Worcestershire is in the heart of the West Midlands, one of several landlocked counties. It contains parts of the Cotswolds (England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is mostly in Gloucestershire). However it was not protected from its second-oldest pear tree being felled to may way for the disastrous HS2 high-speed train project (will do nothing to abate climate change, and funds could be used to update rolling stock and provide better rural transport instead).
Also here are the Malvern Hills (which climbers use for practice for Mt. Everest due to being a kind of mini-Himalayas). On a clear day from Worcestershire Beacon, you can view 13 counties, three cathedrals (Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester) and Welsh mountain peaks.
At the foot of the hills lies the spa town known for its spring water (where Victorians would visit to ‘take the waters’ for their health). Nearby Droitwich is known for its sea salt (the nearby river Salwarpe is named after (‘the river that throws up salt!’)
See 16 Counties from the Top of this Tower
Broadway Tower (above) is not that well-known, yet it sits not far from the town of Glastonbury, mostly now known for its music festival. It’s the second highest point in The Cotswolds, 312 metres above sea level. It was used firstly to warn of the advent of the Spanish Armada back in 1588. If you venture up Broadway Tower, you not only can see the whole of the Cotswolds, but views for 60 miles across 16 counties!
Setting of Radio 4’s ‘The Archers?’
The Archers has broadcast on BBC Radio 4 since 1951, set in the fictional village of Borsetshire (some believe it’s based on the Worcestershire village of Cutnall Green). Underneath the Archers is a book by an ecological farmer (who wrote over 600 episodes), who looks at how this much-loved drama of farming life covers real events like floods, GM crops and loss of family farms. And asks if new stories could help return from industrial agriculture back to nature-friendly farming methods?
Everyone Here Seems to Be Vegan
Maybe it’s something in the Malvern water, but this is one of the most vegan-friendly areas of England. Rather than the main brand (which contains fish), choose organic brands of Worcestershire sauce. There are many vegan eateries (treat yourself to a chickpea omelette or a Quiche-Me-Now!) And Our Lizzy offers bed-and-breakfast or cooking classes combined with holidays – ideal to walk off your culinary creations!
Worcestershire has several farm sanctuaries, where abused/neglected barnyard friends receive loving homes. All farm sanctuaries struggle financially so switch your search engine to easysearch (sponsors donate to the following sanctuaries, each time you search the web). Based on 10 searches a day generating £20 a year, even if a fifth of people in Worcestershire (100,000) used the service, this could raise £2 million in local charity donations. Farm sanctuaries can find grant help at Charity Excellence and free care guides at The Open Sanctuary Project.
- Baah-land offers home to over 100 animals including sheep and rabbits. Also donate to Funfords Mini Farm (through GoFundMe to avoid losing their land, get in touch if you can help).
- The Farm Animal Sanctuary has over 600 residents, funds used for vet care to help animals arriving in a sorry state (including Percy pig who was found by council workers on the M42, likely fallen off a trailer). The sanctuary has a lottery (1st prize of £25,000 – Veggie Lotto also raises money for animal sanctuaries).
- Goodheart Sanctuaries gives home to over 300 rescued animals in 92 acres of rolling countryside between Worcestershire/Shropshire. All residents have safe cosy places to sleep, and freedom to explore pastures and woodland (and two large large pools for waterfowl). Buy one of their no-bone-china mugs featuring rescued residents!
- Hillfields Animal Sanctuary offers a refuge for 300 sentient beings, a true refuge. Every animal who arrives lives out their days here, free from fear, neglect or cruelty.
