CHRISTMAS AT DODDINGTON
Enjoy Doddington through the seasons and hear from special guests from the estate and beyond who will share their knowledge and insights as captivating stories are uncovered from this historic estate, including the fascinating history of the Hall & Gardens, the ambitious 100 year Wilder Doddington project and much more.
There’s always something fascinating to learn about in the Doddington Diary…
Step inside Doddington Hall and join Mevlyn in the Library as he chats with House Manager, Hannah.
From Saturday shifts in the Farm Shop Café to overseeing centuries of history within the Hall, Hannah’s story is one of dedication, discovery, and a deep connection to place. She reflects on her career journey so far, the growth and development of the wider estate, and the fascinating history of this much loved and lived-in Elizabethan home.
Along the way, Hannah clears up a common misconception, shares her favourite room in the Hall, and recalls an unforgettable wedding in the Long Gallery.
As we celebrate four years of Wilder Doddington, Melvyn chats with Isobel and Matthew about the highs, challenges and hopes of this 400-year journey to bring more nature back to the Doddington Estate.
As the gardens begin to reawaken, Melvyn pops over to the potting shed for a cup of tea with Head Gardener, Jordan, who shares his journey from apprentice to expert. Also joining the conversation is Doddington’s current garden apprentice, Elvi, offering fresh insight. Together, they discuss the joys, challenges and changing seasons of life in the gardens.
Oink Oink! This month, we’re thrilled to welcome some more new arrivals to Wilder Doddington. Not ponies this time, but pigs!
Meet our three new curly-coated pigs, the latest additions to our team of ‘ecosystem engineers.’ Like the wild Exmoor ponies, these pigs are free to roam, where their natural behaviours help shape the landscape. As they rootle the ground in search of tasty titbits like roots, grubs and fungi, they create vital new habitats and enrich the biodiversity of Wilder Doddington.
Shortly after their arrival, Melvyn joined Isobel for an official introduction to these three little pigs as they embark on their exciting wilder journey.
It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! This month, Melvyn goes behind the scenes with Assistant Hall Manager and Creative Lead, Angus, to find out how the Hall has been transformed for this year’s musical theme, ‘A Christmas Chorus’.
Ready for an autumn adventure? This month, Melvyn takes you on a hidden woodland journey at Wilder Doddington to uncover an exciting project with our Wilder team and special guest, Nigel from Hill Holt Wood.
Over in the Pumpkin Patch, Sarah shares some tips on how to make the most of your pumpkins this season.
Ellie’s in the Kitchen Garden picking seasonal delights and sends Melvyn over to the Grain Store armed with squash to chat with Executive Head Chef Conrad about turning estate-grown produce into delicious dishes.
Each month, Melvyn Prior will take you behind the scenes of historic Doddington Hall & Gardens in Lincolnshire. He’ll meet staff and volunteers working in the house, gardens, farm shop and the wider estate.
As it’s the first entry into the diary, Melvyn sets the scene and starts inside the home of Claire and James Birch.
Later in this edition, he chats with Angus about this year’s sculpture exhibition and he also ventures into the Kitchen Garden to catch up with Ellie.
