Skip to main content
The Agricultural and Industrial RevolutionsThe Wonderful Tudor World of the Lodges and the Hills

A Visit from Farming Explained’s Oli Fletcher

By 27 April 2026No Comments

Capturing the Soulton Landscape

The bluebells are in full bloom at Soulton, and this past weekend provided the perfect backdrop for a special guest. We were delighted to welcome Oli Fletcher from the YouTube channel Farming Explained to the estate to document the unique relationship between our ancient woodland and the history of the Hall.

Oli Fletcher: Farmer /Writer/Campaigner

Oli Fletcher: Farmer/Writer/Campaigner

While the weekend was busy with community events and historic lectures, the primary focus for Oli was the estate itself. He spent time filming among the carpets of bluebells and within the walls of the house to explore how centuries of rural heritage continue to shape the way we manage this land-based business today.

Oli’s work is known for digging beneath the surface of the British countryside, and his visit to Soulton was no different. He took a particular interest in:

  • The Ancient Woods: Capturing the forest at its most vibrant during bluebell time.

  • The Architecture: Filming the house to tell the story of the families who have managed this land since the Tudor era.

  • The Land-Based Business: Observing how a modern rural enterprise maintains deep respect for its historical and literary roots while diversifying for the future.

The upcoming video will attend in part to the link between our woods and the world of William Shakespeare. Since Thomas Lodge—the author of the book that inspired As You Like It—was raised here, Oli spent time exploring the theory that these very trees are the original inspiration for the Forest of Arden. Seeing a rural historian like Oli document these connections helps bridge the gap between the stories we read and the ground we walk on.

"Springtime and bluebells in Soulton Wood, the inspiration for the Forest of Arden in Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'.

Spring 2026: Bluebells carpet the ‘fair valley’ of Thomas Lodge Jr.—the living landscape that breathes through the Forest of Arden and provides the physical heartbeat for Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

Coming Soon

The footage is currently in production, and we are looking forward to that being shared soon on the Farming Explained channel. It is a wonderful opportunity to see the beauty of the Shropshire countryside through the eyes of someone who truly understands the science and the story of how land is managed and preserved.

Be sure to subscribe to the Farming Explained YouTube Channel so you do not miss the full release!