Sadie Wilkins from Sherborne’s award-winning indie wine merchant says its time we started to ask a little more about the story in the bottle
We’re not here to champion wine snobbery – who would be? Yet somehow, it still lingers, like a corked bottle at a dinner party, for reasons steeped in history, economics and society. But wine geekery? That’s a different story, and we’re all for it. When it comes to trying and sourcing wines, we want the DETAILS. We want to know who’s producing it, where the grapes are grown, how they’re harvested, and what magic happens in the winery. Was the wine aged in oak or steel? How much yeast is involved? Was there malolactic fermentation? We want the full story, right down to the soil beneath the vines. Many of these answers, after years in the business, can be teased out just by tasting the wine. I can pick up the influence of oak at first sniff, detect the soft texture of lees on my palate, and often make an educated guess about the grape varietals. But there are still surprises – like my recent encounter with David Moulton, chief winemaker at Cape Mentelle.
Vine by vine David stopped by Sherborne recently, fresh from the annual Wines of Australia tasting in London. Born and bred in Busselton, just 30 minutes from Margaret River, he knows his vineyards like the back of his hand. He started at 18, completed a degree in Viticulture and Oenology, and has since gained experience across Australia and France. We tasted a range of Cape Mentelle wines, and David’s passion shone through. One thing that left us in awe was the level of soil analysis he and his team carry out – not as a reaction to climate change, but as part of their ongoing quest for excellence. They don’t just know their vineyard block by block; they know it vine by vine. Armed with technology that allows them to map soil types and conditions in minute detail, David and his team can make precision decisions about nurturing and harvesting. The result? Consistently brilliant wines, vintage after vintage. This, then, is the wine geekery we love. From grape to glass, every step is scrutinised, ensuring that the wine in your glass is not just a drink, but a story – a story of balance, knowledge and craftsmanship. In many ways, it’s like the food industry. Scandals like horse meat or fake organic labels have made us all more conscious about what we’re eating. We now demand transparency, care and honesty in our food, and it’s time we expected the same from our wines. So, why not make 2025 the year you fall in love with well-made wine? That’s our romantic message to you this February. Cheers! vineyardsofsherborne.co.uk
The Dorset Cultivation Event is set to be the standout Agri-Business Trade Event of 2025 in Dorset. Following its successful debut in 2021, the event makes a highly anticipated return this September with an enhanced second edition, taking place at Winterborne Kingston on Wednesday, 24th September 2025. The event promises to showcase the latest advancements in cultivation and arable technology, machinery, equipment, and related services.
This one-day event will feature expansive live demonstrations of state-of-the-art equipment, including ploughs, cultivators, strip tillage systems, and direct drills. Attendees can witness the latest machinery in action before exploring the extensive trade stand area, where leading soil experts, agronomists, seed suppliers, agents, and more will be on hand.
Event organiser James Cox said, “This must-attend event for the agricultural sector offers a unique opportunity to see the latest machinery in action and connect with industry experts. It’s the ultimate one-stop shop for the very best innovations in the sector, all in one day in Dorset.”
Organised by the team behind the Dorset County Show, the inaugural event in 2021 attracted over 1,500 visitors. The 2025 edition promises to be even bigger, with key demonstrators already confirmed, including Francis Bugler Ltd, C.J. Cox, MJ Fry Agricultural Engineering, and CLAAS Western.
Chairman of the Show, Jason Bowerman, added, “We are excited to bring together the arable farming community of the South and showcase the cutting-edge machinery that keeps Dorset’s agricultural industry thriving.”
Dorset Cultivation Event will take place on Wednesday, 24th September 2025. Advance tickets are just £5 per adult. To book your ticket, secure a trade stand, or reserve a demonstration plot, visit www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk/cultivation.
Dorset’s Agri-Business Trade Event of 2025 – See you in the field!
Milton Abbey School offers a unique educational environment set in stunning Dorset countryside, focusing on individual growth and a supportive community.
