A Guide to the County of Worcestershire, Naturally
The county of Worcestershire is one of many land-locked areas of England, home to many pretty villages and lovely countryside. Much of it is taken up by the Malvern Hills (so steep that climbers attempting to climb Mount Everest often use them for practice!)
If ambling along the lower levels, you’ll still find some of the best views of the West Midlands. And on a good day, you can see as far as the Severn Valley, the Black Mountains and even the Cotswolds.
If out walking, follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe.
The hills support habitats of many 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).
Worcestershire Beacon is the highest point (425 metres) which offers amazing sunrises and sunsets, clear air and open skies, reached by miles of footpaths that wind through wooded valleys.
The Malvern Hills are known for their natural spring, where people can partake of the ‘healing waters’ from public fountains dotted around nearby.
The Town of Great Malvern
This pretty town sits at the foot of the Malvern Hills, and is full of historic buildings, independent shops and art galleries. The Priory church dominates the town, with stunning medieval architecture.
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 Worcestershire seems to have a higher ratio of vegans than other counties, and is also home to many farm sanctuaries, where neglected and abused creatures live out their lives in peace, cared for by dedicated 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 (run 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 abattoir).
- Goodheart Sanctuaries is home to over 300 animals in 92 acres of rolling countryside (and two large pools, for for rescued waterfowl).
- Hillfields Animal Sanctuary offers refuge for 300 animals (who live out their days in peace and happiness).
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. And 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 created here, today the main brands use anchovies (fish). So support plant-based versions like Bonsan or Biona.
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), who ask 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.
