Fowlescombe is a 191 hectares (approx 472 acres) mixed farm in the South Hams, Devon, England some 2 miles south of Dartmoor. (click here for a map) It is the central part of what was once an important mediaeval estate in the catchment area of the Erme. When the manor house was abandoned over a century ago, what remained of that estate was sold as the two component farms. No one was prepared (or perhaps could afford) to restore the old mansion. An ancient track runs for almost 2 kilometres through the main valley from the restored gate lodge on the B3196 to Loddiswell, down a tree-lined avenue (long in serious decline but receiving attention), past an early 19th century farmhouse, older stone barns, the ivy-clad, Grade II listed manor-house ruins, along the side of the steep combe down to a small octagonal lodge house at the lower gate.

Part of the farm changed ownership in 1998. The buildings and some 52 hectares of mainly steep grassland were sold. Water runs off many of the fields from springs and small streams, into ponds and a number of marshy areas; the various streams unite near the lowest part of the farm to eventually become the Shilston Brook. Much of this grassland is still species rich. The grasslands and wetlands are most interesting for plant and insect species from late spring to September,

The ancient field pattern and network of hedges is still substantially present, though in poor repair. There are about 4 hectares of mature broad-leaved trees dotted around the farm and another 4 hectares have been planted recently. Some good patches of gorse scrub have developed on a few fields. The soil is mainly free-draining, clay loam, slightly acidic, with numerous pieces of shillet present. Soil depth is very variable with outcrops of bedrock in places. In the lower reaches of the valley the soil is more silty. Parts of the site are very exposed to the predominantly south-westerly winds and some winter days can be grim. This is, however, the best season to see traditional hedging work. Much of the stone used for building was quarried on site. The old quarries have been reclaimed by nature and echo to the calls of buzzards in the spring and summer, but spring is the most interesting time to see the woodland flora. There are badger setts in the woodland. The remaining 43 hectares, which are outside the original stewardship agreement, comprise a line of less steep fields on either side of the core valley, two thirds arable, one third improved grassland. The present owners started farming this additional land in 2001 and are managing it on a very low input basis, with conservation as a priority. The arable land allows better provision for species such as brown hare, skylark and seed-eating birds that use a combination of various habitats on the whole site. Arable management includes wildflower margins and a beetle bank, spring cereal planting with stubbles retaining during the winter and crop rotation.

The Old Barns have been converted and now comprise two holiday cottages around a cobbled courtyard, and a large hall for a variety of purposes, below which is a kitchen and storage space.

Photograph of the farm house and surrounding fields is courtesy of Richard Browse who pilots balloon flights over the area. Richard's website

Aims of the Estate

• To manage the site for wildlife conservation and biodiversity

• To restore important landscape and parkland features

• To restore buildings, where feasible, for active use

• To provide opportunities for environmental education and enjoyment

• To create employment in the local area

• To raise interesting and premium farm animals

• To make a profit on the farm enterprise itself
• To encourage others to do similar things