Future Landscapes Walking Tour - Spains Hall

A lot has been happening at Spains Hall and big plans are afoot for further change!  FWAG East members will receive a guided tour of the Estate, accompanied by Estate Manager Archie Ruggles-Brise and full time Ecologist Sarah Brockless, to explore the 300 hectares of land use changes they have set in motion over the past few years.

This includes work to establish agroforestry, natural approaches to reduce flood risk, in-field work to store water to relieve drought, trap carbon and support wildlife recovery. Not to mention the introduction of the first beavers in East Anglia! This tour will afford an overview of the bold moves being made to regenerate the landscape here, covering a lot of topics in a little detail but with the opportunity to ask plenty of questions to those managing the estate and FWAG East advisers.

The tour will take in uneven, wet and potentially difficult terrain so is unfortunately unsuitable for those with reduced mobility. Wellington boots and waterproof clothing are essential!

Tour is approximately 3 miles in length and lasts around 3 hours. This tour is not suitable for children under 10 years of age due to the amount of walking involved. Please note that although the tour will take in the new 100 acres of beaver enclosure, it is not a beaver watching tour and will not visit the original, smaller enclosure.

Essential Tour information

a. The tour departs from the centre of Finchingfield, by the pond on the Village Green (CM7 4JS). If you are able to car share then you will find parking simpler!). Parking is available in the village, with a free car park up at the playing fields (follow the road opposite the Post Office). If you are able to car share then you will find parking simpler!

b. Wellington boots (or walking boots) and suitable weather appropriate clothing are strongly advised as parts of the site are extremely wet and tour runs in (almost) all weather.

c. The tour is approximately 3 miles over undulating, muddy and uneven ground. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and stand, but there is no seating.

d. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions, which we will do our best to answer!

e. We regret that we cannot offer toilet or refreshment facilities at the farm but there are several pubs and tea rooms in Finchingfield.