River Sensitive Communities
Farms | Businesses | Local Government | Households

Our catchments are home to 22,000 people and the diverse businesses that support the resident population and holiday makers who visit our catchments. Generations of farming families have created and managed landscapes in the River Avon, River Gara and the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary. All our futures depend on clean rivers, full of life.
River-sensitive living and business practice in all sectors - water companies, farming, households, holiday makers, local government and businesses - is essential if we are to restore Good Ecological status to our water bodies.
Avon River Champions and partners want to promote the initiatives and achievements of our water-sensitive communities.
Farmers & Landowners




Heron
Valley
An award wining organic apple farm in Loddiswell, Heron Valley Farm produces a wide range of juices from many heritage apple varieties. They work closely with the Wildlife Trust's Avon Valley Project to develop sustainable orchards with pollinator friendly wildflower meadows. Heron Valley welcomes visitors to its cafe and farm shop
South Devon
Chilli Farm
Working in harmony with the natural environment, South Devon Chilli Farm employs best farming practices, such as no use of pesticides and planting native trees and shrubs to maintain a vibrant ecosystem.  The farm aims to deliver more and waste less. .
Mount Folly
Farm
The 650 acre farm is a mixed organic farm supplying romanesco, leeks, broccoli, savoy, kale and red cabbage to Riverford for their weekly organic veg box scheme.
Avon Valley
Farm Cluster
In 2015, 86 farmers formed the South Devon Avon Farm Cluster, covering 4,700 ha. The 5 yr programme focused on restoration and maintenance of priority habitats associated with the river valleys. Avon River Champions encourage former members to 're-cluster' and continue this work with the support of local community groups.



Challon's Combe
Organics
Bantham
Estate
Bantham Estate covers 728 acres, straddling the Avon Estuary. The Estate Management Plan outlines the estate's mission to conserve and enhance habitats including farmland, woodland, coastal grassland, estuarine habitats and Bantham Beach. The breeding success in a unique heronry on the banks of the Avon reflects the health of the river and local biodiversity.
Hillyfield
Woodland Farm
Hillyfield is an award winning 45 acre woodland and organic pasture on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park, managed for the benefit of the environment and the community. They promote the restoration of ancient woodland and offer ​volunteer projects workshops, and open days
Wave Hill
Farm
A small organic mixed regenerative farm located in Loddiswell. Wave Hill Farm is a net carbon sink adopting a mixture of traditional methods, agro-ecological practices & permaculture principles.  The farm welcomes volunteers to help and learn about their approach. Share farming of the market garden supplies veg-boxes to local communities and supports people to 'get farming'.
Challon's Combe is a family-owned, award-winning organic dairy and meat farm in Aveton Gifford. The farm is certified with Organic Farmers and Growers. They own and run a traditional butchers shop, Lidstones, in Kingsbridge where they also sell food produced by local sustainable farms. They run a home delivery service for their products.