At Wasing, our connection to the land lies at the heart of everything we do. It shapes the way we farm, the food we share and the unforgettable experiences we create across the estate. This summer, we are proud to support Farm24, an annual digital celebration of British farming organised by Farmers Guardian and sponsored by Morrisons, recognising the incredible people who dedicate their lives to feeding our country and caring for our beautiful countryside.
Set across 4,000 acres in the heart of Berkshire, farming has always been central to life here at Wasing. From farming, to caring for our organic, grass-fed cattle and nurturing the organic crops that grow across the estate, every decision starts with the land.
In support of Farm24, we are taking a moment to celebrate British farming and the people, produce and traditions that make farming at Wasing so special.
Connection to the land
At Wasing, we exist to cultivate Deep Connection; to self, to one another and to the natural world around us. It is a place where we are reminded of what really matters, inspired by the beauty of nature. From the way we farm to the weddings, wellbeing retreats and events we host, every experience is held with the deepest intention.
At the heart of this ethos, is our relationship with the land. We work in harmony with the rhythms of the seasons, nurturing the landscape while recognising the vital role it plays in sustaining us.
As a certified organic estate, we see ourselves as stewards of the land, farming with nature to nurture healthy soils, support biodiversity and create a landscape where wildlife and agriculture can flourish. Through our Countryside Stewardship scheme, we have introduced wildflower and seed crops to support pollinators and farmland birds, while carefully managing our hedgerows, habitats and waterways. Together, these practices help protect the rich ecosystem around us and create a resilient landscape that can continue to support food production for generations to come.
Our connection to the land extends across the estate, including the waterways we care for at Wasing Fisheries. Through careful management of these habitats and a considered approach to our riverbanks, we support native flora and fauna, encourage biodiversity and create thriving ecosystems where wildlife can flourish. These natural spaces also provide opportunities for deeper connection with nature, such as the Anglers Reset, an immersive five-day experience exclusive to Specimen members, where anglers can slow down, reconnect with the traditional art of watercraft and immerse themselves in the beauty of our unspoilt waterways.
Connection to each other
We take great joy in sharing the land with our visitors, offering an unforgettable backdrop for creating lifelong memories in nature.
Every autumn, families return to Wasing to explore our magical pumpkin patch. Grown here on the estate, our spooky crop is lovingly cared for by our farm team for many months before our gates open – from planting in May through to the moment families arrive to pick their perfect Wasing pumpkin.
Elsewhere on the estate, our organic herd of Sussex cattle are cared for as part of our commitment to sustainable farming. Grazing on grass and forage crops grown here throughout their lives, they produce high-quality, Red Tractor certified organic beef, which underpins our estate-to-plate approach. From our Well Fed kitchens at summer events to the exquisite nose-to-tail menus served at Wasing Park, our award-winning wedding venue, guests can enjoy exceptional organic produce, reared right here on the estate.
Connection to plants
We are in the height of harvest right now, one of the most rewarding moments in the farming calendar. After months of hard work, it is a time for our team to take pride in the results of their care and dedication, while reminding us all of the remarkable journey our food takes before it reaches our kitchens.
Among the crops grown at Wasing is our organic spelt, carefully grown and harvested by our farm team before being milled by partners, including Doves Farm, and enjoyed in homes across the UK. From our fields in Berkshire to kitchens across the country, its journey reflects the vital role British farmers play in producing high-quality food while caring for the land that makes it possible.
Every grain reflects our commitment to our farming practices, supporting biodiversity, nurturing healthy soils and producing food that connects people more closely with the natural world.
Connection to ancestors
Behind our farm are the personal connections and stories of those who have cared for the land for generations.
Paul, a deeply valued member of our farm team, was born here on the estate and has spent his entire life farming this land. Across more than fifty years and countless changing seasons, he has built an understanding of the landscape that can only come from a lifetime spent caring for it.
For Jamie, our Farm & Estate Foreman and another integral member of our team, that connection stretches back generations. His father and grandfathers both worked on the estate, with Jamie now carrying on the tradition, caring for and cultivating the landscape that continues to define Wasing today.
Alongside them, James, Matt, Mike and Liv represent the next generation of our farm and fisheries team, building on decades of knowledge while helping to shape the future of farming at Wasing.
These stories are woven into the fabric of the estate, linking generations of people with the land they care for and helping to shape the future of farming at Wasing.
As Farm24 shines a light on British agriculture, we are proud to celebrate the people behind it all. From the harvest being gathered this summer to the pumpkins growing in the fields, farming continues to shape life at Wasing, connecting us to the land, to each other and to the generations that came before us.
For more information on Farm24 and to pledge your support, visit https://www.farmersguardian.com/sponsored-hub/farm24