A great opportunity to meet farmers Jeremy and Steve on their farms in the beautiful Pang Valley and learn all about farming today – crops, machinery, animals, food production – as well as hear about what our farmers are doing to help the beautiful wildlife in the area. Hopefully there will be plenty of wildflowers and butterflies about!
Walking at a gentle pace, with plenty of time to stop and talk about what we see, there will be lots of interest. We will meet lambs and see cows plus we stop by the river for cold drinks and cake (provided – but feel free to bring more!).
The walk will be both on and off public footpaths and will go through pastures and meadows, fields growing crops, woodlands and along the River Pang. Depending on the weather and conditions, the route will be just under 4 miles, with places where you can shorten the route for an early return to your car if you wish.
Time permitting, there will be the option to do some pond dipping at the end.
Walk leaders/organisations: Farmers Jeremy Plank and Steve Waters, and Alison Cross, Farm Advisor, Lower Pang & Kennet Farmer Group
Walk information
- Booking: £5.50 per adult, children free (under 16). To go to The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution – RABI and/or The John Simonds Trust (see below) – Booking essential – 20 places
- Distance & approximate duration: 3.75 miles (6 km) – 4 hours
- Difficulty: Fairly easy (some gentle inclines, possible steps/stiles).
- Accessibility: Suitable for families with older children (suggested age range 8-10 years upwards). Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (see useful information). Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
- Dogs: No dogs.
- Refreshments: Bring snacks and drinks as needed. Cold drinks and cake will be served by the river, but feel free to bring more! There are no places to purchase refreshments on the route.
- Toilets: Toilets at start and end of walk at the farm.
- Meeting point: The Black Barn, Back Lane, Bradfield, Berkshire, RG7 6DS. What3Words: toolbar.whiplash.procures. OS grid reference: SU 583 723. Google Maps.
- Public transport: None available.
- Parking: Free private parking for the event only at The Black Barn, RG7 6DS.
For general booking information, health and safety advice, terms and conditions please see our useful information page.
Further information
There are refreshments nearby at Bucklebury farm Park and café, Blackbird café at Chapel Row, and The Old Boot Inn at Standford Dingley.
This walk is provided by members of the Lower Pang and Kennet Valley Farmers who are working together for the good of their farm businesses and the wildlife they support. The group is co-ordinated by farm advisor, Alison Cross: alison@wessexfarmwildlife.co.uk
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution – RABI is a national charity offering guidance, financial support and practical care to farming people of all ages for generations.
The John Simonds Trust encourages children to learn about themselves and the countryside, in the beautiful setting of the historic Rushall Manor Farm.
The North Wessex Downs National Landscape Partnership has supported various farmer-led groups, find out more.
The Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme seeks to provide investment in protected landscapes to help deliver outcomes for the environment, people and places by working in partnership with farmers.
