Habitat Restoration
Landowners & Farmers are custodians of our landscape & wildlife habitat in the
River Avon, River Gara and the Kingsbridge Salcombe Estuary catchments.
We hugely respect their commitment and want to support projects led by Farm Clusters
which protect our rivers, estuaries and our wildlife.
Support for Farmers & Landowners
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.
Avon Valley
Farm Cluster
Farming in
Protected Landscapes
DEFRA fund farmers to transition to more environmentally sensitive farming. Locally, our farmers are supported by officers from the South Devon AONB FiPL team and the Dartmoor National Park FiPL team.
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.
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.
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An earlier project in 2015, managed by the South Devon AONB, the South Devon Avon Farm Cluster, comprised 86 members, covering 4,700 ha. The 5 yr programme focused on restoration and
maintenance of priority habitats associated with the river valleys. Avon River Champions are inviting former members to 're-cluster' and continue this work with the support of local community groups. Please get in touch.
Avon Valley Farm Cluster
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
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.
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.
.
Challon's Combe Organics
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.
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'.