Walking on the Wight: Natasha Edwards, Managing Director of the Garlic Farm

Natasha Edwards shares some of her favourite treks and viewpoints across the Island. Natasha and her husband Barnaby (Director of the Garlic Farm), will both be hosting walks in and around the Garlic Farm during the Autumn Walking Festival.  

What’s your earliest memory of the Isle of Wight?  

Growing up at Mersley Farm near Newchurch (now known as The Garlic Farm) hanging out with my four siblings in the surrounding farmland and woodlands.

What first brought you to the Island? 

I was born and raised here, left to study at University, spent 10 years working abroad then returned with my husband and children 10-years ago and we now help run the family farm together along with my brother and his wife and my sister. We love the Island lifestyle and feel very lucky to live here.

Where do you live and why did you choose to live there? 

We live in Newchurch village in my grandparents old farmhouse. It’s a beautiful place to live, very close to The Garlic Farm and conveniently located in the centre of the Island right on the cycle track that runs from Sandown to Cowes via Newport.

What’s your favourite long walk on the Island? 

We recently walked the coastal route from Brighstone to Castlehaven in Niton. It’s a stunning section of coastline with amazing views.

What’s your favourite Summertime walk? 

Near us there are lots of walks taking in ancient woodlands of Martin’s wood, Borthwood Copse, Brading Down and Alvertsone Nature Reserve. All shady and peaceful places to escape to in the summer. It is also my favourite long walk on the Island.

What’s your favourite ‘off season’ / Autumn walk? 

From Godshill up via Godshill Park Road to the ghostly relic of Freemantle Gate and then on to the Worsley monument with the magnificent views across most of the south of the Island.

Favourite view on the Island? 

From our local church of Newchurch looking back across the Arreton Valley as the sun is setting is pretty fantastic.

Please tell us about your walks for the Autumn Walking Festival, what can walkers who sign up expect to see? 

Our walks starting from The Garlic Farm will take in our farmland and woodlands and touch on the history of our farm, what we do now, our organic farming practices plus any questions answered on growing and cooking with garlic.

Sign up for Natasha’s History of the Garlic Farm Walk & Talk on Monday 7 October HERE and Barnaby’s Guided Farm Walk Around the Certified Organic Farmland on Thursday 10 October HERE.