Cheers to CONSERVATION

Fancy a tipple? Consider Berkshire Botanical, whose ethos is all about staying local, being sustainable and protecting nearby wildlife

Since the alcohol industry relies heavily on a healthy ecosystem, it’s no surprise there’s been a collective green shift by many drinks manufacturers towards a more sustainable use of natural resources. The discerning drinker now wants to relax in the knowledge that their glass contains locally sourced ingredients from a production line that respects people, land and wildlife.

One company with a passion for nature at the heart of its ethos is multi-awardwinning Berkshire Botanical, which creates sustainable spirits and liqueurs inspired by the plants grown in and around the beautiful west Berkshire village of Yattendon.

In order to support the protection of areas such as the Yattendon estate, Berkshire Botanical has partnered with Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) to pledge its commitment to local wildlife. BBOWT is just one of 46 wildlife trusts across the UK that works with local people on conservation projects to ensure its counties remain rich in wildlife and its green spaces stay safe for generations to come. The collaboration has already resulted in an introduction to local apiary Cooper’s Honey & Bees in Maidenhead, which now provides Berkshire Botanical with prize-winning, locally sourced honey for its delicious Honey & Orange Blossom Gin.

Even Berkshire Botanical’s beautiful bottles nod to the company’s ecoconsciousness, with quirky animal illustrations adorning the labels of its drinks. Each gin flavour is represented by a different furry friend: Original Dry (fox), Rhubarb & Raspberry (hare), Honey & Orange Blossom (owl) and Sloe (squirrel).

All of these icons of the British countryside can be found in their natural habitats near to The Royal Oak Pub & Hotel in Yattendon, where Berkshire Botanical’s pot still, lovingly nicknamed Harry, resides. And with a new, larger distillery currently being built nearby, the future is looking bright – and green – for this gin brand flying the flag for sustainability and conservation across the UK.

Buy Berkshire Botanical’s artisan spirits collection at Tesco, Waitrose, Booths, amazon.co.uk, thedropstore.com and berkshirebotanical.co.uk