They are expanding their team with a variety of roles, from teaching positions to support staff.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career in a dynamic and inspiring setting, explore these exciting opportunities.
Expert Karen Geary looks at how whole foods, spices and giving your gut what it loves can really boost your immune system this winter
The UK’s dietary supplements market continues to boom. Almost half of us take supplements – especially over the winter when we’re trying to fend off colds and flu. But it is a highly unregulated industry and supplements can be wasteful or, worse, downright dangerous, depending upon your medical history and personal needs. Supplements definitely have their place: but only when they are targeted, taken for a short period of time and only on recommendation from someone qualified. While supplements are usually everyone’s go-to for a quick immune system boost, nature really does provide a pantry full of ingredients that can help keep your defences strong. Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods can give your immune system the jetpack it needs during winter. Here’s how to make your plate a powerhouse of immunity:
Vitamin C Everyone knows it’s in oranges (and all citrus fruit), but it’s also found in bell peppers, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts and kiwi. It’s an antioxidant which supports the production of white blood cells. Vitamin C also increases the absorption of non-heme iron (plant-based iron). Pairing iron-rich plant foods like spinach with vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers can improve your iron uptake. Tip: Oranges are in abundance this time of year in supermarkets and are great value. Slice one into a winter salad.
Did you know? One little-known vitamin C powerhouse is nettle tea, which is also a good source of calcium and iron. Two cups of nettle a day is great for building a consistent dose.
Zinc Zinc is a cornerstone mineral for immune function. The richest food sources of zinc include meat, fish and seafood. While oysters are famous for their zinc content, more accessible sources include meat, shellfish, nuts and seeds, dairy, chickpeas and lentils. Bring on the hummus and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top! Tip: Liver has a high zinc content and is great value for money. If it’s not your favourite to eat, make your own chicken liver pate!
Did you know? All nutrients compete with one another, but some have mutual benefits (bioavailability). One mutually-beneficial nutrient with zinc is magnesium. Dark chocolate contains both! Just make it more than 85% cacao.
Vitamin D Vitamin D is technically a hormone and is my one exception: supplementation may be essential. Vitamin D deficiency is notably prevalent in the UK, especially during the winter months as it is very difficult to get sufficient sources from food. The NHS recommends that all adults take a vitamin D supplement over the winter. It works best if you can dose accordingly to your current levels, but testing and dose recommendations are best done by a qualified professional. The majority of my clients are vitamin D deficient when tested. Known as the “sunshine vitamin” (we absorb it through the skin via sunlight), it’s also present in fatty fish like salmon, egg yolks and fortified foods. Tip: Include plenty of mushrooms in your meals: they’re a rare plant-based source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so garlic mushrooms gently cooked in olive oil are a winner.
Did you know? Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, benefiting bone health. Consuming vitamin D-rich foods like oily fish alongside calcium-rich foods such as dairy products can be advantageous. So eat the bones from that tin of sardines for maximum benefit!
Spice up your life Herbs and spices don’t just flavour your meals: they’re nature’s pharmacy for immune support. Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound known to enhance the body’s ability to combat colds. Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can ease congestion and throat discomfort. Turmeric, loaded with curcumin, helps combat inflammation. If you like curries and stir-fries, this is for you. Tip: Create a warm, immune-boosting tea by steeping ginger slices, turmeric and a touch of honey in hot water. Alternatively, turmeric chai latte is also delicious. You can take your pick from the countless recipes online.
Did you know? Pairing turmeric with black pepper can enhance curcumin absorption (bioavailability). Add a pinch to your turmeric dishes.
Fibre and the microbiome connection Your gut microbiome plays a significant role in immune health and fibre is its favourite food! Prebiotic-rich options like oats, bananas, artichokes and onions feed the good bacteria, fostering a thriving gut environment. Pair fibre-rich meals with fermented foods like yoghurt or kimchi to supercharge your microbiome.
