About This Event

Discover the history of a once thriving local industry and tour the original watercress farm on the River Bulbourne. 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. Two 40 minute tours take place at: 10.30AM and 12noon. Select which tour you want on the ticket page.

Staying overnight?

Hotels within walking distance of Old Fishery Lane.

Frequently asked questions