. Paula Lester stalks one for her supper
