On gallows down image by Nicola Chester in Countryfile podcast

Gallows Down tales of nature and protest with writer Nicola Chester

Author Nicola Chester reveals her love for the downland of north Wessex and the battles she's been involved with to protect precious wild places from development. Plus, hear wonderful local tales of wildlife and wilder people – in episode 10 of the Countryfile Magazine podcast

Save 30% and receive a Stanley Trigger Action Travel Mug when you subscribe to BBC Countryfile Magazine

Fergus Collins

Published: October 13, 2021 at 2:13 pm

Roam Gallows Down on the Witshire, Hampshire, Berkshire border and hear tales of ancient and modern history – as well as the battles to defend the precious natural wonders of the area from new roads, American air bases and nuclear missiles. Author and activist Nicola Chester introduces Annabel Ross to the wonders of the North Wessex Downs. Nicola's brilliant new book On Gallows Down is available now.

Editor, BBC Countryfile Magazine

Editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine, Fergus lives in deepest Monmouthshire with his family, where his neighbours are farmers, buzzards and sheep. When not working on the magazine he wanders the hills, grows vegetables and plans adventures.

You may also like

Countryfile

Downton Abbey guide: history of Highclere Castle and how to visit

The stars of Downton Abbey are set to return to the big screen as a new Downton Abbey film is set to be released in the UK cinemas this week. Here's our ultimate Downton Abbey guide, including how to visit Downton, the history of Highclere castle, plus watch a trailer of the new film.

historic-places

historical-figures

downton-abbey-film

highclere-castle

Countryfile

Best walks in Hampshire

Explore Hampshire's countryside, coast and its two National Parks – the New Forest and South Downs – with our pick of the best hikes in the county.

walks-in-britain

walks-in-england

walks-in-hampshire

walks-in-the-new-forest

walks-in-the-south-downs

Countryfile

Best walks in Wiltshire

Hike along winding towpaths and wooded valleys in one of England's most beautiful counties.

walks-in-britain

walks-in-england

walks-in-wiltshire

Countryfile

Podcast: listen to the sounds of summer on Martin Down in Hampshire

Explore one of England's finest nature reserves at dusk to discover a stunning chorus of birdsong, glorious wildflowers and an astonishing encounter with a nocturnal hunter in this week's podcast, episode 11, season 2.

south-west-england

walks-in-dorset

walks-in-hampshire

Countryfile

01. New podcast series: explore the real Watership Down in the first of our new season of 12 weekly podcasts

Escape to the countryside with a new season of 12 podcasts from BBC Countryfile Magazine. Discover wildlife and history in beautiful places, meet interesting rural people and discuss the big issues

Countryfile

Martin Down NNR, Hampshire

Stroll through flower-filled meadows where butterflies throng.