The recently elected MP for Basingstoke, Labour’s Luke Murphy, has visited The Manydown Rural Estate to learn more about their approach to developing a thriving and sustainable rural business, engaged in farming, conservation and the provision of commercial and residential property.

Work is to start on a new farm shop and cafe near Basingstoke that promises to become a destination for local people and a place to buy top quality local produce.

Directors of the Manydown Rural Estate held a drop-in exhibition this week (Thursday July 25) to explain the proposals to build four family homes at Manor Farm, Wootton St Lawrence.

Local residents and councillors were given the opportunity to ask questions about the development.

Managing a healthy population of trees is a priority for the Manydown Rural Estate including felling diseased specimens and replacing them with new native species.