Invitation: Farm visit

[emilywilloughby]

Friday 17th September, 10.30am-1pm - Booking Required!

The North Devon Biosphere have arranged a group farm walk to discuss the management of Culm grassland, cutting hay late for wildlife benefits, and grazing woodland.

Our host, Sally Vergette, will lead the walk and share experiences of farming at Coombe over the past 30 years. They have a small herd of Aberdeen-Angus and a flock of Devon Closewool sheep. The farm has 33 acres of Culm grassland designated as SSSI and many other Culm fields that are county wildlife sites. The farm is all permanent pasture with grazed woodland and traditional (and some recently planted) cider orchards. We’ll discuss support available for Culm restoration and management, along with low input permanent pasture and orchards.

The visit is being held in partnership with our local Pledge for Nature programme and Emily Willoughby and Mike Moser will be joining us to update on developments. Last year the project provided free kestrel boxes to local farms and the one at Coombe was successfully occupied within a month!

Friday 17th September, 10.30am-1pm, Coombe Farm, Highampton, Beaworthy, EX21 5LJ

There’ll be parking in the field, refreshments and pasties for lunch. Directions will be forwarded on booking and do let me know any specific dietary requirements.

We’ll be outdoors covering some uneven ground so suggest bringing some weather-proof clothing and stout footwear.

To book please email: jane.hart@devon.gov.uk or call 01271 388605


Hoping for a dry day!