Did you know? About 70 per cent of your immune system lives in your gut. Supporting it is like fortifying your body’s headquarters. Your immune system thrives when it is nourished by whole, nutrient-dense foods. Pairing complementary nutrients and embracing seasonal, gut-friendly choices can keep you resilient during winter. Oh, and have another glass of water – hydration is essential too! With nature’s pharmacy at your fingertips, staying well has never been more delicious.
Comfort in a bowl: fighting colds with French Onion Soup
When you’re battling a streaming cold, it’s all about finding comfort while giving your body what it needs to heal. Enter French onion soup, the ultimate kitchen remedy that’s as therapeutic as it is delicious. Onions are rich in quercetin, a natural compound known for anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties – perfect for soothing that relentless runny nose. They also contain sulphur compounds, which help support immune function and clear mucus. Pair that with warming bone broth and garlic, and you’ve got a recipe designed to work as hard as you do at feeling better. This soup is more than just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl, giving you warmth and nourishment when you need it most:
Serves 4 (or 2 hungry people)
500g onions sliced
3 tbsp of olive oil
3 sprigs of thyme (or 1 tbsp dried)
salt
pepper
1/2 tsp soft brown sugar
1 garlic clove, large, peeled and crushed
125ml of dry white wine
1l bone broth
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Add the sliced onions, olive oil and thyme sprigs to a large heavy-duty pan or roasting tray, season with salt and pepper and hand mix to combine.
Cover and place in the oven for 45 minutes, giving the onions a stir halfway through.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and the thyme sprigs.
Stir, sprinkle over the sugar then roast uncovered for 15 minutes
Add the crushed garlic, stir well again and roast uncovered for a further 15 minutes
Remove the tray from the oven and transfer the onion mix to a pan over a medium heat on the hob. Add the wine, stir well and allow to bubble for 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
Adjust seasoning and serve.
Serving with melted cheese on toast on top – entirely optional, but highly recommended!
I’ve always been intrigued by the super-fluffy, almost soufflé-like pancakes that grace my social media pages, and have been on a quest to try to replicate something similar in my home kitchen – albeit in a much simpler fashion. These fluffy pancakes aren’t quite as complicated to make as some, but the result is a wonderfully light, almost melt-in-your-mouth pancake, perfect for some delicious golden syrup or fresh fruit and cream. I have used lime juice here for some acidity, but you can use lemon juice if you prefer. You also need a frying pan with a lid – if you don’t have one, just make a temporary one by using a baking tray instead! Heather x
Ingredients
(makes 10 pancakes)
4 eggs, separated.
4 heaped tbsp caster sugar
1tsp lime juice
140g plain flour (I used 00 flour)
1 level tsp of baking powder
120ml milk
20g butter, melted
Pinch salt
Images: Heather Brown
Method
In a large bowl, mix together egg yolks, salt, flour, baking powder, milk and butter until really well combined (no lumps).
With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they start to get really frothy. Add the lime juice and keep whisking. Gradually pour in the caster sugar while the egg whites are whisking, until all the sugar has been incorporated. Keep whisking until the meringue mixture has soft peaks and more or less holds its shape.
Carefully begin to fold a third of the egg white mixture into the rest of the ingredients in your bowl. Stir gently to keep as much air as possible. Repeat twice with the remaining two-thirds until all the egg white mixture has been stirred in.
Heat your frying pan over a medium heat. Spray a little oil on the bottom of the pan and wait for it to start to bubble on the surface. It is worth waiting here until your pan is ready – but it doesn’t want to be so hot it scorches the mixture before cooking the middle. Using a ladle or deep spoon, spoon your pancake mixture into the frying pan. I have a large frying pan, and I made three pancakes at a time: adjust that number to your size pan.
Add a few drops of water onto the remaining pan surface and pop a lid onto the frying pan. The water will create steam which helps to cook the top while the bottom browns. Wait for at least two minutes.
