Worcestershire (Malvern Hills and farm sanctuaries)
Worcestershire is one of England’s many landlocked west Midland counties, home to many pretty villages, lovely countryside and is also one of the most vegan-friendly counties in England.
The Malvern Hills are some of England’s steepest hills, so much so, that climbers attempting Everest often use them for practice! Situated between Worcestershire and Herefordshire, these are best only attempted by experienced climbers and hikers.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
The Malvern Hills offer some of the clearest views in the West Midlands. On a good day, you’ll see as far as the Severn Valley, the Black Mountains, and even the Cotswolds.
Worcestershire Beacon is the highest point (425 metres) which offers amazing sunrises and sunsets, with clear air and open skies, reaches by miles of footpaths that cross the ridge and wind through wooded valleys.
You can try shorter loops if you wish, on well-maintained and signposted paths. The hills are also known for their natural spring, people still visit the public water fountains dotted around towns and hillsides.
The Malvern Hills offers common land that supports rare birds and butterflies, plus wildflowers and spring bulbs like bluebells and foxgloves (keep flower-nosey dogs away, as all spring bulbs are toxic to pets).
Other wildlife that enjoy living here are grazing near and buzzards soaring overhead.
The town of Great Malvern sits at the foot of the hills, full of historic buildings, arts venues, and independent shops. The Priory Church dominates the town with stunning medieval architecture.
Cafés and pubs serve up local food and drink, perfect after a long walk. Nearby, you’ll find villages like West Malvern, Malvern Wells, and Colwall, each with its own character and friendly spots to stop for tea or a pint.
One local resident was composer Edward Elgar (his music often played at Last Night of the Proms). He wrote the first football anthem (for his team Wolverhampton Wanderers, he would cycle 40 miles to see them play). Likely his anthem was a bit more classical than ‘it’s coming home, it’s coming home, football’s coming home…!’
England’s Most Vegan-Friendly County?
Maybe it’s something in the Malvern water, but many people in Worcestershire are vegan, and therefore the county is home to many farm sanctuaries, where abused and neglected creatures live out their lives in peace, cared for by loving volunteers. All struggle financially, so support them by either setting up a giving account (anonymous if preferred) at Charities Aid Foundation.
Or sign up at easyfundraising (nominate your chosen sanctuary, then anytime you buy from participating shops or services, they donate a portion of profits, at no cost to you (loyalty points are not affected):
- Baah-land has over 100 happy residents, and is run on a shoestring budget, by dedicated volunteers.
- The Farm Animal Sanctuary does wonderful work. One pig resident was found by workers on the M42, likely fallen off a trailer, on route to an illegal slaughterhouse.
- Goodheart Sanctuaries is home to over 300 animals in 92 acres of rolling countryside. And two large pools, for rescued waterfowl.
- Hillfields Animal Sanctuary offers refuge for 300 animals, who live out their days free from fear, neglect or cruelty.
Vegan Cooking Classes (near Malvern Hills)
Our Lizzy offers popular vegan cooking classes, which includes bed-and-breakfast accommodation (so you can walk off your dinner, after cooking it!) Prices include tuition, ingredients and a recipe booklet.
There are day courses for traditional or international cuisine, plus courses to make plant-based bread, desserts, picnic lunches and even one on cooking with wild garlic.
Try Vegan Worcestershire Sauce!
Although Worcestershire sauce (the tangy condiment used for tomato juice and vegan shepherd’s pie) was indeed born here, today the main brands are (not local) and made with anchovies (fish). Instead look out for plant-based local brands like Bonsan or Biona.
Or make your own (lasts a few weeks in the fridge). Sterilise bottles in the dishwasher (hottest cycle) or wash and rinse bottles, then boil for 10 minutes, remove with tongs and air-dry on a clean surface.
Which Village is The Archers Based On?
The Archers has broadcast on BBC Radio 4 since 1951, set in the fictional village of Ambridge. Some people believe this is based on the Worcestershire village of Cutnall Green.
Underneath the Archers is a book by an ecological farmer (who wrote over 600 episodes) asks if new stories of floods, GM crops and loss of family farms could help influence a return from industrial agriculture, back to nature-friendly farming?
The familiar theme tune is called Barwick Green. It’s from a composition by Yorkshire’s Arthur Wood, based on a maypole dance. Scottish comedian Billy Connolly suggested that we should use the tune as our National Anthem!
One of the actors on The Archers, is the man who says ‘Mind the Gap’ on the London Underground.
