CHESTERBLADE Hills is a family farm nestled between Frome and Glastonbury and is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery Somerset has to offer.
Ed Green and his family have farmed here for seven generations and witnessed much change. Where once society demanded food production, now the emphasis has changed to one that requires a custodianship that helps mitigate climate change, creates wildlife rich habitat and provides a place where people can reconnect with the land. The CHills ethos is to create a place of magic in the natural world where nature and people can flourish together.
One facility now available on the farm is the Green Heart Space, a beautiful and peaceful off-grid space with a wooden cabin, compost toilet, camp kitchen, outdoor seating and firepits. This site is perfect for yoga, pilates, Qi Gong and meditation classes, corporate away days and educational activities for up to 30 people. The space boasts spectacular views and has been thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity and connection.
“We often hear how people living an urban type of life have become disconnected from themselves and from the natural world,” says Ed. “The Green Heart Space is a place to slow down from the hard edges of concrete and steel and switch off from the virtual world of the internet, emails and social media. This is a place to reconnect with yourself and reconnect with nature.”
An abundance of wildlife thrives in the area. Birds include buzzards, sparrow hawks, lesser spotted woodpeckers, tawny and barn owls, as well as finches, great tits, blue tits, crows, kites, rooks and swallows. You’ll also be able to spot wild deer, hares, rabbits, foxes and plenty of badger setts as well as a plethora of insects, butterflies and moths.
Recent environmental projects on the land include the creation of new woodlands, ponds, natural dams and wildflower meadows. Over the coming years, 200 acres of land will be returned to nature, creating a wildlife corridor where nature can flourish. All of these projects can be supported by the general public via the purchasing of nature gifts for friends, family or even just yourself. Local and national businesses are also encouraged to engage with this project as part of their corporate social responsibility. Visit www. chills.org.uk/naturegift for more information on how to support Chesterblade Hills and make a difference to combat climate change and create wildlife rich habitat.
“It’s not about going back in time,” says Ed, “but encouraging greater biodiversity and the best habitat possible whilst we are custodians of the land.”
In the coming months, Chesterblade Hills is hosting nature based walks and talks and curating Secret Sounds, a new monthly music and spoken word evening, all of which will be Covid-19 compliant.
For more information about events at the Green Heart Space or purchasing a nature gift, visit the Chesterblade Hills website: www.chills.org.uk