FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF THE TOURS IN 2024 THE FARM IS OPENING AGAIN IN 2025!!!
If you’ve ever wondered what a watercress farm looks like, here’s your chance to have a guided tour around Manor Farm, owned by The Watercress Company, the UK’s biggest grower of watercress with 50 acres of watercress beds split between Hampshire and Dorset.
Tours will take place on Sunday 18th May 2025 at 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00hrs, No need to book just turn up 10 minutes before hand for a safety briefing.
Click on the link below for the precise meeting point location generated by what3words ///baseballs.rainbow.goal - from the heart of the festival this is a good 12 minute walk.
Watercress, an original superfood, is a unique crop with its roots clinging to the gravel base of the beds, while the plants sway in the nutrient-rich spring water as it flows past. The water is pure and clean, forced up from deep underground aquifers where it has filtered through the chalk of the South Downs. Once the water has run through the watercress beds it flows out into the River Itchen. Regular independent surveys of the water flowing out of Manor Farm show it to contains an impressive biodiversity including an array insects and critters many of which you’ll be able to see.
Your guide will be The Watercress Company’s MD, Tom Amery and son, George who is training to learn as much about watercress as his dad. Quite a hard task as what Tom doesn’t know about watercress isn’t worth knowing!
Hear all about the fascinating history of watercress and its long relationship with Alresford and the surrounding area, learn more about the unique and traditional way in which it is grown, and why it is so very good for you.
Due to the mixed nature of the farm’s terrain, unfortunately the tour is not suitable for anyone without full mobility. Sensible shoes must be worn.
The WRL and TWC accept no liability for anyone not following the rules of the tour. A full briefing of rules will be given on arrival at the meeting point.
Sadly no dogs are permitted as this is a food preparation environment.
