Heritage Open Days Gadespring Watercress Beds

The Gade Valley chalk streams have supported watercress cultivation for centuries. Natural springs and abundant, clear, gravel-filtered water provided ideal conditions for growing the crop.Commercial cultivation started in the early nineteenth century and early pioneers like William Sansom and Joseph Welsh established watercress beds in various locations, including at Boxmoor.Gadespring Cress Beds is the site of a former watercress farm. The tour takes you over the old cress farm where the original concrete side channels still carry crystal clear water along the north & south edges of the old growing beds.Acquired by the Box Moor Trust in 2011, the four acre site is now managed sympathetically for the benefit of wildlife & visitors.

Four 40 minute tours take place at: 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm. Select which tour you want on the ticket page.