Carefully lift the lid and check gently with a spatula that the bottom of the pancakes are not stuck (they will naturally loosen when ready to flip). Before turning the pancakes over, pour a tablespoon of the mixture onto the top of the pancake. Flip over the pancakes, replace the lid and cook for a further 1-2 minutes until both side of the pancake are brown.
Repeat this process for the remaining pancake mixture. As always with pancakes you can serve straight from the pan, or keep them warm and serve in a stack
In this first BV Podcast of February 2025, hosts Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt dive into some of the bigger issues from February’s BV – from controversial beaver reintroductions to flood management. While the anonymous parish councillor known only as the Dorset Insider has a few things to say about dog fouling.
Political Perspectives: Climate Bills, Economic Growth, and Local Voices
As always in Episode 1 of the month, Dorset’s political voices take the stage:
Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, tackles the loss of local bank branches, condemns night parking charges, and raises alarm over Gen Z’s shifting views on democracy.
Ken Huggins of the Green Party criticizes the government’s stalling on the Climate and Nature Bill, urging for bolder climate action and citizen involvement.
Gary Jackson of the Lib Dems argues that economic growth requires consistency and strategy, not political slogans.
Edward Morello, MP for West Dorset, praises the resilience of rural high streets while highlighting the need for fairer business rates and better local support.
“Democracy is only safe if each generation understands its value. We need to protect it—before it’s too late.” – Simon Hoare
The Beaver Debate: Environmental Hero or Farming Menace?
Dorset farmer George Hosford returns to share his balanced perspective on the controversial reintroduction of beavers. He explores their potential to reduce flooding and filter water, but also raises concerns about the impact on productive farmland.
“If beavers are going to grow in number, we really need a way of managing them. Otherwise, we’re just creating conflict between conservationists and farmers.” – George Hosford
He stresses the importance of finding a sensible middle ground, where beavers can be part of the solution without threatening farmers’ livelihoods.
Dorset Insider: Who Let the Dogs Out?
This month’s Dorset Insider column tackles the ever-present problem of dog fouling. The anonymous parish councillor humourously – and candidly – explores the challenges of keeping public spaces clean, calling for: ✅ Stricter penalties and enforcement ✅ More bins and better waste management ✅ A culture change in responsible dog ownership
“If you step in it, you’re not just unlucky – you’re part of a village-wide epidemic. We need to get serious about dog fouling.”
Your Letters: Night Parking, Festive Gonks, and Violins
BV readers weigh in night parking charges – seen as a threat to local hospitality and community life. The controversy over the Christmas gonks rumbled on, sparking debate about inclusivity and tradition. And last month’s feature on a local violin maker gave us a wonderful snapshot of memories from a retired violinist.
These interviews were based on articles found in February’s BV, which can be read here … grab a coffee and jump in to the Dorset-ness. News, opinion, people, wildlife, art, farming, what’s on, horses … and frankly stunning photography.
Did we mention it’s FREE?
The BV is Dorset’s go-to magazine – named ‘Best Regional Publication in the UK’ (ACE Awards) and ‘Regional News Site of the Year’ (Press Gazette) in 2024. Brimming with Dorset’s people and places, it’s too good to miss!
Andrew Livingston says LAMMA revealed more than just the latest tech, and takes a look at government land grabs and vertical farming
LAMMA 2025
If you are a farmer and you like your tractors and your tech, then you probably make a yearly pilgrimage, braving the motorways to visit LAMMA. The show – the Lincolnshire Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association – is held in Birmingham’s NEC every year, and features all the latest farmyard equipment (all there and ready for you to buy … if you have a big enough bank loan!) More than 40,000 people visited the show over the two days in January and this year, I was lucky enough to be one of them. Yes, I have first-hand experience, and yes, I can confirm that the mullet is still the most popular haircut of choice among the farming fraternity. And no, Schöffels’ stock price won’t be crashing anytime soon. LAMMA boasts it is the UK’s premier farm machinery show … and after finally seeing it for myself, I can’t disagree. Anyone who is anyone either had a stand trying to sell or was browsing the market to buy. I was minding my own business when some old codger and a mullet walked past me: I only realised it was Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper when, in their wake, along came the Amazon film crew, barrelling and barging to stick with the two famous farmers. Thankfully, I did have my senses about me when NFU President Tom Bradshaw walked past me. Always looking for a claim to fame, I stopped him, shook his hand and thanked him for everything he has done to fight agriculture’s corner over the last few months.
