Lucy & Jules both lovers of the natural world, especially this region of North Devon where they are putting down roots as a family. Stewarding a 37acre farm; slowly growing a suckler herd of Ruby Devon Cattle and a flock of Black Welsh Mountain sheep that are bringing their own dynamism to the land and sky.

 

The herbivores vitalise the land by disturbing, cropping, fertilising it; with holistic grazing practices allowing a good rest period enabling the plants to grow deep roots in the ground - plants become resilient to stress, source more nutrients, store more carbon - and then above ground grow tall, flowering and creating habitat for a whole host of species to hide, hunt, pollinate, and propagate with in. These native cattle do well on a mix of forage and are nourished by the diversity and also range of heights in the pasture, with more fibre they have healthy guts and therefore less methane! 

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Continuing the tending of a much loved valley, where a wetland with a large pond was created previously, a large buffer strip was planted with native saplings in the riparian belt.. With some enthusiastic help we planted over 450 winter '24/'25 and will pursue to plant more copses, and shelter belts from the wind and rain, shade in hot times, and layered habitat for a whole host of species.

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The State of Nature report in 2023 discovered the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, it is in the bottom 10% and 1 in 6 species face extinction.

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                                      - Wild bird species declined by 73 million since 1970's, largely farmland species 

                                      - Insect populations have dropped 78% from 2004 to 2023

                                      - 97% of our wildflower lost since 1930's

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Whilst farmers have been pushed to the brink to increase yields and efficiency to try to feed people, the external and unseen costs faced by species at large are taking an almost unrepairable hit. ​
 

Despite it being beyond depressing, we believe growing/rearing food for humans and creating more abundance for the natural world CAN be in harmony, symbiotic and enlivening. Helping to source food as direct as possible whether it be foraging, growing your own or from farmers you can trust  - knowing where your food comes from and trusting how it was made is paramount to a healthy macro and micro biome let alone reducing plastic and air miles! The extra plus is building community and resilience. 

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We are trying to do our best in our own small way. Recognising our ability to respond where we can and honouring that responsibility. In hope to collectively restore and regain the abundance that there once was on this island. For our children and our children's children... Human and non human. 

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In a time when buying from supermarkets, food can be labelled from  ''... Farm" and the reality is often a brand name of a supplier rather than a direct farm, we must get back in touch with knowing where our food comes from and how. 

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