‘WILD ABOUT NORFOLK’: LEADING VINEYARD TO HOST UNIQUE SUSTAINABILITY EVENT
A unique sustainability event featuring nationally important speakers is to take place at a Norfolk vineyard which has achieved national recognition for its environmental credentials.
‘Wild About Norfolk: Rewilding, Ecology & Creative Voices’ will take place at Chet Valley Vineyard at Bergh Apton on Friday 6th June, and will feature a programme of presentations on rewilding, biodiversity and land management, as well as a guided vineyard tour and the chance to taste the wine being made in Norfolk.
The event is being held in partnership with Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
Speakers at the event include:
- Bob Morgan, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, on the significance of birds of prey in Norfolk; he will also lead a bird-spotting walk during the vineyard tour
- Dr Natalia Zielonka, University of Kent, presenting her latest research on birds in vineyard ecosystems
- Dr Tony Polack, Norwich Business School, who will give an accessible insight into the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how they relate to viticulture
- Norfolk artist Jayne Ivimey in conversation with Professor Andrew Watkinson, UEA, discussing the ‘Red List’ of endangered bird species projects; there will also be a viewing of her sculptures
- Alex Petter, ecologist and environmental ethicist, who will talk about lessons from rewilding
- John Hemmant, Chet Valley Vineyard, who will lead a 45 minute tour of Chet Valley’s sustainable, wildlife-friendly vineyard, outlining its biodiversity strategy
Chet Valley founder and winemaker John Hemmant said, “Sustainability is at the heart of the ethos at Chet Valley, from maintaining and improving soil health to creating a long-term conservation plan to promote biodiversity and protect the environment.
“We manage the vineyard and winery with a uniquely sustainable philosophy, deeply rooted in respect for the natural elements of winemaking and the environment, whilst tying in carefully considered elements of tailored innovation.
“We are delighted to be hosting such a prestigious event with a wonderful line-up of nationally-respected sustainability experts, which we will hold in our Winery tasting room with its wonderful views across the vines.”
The event on Friday 6th June starts at 2pm with a complimentary glass of Chet Valley’s Red Kite sparkling red wine, and runs until 5pm. Attendance is free, but places must be booked in advance by visiting www.chetvineyard.co.uk/product/sustainability-day-6th-june-2025-2-5pm/.
Chet Valley Vineyard at Bergh Apton is the only vineyard in Norfolk to be Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) certified, the recognised standard in the UK wine industry aimed at minimising the impact on the environment and maximising the contribution to environmental conservation and biodiversity.