Ghosts of the Farm with Nicola Chester

Clare joins writer Nicola Chester for a circular walk from her home in the village of Inkpen in West Berkshire. Despite recently breaking her leg in an unfortunate tangle of dog zoomies, Nicola is back on her feet and eager to share the landscapes that shaped both her life and her books. Their route passes through Manor Farm, the setting for her latest work, and climbs onto the downs with views towards Watership Down and Highclere Castle.

As they walk, Nicola reflects on her lifelong desire to farm, the barriers faced by women in agriculture, and the extraordinary story of Miss White, a pioneering farmer whose story she tells in her latest book ‘Ghosts of the Farm: Two Women’s Journeys Through Time, Land and Community”. Nicola talks about her own experiences of working as a cowgirl in Canada, living in a tied cottage, and raising a family while campaigning for wildlife and better land stewardship.

Presenter: Clare Balding
Producer: Karen Gregor