Cranborne chase cider tour

Last week the team at WDA enjoyed a fantastic team day out at Cranborne Chase Cider just down the road from our offices.

We started with a tour around the farm learning about the cider making process from the grafting or roots through to fermentation and the bottling process.

field margin strip of wild flowers beside field of winter wheat

The cider making business runs in parallel to the working arable farm.

Here, biodiversity plays a leading role in how the farm operates. We were told about their sustainable methods, planting of hedgerows, wildlife strips and the creation of a new pond, all with the hope to encourage animals onto the farm including rare breeds such as the grey partridge and peewits.

Many of the barns have had solar panels installed which is providing an excellent return on investment.

The tour was was followed by the most amazing ploughman’s lunch and cider tasting. We loved the variety of ciders produced, both still and carbonated and also enjoyed some elderflower infused cider. Nothing goes to waste on the farm and they produce some lovely jellys, chutneys and apple cider vinegar.

The tour was a lovely way to celebrate British Cider Week 2024! Thankyou to Bill, Denise and Simon, we will be back!