Ewelme.net

The Ewelme Watercress Beds were established in the 1890’s. The chalk stream running through the village was dammed and widened to provide large beds of shallow, slow-running water under which the cress was planted.

Watercress production ceased in 1988 and efforts to restore the beds were started in 1992 when local villagers contacted the Chiltern Society for help. Weeds were removed and dams were repaired, keeping the site in good condition until the site was purchased in 2000 by the Chiltern Society and restoration work started in earnest. Work took place not only on the beds themselves, but adjoining wetland which contains a wide range of habitats for both flora and fauna. The public now have access to the 2.5 hectares site.

Plans were drawn up for a new visitor centre on the site of the old watercress packing shed in 2001 and the building was completed and opened by the Duke of Kent in July 2004. Guided walks are available, and preparations are being made for the site to be used by schools and other groups. Maintenance work is still ongoing and voluntary work parties take place twice monthly.