With a deep commitment to traditional and regenerative vineyard management, Candover Brook recognises the importance of the surrounding landscape, including the chalk stream that flows through the Candover Valley, and the vital role it plays in sustaining local wildlife. 

Candover Brook was established in 2012 by the late Lord John Sainsbury, built on a foundation of knowledge and passion for high quality, innovative wines. It has continued to develop into a successful and thriving example of sustainable vineyard management. The vineyard focuses on improving soil health, which in turn better supports local biodiversity. Their limited output of 20,000 bottles a year ensures a focus on quality over quantity, whilst using Hampshire’s chalk-rich soils in a sensitive manner.  

As the vineyard is closely situated to a chalk stream, Candover Brook has been kindly supporting the Trust’s conservation of white-clawed crayfish, the UK’s only native freshwater crayfish. An emblem of this species can be found on every bottle, and the company have generously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold locally. 

These lobster-like creatures, with large claws and a pale underside, are one of our larger freshwater invertebrates. They inhabit a wide range of habitats including rivers, shallow streams, and lakes. They like to hide underneath rocks and within small crevices, can grow up to 12cm and live for 12 years.  

Sadly, their numbers have declined significantly since the 1970’s, and they are now classified as endangered and at risk of extinction. Their decline has primarily been caused by the introduction of the non-native American signal crayfish, who outcompete the white-clawed crayfish for homes and food, as well as carrying a disease called ‘crayfish plague’ which they are largely resistant to but is lethal to the white-clawed.  

In collaboration with Bristol Zoological Society, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is dedicated to protecting the last remaining strongholds across Hampshire’s beautiful chalk streams. In 2024, a wildlife conservation centre was established at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight.  The crayfish raised at the centre will hopefully be released into safe havens, or ark sites, helping to boost wild populations and support the Trust’s Southern Chalk Streams project.  

Thanks to Candover Brook’s commitment to sustainability, we can continue to help our precious chalk stream habitats. The business is focused on building a legacy for future generations whilst going from strength to strength. The first release of Brut NV received high praise back in 2023, winning “Best English Sparkling Wine (Classic Blend)” at the International Wine Challenge, among other awards.  

We are incredibly grateful to Candover Brook for their continued support of the Trust, and our efforts to protect the white-clawed crayfish. Their commitment to sustainable practices serves as a remarkable example of how businesses can work in harmony with nature.  

If your business is interested in sustainability and supporting the Trust, please contact corporates@hiwwt.org.uk