Free hats A lot of people walked through the halls of the NEC – but the majority weren’t dipping into their pockets. No one was buying. It just isn’t the climate to be purchasing new machinery – people simply don’t have the funds to invest back into the farm. That was always going to be the case. But more interesting to me was that it wasn’t just the farmers that were feeling the pinch. The consensus walking around the halls was that “there weren’t as many freebies this year”. Obviously, we aren’t talking about free combine harvesters, but it seems the marketing budget for the exhibitors is starting to tighten. There were definitely not as many free hats or novelty pens to be handed around (Not to brag, but I got a free can of WD-40). Worst of all, I saw exhibitors refusing to give freebies to the kids wandering the stalls … now this was wrong! A friend of mine told me that his son was refused a hat from a certain tractor manufacturer because they were ‘reserving them for potential buying customers.’ Seriously? How short-sighted can you get? In a fiercely competitive market, brand loyalty is everything. And where does that loyalty start? Not in a showroom, but in the fields, on the farms … and often in the minds of the next generation. That hat wasn’t just a freebie – it was a chance to win over a future customer. The kid wearing it today could be the farmer making six-figure machinery purchases tomorrow. A little goodwill now could mean a lifetime of business down the road. I’d bet a decent tractor that a branded cap on the right head is worth far more than its weight in marketing gold. Despite what Rachel Reeves and the Labour government think, farming is a family matter – and the future of farming is already dreaming of his or her first piece of kit. I just hope he’ll still have a farm to use it on.
State-of-the-art hydroponic vertical farm
Food vs climate again I am starting to feel like a broken record. Once again, the climate/food production debate is back in the mainstream media, as a Government consultation announced last week that nearly a fifth of farming land needs to be ‘repurposed’ to meet climate requirements set for 2050. It is suggested that nine per cent of land must be removed from food production to create woodlands and other natural habitats. Considering DEFRA’s figures from 2023, which state that the UK is only 62% self-sufficient in food production, this is a worrying request. At the moment, this is just the Government suggesting ideas for farmers to follow – think of it as ‘guidance’. But, how close will we get to 2050 before the Government suddenly gets terrified of the pending LEGAL climate requirements? It was this time last year that the devolved powers of Wales tried to suggest mandatory tree planting on Welsh farms. The farmers didn’t take it well. It led to protests and the Welsh Government did the classic, “Oh it’s only an idea! We weren’t ever going to really do that!” I suspect that the Labour government – which, if you hadn’t heard, is not the number one party with the farming community – has learned from the Wales disaster and has decided to throw a pebble in the water to see how big the splash is. The one positive that will come from this consultation is that it will fully deter our current government from taking away farming land to build houses … well, you would hope it would?
Going up If the Government wants to start giving more land back to rewilding, that’s fine. But if this country doesn’t want to start importing more of the food we eat, the Government has to put more money into the research and development of innovative farming practices. It is possible to farm in a smaller space – maybe not your cows and pigs, we always have to consider animal welfare – but vertical indoor farming is possible, and in fact is already being utilised for the growing of flowers, vegetables and insects. The controlled environment makes it a far more sustainable, productive and efficient method – in some cases – than traditional farming. With modern technologies like hydroponics, aeroponics and aquaponics, the notion of the vertical farm appears to have a promising future, particularly in urban areas. More funding given to grow this exciting sector now could be really showing the benefits in 25 years time. Maybe all these closed bank branches in our rural towns can be turned into productive vertical food-producing hubs. You may think I’m insane, but surely it’s a better use of space than another American café chain. I’ll have a Grande lettuce over a Grande latte any day of the week!
