Farm and Botanicals

Here at South Downs Botanicals near Goodwood, we home rear our chickens for laying perfect & tasty eggs – they love to free range here.

The Juniper forest is still in it’s infancy, our plan is to produce Gin and Mead using our own home grown botanicals.

On the chalk based grasslands which have been uncultivated for over 40 years wild flowers are abundant, having been just simply grazed for so long the indigenous flora and fauna flourish at will. 

Four Seasons at South Downs Botanicals

• Bluebells emerge in the early spring in the Ancient Woodland. Giant Rhododendron seem unstoppable.
• Swallows arrive and nest every Spring
• Bee Orchids and Pyramid Orchids are enjoyed in their wild glory in the late spring. 
• In the summer the meadows are at their peak with masses of Wild Clover and many other important species – the perfect Forage for the Bees. 
• Autumn is harvest time and the best time to see Tawny Owls and Barn Owls hunting at dusk and in the twilight. 
• Seasonal Mushrooms appear in warm damp periods – some can be eaten and enjoyed that way!
• For the winter months the hedgerows are well stocked with Berries and Nuts. 
• Herds of Deer are seen most days throughout the year, amazingly just metres away from us. 

Notable regular visitors in the sky and hedgerows are Kites, Buzzards, Green Woodpeckers, Skylarks, Yellowhammers, Kestrels, Jays, Wrens, Robins and many others. Our personal favourites are the Tawny and Barn Owls. An array of different Butterflies are abundant throughout the summer months and many Moth species can also be found.

Bountiful Flora and Fauna here at South Downs Botanicals near Goodwood Estate has naturally led to our passion for sustainable and mindful harmony with nature. We are able to support our wildlife habitats whilst honing our skills and abilities to harvest only what we need from the land.