We are extremely fortunate to be able to hold the 2025 Wiltshire Branch AGM at Iford Manor on Tuesday 2^nd September 2025 by kind permission the Cartwright-Hignett family.

Iford Manor Estate sits on the border of Wiltshire and Somerset, a tranquil haven of beauty just West of Bradford on Avon.

The internationally renowned Grade 1 listed gardens are the testimony to many generations of gardeners, but most principally Edwardian landscape architect Harold Peto, who made Iford his home from 1899-1933.  Today, Iford is home to the Cartwright Hignett family and second generation William and his wife Marianne manage the Estate alongside his parents. 

The Estate itself comprises nearly 900 acres of beef, arable and forestry largely farmed under HLS, with cottages, hydroelectric plant, small-scale solar, motocross circuit, two SSSIs, in addition to the core attraction of the garden and parkland of the manor.  During the pandemic William and Marianne constructed their new restaurant and café, which opened in 2021 and has received accolades including Best Newcomer 2025 in the Trencherman’s Awards and Very Good in the Good Food Guide. 

With their team, including Head Gardener Steve Lannin and Executive Chef Matthew Briddon, William and Marianne are passionate about their mission to put Iford on a sustainable footing for the future, all within the context of it being a family home.  The recent acquisition of Cross Guns pub in Avoncliff (1 mile away), and the imminent acquisition of The Inn at Freshford all drives towards this same goal, and further allows the integration of products from the Estate into the family’s business, all the while building a wide community base who will keep Iford going for the next generation.

Programme:

11.00am Registration, tea and coffee – In the restaurant to then head over to house/ barn for AGM

11.30am AGM – In the house/ barn

11.50am CLA Officer Update

12.30pm Two-course buffet lunch

1.30pm Welcome and introduction to Iford Manor by William Cartwright-Hignett

1.45pm Tours to commence: two groups, Gardens & Archimedes Screw (Iford Weir Hydro Scheme) with an optional tour to go up to the cider house

3.30pm Depart

Please note: There will involve walking for those with mobility issues. If you have any questions about this, please contact the Southwest office to discuss.

 

The AGM ONLY is free of charge to attend but places must be booked through the Southwest office.