Imogen Davenport, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s director of nature-based solutions, says good planning can support both homes and nature
Lyscombe Bottom
There has been much discussion in the news about planning and development recently, with the government pledging to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, expand airports and curb the influence of ‘NIMBYS’ and ‘blockers.’ In our area, housing targets set by the government have doubled for Dorset Council, while Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole face a significant increase on their existing targets. While we are not opposed to development in the right place, and recognise the need for new housing and economic growth, this must not come at the expense of the natural environment. Dorset Wildlife Trust had already expressed concerns about whether the original targets could be met alongside our local councils’ ambitions to tackle the climate and nature emergencies – let alone the newly- increased targets. The current planning system does not consistently safeguard wildlife from the impacts of development, and, despite the introduction of ‘biodiversity net gain’ last year, much more needs to be done before it delivers meaningful progress for nature’s recovery. Reform of the system is not unwelcome, but we must only support changes if they genuinely improve outcomes for nature. It is deeply disappointing to see recent rhetoric that blames newts, bats … and local communities … for delays in development. n reality, multiple factors, including market conditions and the capacity of planning departments, affect how quickly a proposal moves from application to completion. There is often a significant lag between permission being granted and construction beginning – current estimates suggest that more than one million approved homes remain unbuilt.
The meadows at KIngcombe
Don’t block, enable There is no need to create a false conflict between nature and housing. It is entirely possible to design developments that avoid environmental harm. However, wildlife needs the right safeguards and local communities must be able to raise valid concerns. One such safeguard is nutrient neutrality, which has become a political football – some headlines claim it blocks development, while others argue it ‘unlocks’ it. In truth, it mitigates one specific environmental impact of housebuilding. Systems ensuring nutrient neutrality – such as those that enabled Dorset Wildlife Trust to acquire Wild Woodbury and Lyscombe for nature restoration – allow development to proceed, provided it also meets all other planning and environmental requirements. The first test must always be to avoid harm, preventing poorly located or badly designed developments from going ahead. Reforming the planning system presents an opportunity to take a transformative approach to development – one that benefits people, the economy and the environment while addressing the climate and ecological crises. Thoughtfully designed housing that incorporates carbon-reducing technology such as solar panels, green infrastructure and wildlife spaces can deliver significant benefits for nature, communities and the climate. By integrating nature into development, we can create resilient, vibrant places where both people and wildlife thrive. The UK Government must be as ambitious about nature recovery as it is about housebuilding. We have legally binding targets to restore 30 per cent of land and sea for nature by 2030. However, the latest report from the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) highlights that, between April 2023 and March 2024, the UK government was largely off track in delivering its 2023 environmental targets, with nature continuing to decline. The report reinforces that good regulation, when effectively applied, is not a blocker but an enabler – ensuring development benefits the environment, people and the economy in the long term. Abandoning nature protections would be disastrous, particularly as we face worsening floods, storms and record-breaking temperatures. Time and again, evidence has shown that a healthy environment underpins economic growth, providing essential services such as food, clean water and air. Restoring nature and taking bold climate action are the only ways to secure the true foundations of our economy.
Wild Woodbury wetland March 2023 Image: Peter Stone
We urge the government and local planning authorities to ensure that housing targets are not met at nature’s expense. Development and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand to build resilient communities that benefit both people and wildlife. We all have a role to play in protecting our local environment. Write to your MP today to voice concerns about poorly planned development and its impact on nature, people and the climate. Advocate for sustainable solutions that protect wildlife, enhance green spaces and support local councils in tackling the climate and nature emergencies. Time and again, local interventions – and the involvement of MPs – have influenced decisions and shaped better designs that allow nature to thrive.
