Farmers from the Marlborough Downs enjoyed a pint of their own limited edition beer to mark the first year of their conservation project.

Marlborough Downs Nature Improvement Area toasted a successful first year after the farmers commissioned a limited edition beer, Farmer’s Friend, brewed by Wadworth Brewery.

Suzie Swanton, of North Farm in West Overton, is one of the 42 farmers involved in the scheme.

Along with fellow farmers Katie Guest and Laura Cooper, she went to Wadworth Brewery in Devizes when Farmer’s Friend was being put into kegs.

She said: “Our project manager, Gemma, talked with Wadworth about getting the beer commissioned because they are a local brewery and they like to be involved in local projects and having a story behind some of their beers.

“It has a fruity, flowery taste and it’s a good way to celebrate because it we can involve local businesses and toast our first year.”

Last year, farmers from the area won a bid for a three-year project grant from Natural England to protect and develop the wildlife and landscape of the 225,625 acres of chalk downland that lies between Swindon, Marlborough and Avebury.

The project is led by the farmers and supported by specialists and volunteers. It aims to change the landscape so wildlife and agriculture can thrive together.

Ms Swanton said: “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the project. It’s really big and it’s hard work because it’s the first farmer-led project of its kind, but everyone who’s been involved has been really enthusiastic.

“We get together twice a year, so even just the social side is nice.”

The four per cent ale is only available for a limited time in local pubs and at the MDNIA’s Open Farm Sunday.

The event will have a tractor-and-trailer ride to ferry visitors from the arable yard to the dairy unit and many more family-friendly activities.

To taste Farmers Friend, visit Open Farm Sunday at Rutlands Farm, near Avebury, SN8 1RH, on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.