Combe Wood Farm

Combe Wood Farm, situated near Salcombe Regis in Sidmouth, Devon, is a National Trust-owned property undergoing significant ecological restoration. The farm is part of a broader initiative to enhance biodiversity and promote nature-friendly farming practices in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The National Trust has embarked on an ambitious project at Combe Wood Farm to restore and expand vital habitats, creating more space for wildlife and increasing landscape connectivity. Key initiatives include:

Nature-Friendly Farming: Traditional farming continues with a focus on sustainability. Fields are left fallow over winter to support farmland birds like the cirl bunting, linnet, and yellowhammer. Grazing is managed using smaller numbers of cattle to maintain a healthy environment.
Habitat Enhancement: Efforts include planting new hedgerows, creating wildflower meadows, and establishing linear woodlands with fruit-rich shrub species. These actions aim to provide food and shelter for various wildlife, including dormice and bats.
Community Involvement: Local volunteers and community groups have been actively involved in tree and hedge planting, wildlife surveys, and improving footpaths to make the area more accessible to visitors.

These initiatives are supported by funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme, provided by Defra, to support nature recovery and enhance the character of the landscape. Combe Wood Farm's integration of sustainable farming, habitat restoration, and community engagement makes it a noteworthy example of conservation efforts in the region.