News - The Past Harvests Project

Nothing symbolises the difference between historic and modern forms of land use like the European Gorse (Ilex europaeus). Known variously as whin, furze or ling, it thrives on poor, sandy...

Powderham Castle was once served by its own harbour where the River Kenn and River Exe estuary meet. Following recent flooding, these rivers had reclaimed lost ground, submerging much of...

Was life simpler for farmers in the past, in a world without huge, complex machinery, agribusinesses, agrichemicals and pesticides, genetic engineering, and the many and various interventions by central government,...

In early January, five members of the Past Harvests project team ventured across snow and ice for initial visits to Chatsworth House and Holkham Hall. The purpose of our visits...