Did you know we farm over 1,400 acres of beautiful South Devon countryside, including National Trust land at Beesands and East Soar?
We run a herd of beef suckler cows and manage our fields through rotational grazing, which begins each spring. Throughout the year, we grow spring barley, turnips, and swedes to feed our cattle during the winter months.
Summer on the Farm
Summer is one of the busiest times for us. We’re out in the fields harvesting — making silage and hay from our grass, or combining the barley. It’s all hands on deck when the weather is right!
Winter Visitors from Dartmoor
In winter, we welcome sheep from Dartmoor who come down to graze our pastures. They enjoy the milder conditions here before heading back to the moorland in the spring.
Farming with Nature in Mind 🌿🦉🦇
All our land is part of Countryside Stewardship schemes, which support the conservation of native species like the:
- Brown Hare
- Greater Horseshoe Bat
- Barn Owl
- Pollinators and farmland birds
We’re located in the sustenance zone for the Greater Horseshoe Bat — meaning we’re right in the heart of their hunting ground. Our mature trees make the perfect roosting spots for them to literally hang out and wait for their food to fly by.
We’ve also installed an owl box on the farm to give our local barn owls an extra safe space to raise their chicks.
Herbal Leys: Good for Cattle & Great for Nature 🌸🐝
Our herbal leys (a mix of grasses, legumes, and herbs) are not only a nutritious grazing source for cattle, but they’re also fantastic for biodiversity. They provide food for pollinators, insects, and birds all season long, while also helping to:
- Boost soil organic matter
- Improve soil quality
- Sequester carbon naturally
Conservation Grazing at East Soar 🐄📍
At East Soar Farm, we use conservation grazing techniques to manage the land. Our cattle wear NoFence GPS collars, which create virtual boundaries — no physical fences needed!
This innovative method helps restore and maintain diverse habitats by allowing a mix of grazed and untouched patches. That variation supports a greater range of plants, insects, and wildlife.
Planting for the Future 🌳🌱
We’ve also planted over 4,000 metres of new hedgerow trees across the farm. These hedgerows are vital wildlife corridors, offering shelter and food for birds, insects, and small mammals. They also help to:
- Act as natural windbreaks
- Boost biodiversity
- Capture carbon from the atmosphere
It’s just one more way we’re working to farm in harmony with nature, now and for the future.
- Whether it’s harvesting crops, supporting wildlife, or exploring new sustainable methods, we’re always working hard to make sure our farm is thriving — for nature, for livestock, and for future generations.
Thanks for supporting our journey!