Enjoy a sustainable outdoor break in the Test Valley, Hampshire

Michelmersh Manor Farm is a Medieval family farm set in idyllic surroundings in the heart of the Test Valley, Hampshire, made famous by the beautiful chalk stream River Test, the birthplace of fly fishing. The farm has a range of historic luxury accommodation for visitors with all kinds of opportunities to explore farm life at its best and enjoy walking, as well as other outdoor activities. What’s so special about a stay here is the farm’s work to reduce its carbon footprint as well as the abundance of wildlife, insects, flora and fauna that exist here – all making for a wonderful environmental and special holiday.

There’s lots on offer close to the farm, including plenty of walking routes leading straight from the farm. And Fran Drake, who co-runs Michelmersh, has created a booklet for visitors, celebrating the very best of the Test Valley, including gentle ambles, full day walks, walks to a range of pubs and back and local places to visit by car. The walks take in paths and ancient roads, and some join long distance routes such as the Test Way, the Clarendon Way and the Monarch’s Way, to name just a few, with interesting facts being pointed out along the way.

The farm is currently being audited for its carbon footprint and is entering a Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) which rewards farmers for farming practices that help produce food sustainably and protect the environment. It will be planting more legumes such as clovers which help improve soil fertility and reduce greenhouse gases. It has also reduced its use of chemical fertiliser over the last 3 years by 50% and hasn’t used any insecticides for the last 3 years.

Michelmersh sells the milk that it produces and provides it in vending machines. This short supply chain from producer to consumer makes it highly sustainable. This delicious fresh whole milk is also made into milkshakes – popular with everyone!

Flora, fauna and wildlife on the farm include ancient woodlands awash with seasonal wildflowers such as bluebells, wood spurge, violets, wood anemone and orchids to name just a few. Buddleia has also been established in the woods to attract butterflies and invertebrates – all making for a joyful and fascinating walk through the woods. Elsewhere on the farm visitors can enjoy the many birds that have been encouraged through the planting of 20 acres of cover crops for wild winter bird food – kite, owls, buntings, field fares, sky larks, meadow pipits, house sparrows, swallows, house martins and kestrels.

The farm provides plenty of interest for visitors- there are some 300 cows which are milked using 5 state-of-the-art milking machines, 200 sheep as well as chickens, guinea fowl, peacocks, and horses. A new addition is a rare breed of English goat called Mini. Various crops are grown throughout the year providing a mosaic of scenery. Visitors can help with the lambing – a real favourite – and watch the cows being milked on the robotic milking machines.

Of the farm’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint Fran Drake says: ‘We felt from the outset that it was important to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and do our bit for the planet. So, visitors can have a fabulous break and know where they are staying is a sustainable option. That means so much to people these days.’

Accommodation at Michelmersh Manor Farm includes self-catering options – Bluebells, Foxglove and The Manor, set within the medieval farmhouse, 2 shepherd huts, and 2 historic barn conversions.

Outdoor activities other than walking include visiting gardens including the world-renowned Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, with its year-round displays of plants, flowers and trees set in 180 acres, National Trust gardens and historic house at Mottisfont, Houghton Lodge Gardens and Longstock Water Gardens. Visitors wanting a spot of fishing can make use of local organisations such as Fishing Breaks, Whinwhistle Coarse Fishery and more. Clay pigeon is available at The Big Shoot and Game shooting can also be found through local companies.

For more information about Michelmersh Manor Farm visit https://michelmershmanorfarm.com and for more about the area visit http://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/tourism