Dartington Estate in Devon is a very special place to those who know it. It has an almost draw to it for those who seek to practice dialogue with the earth. It is perhaps not surprising therefore that a number of small farmers have decided to take land on the estate on which to produce their precious wares. Old School Farm is one such place. To read more click on the post title or image.

The first time I visited Chagford Community Market Garden was a dark dank day with the mist rolling around the lower slopes of Dartmoor as the team gathered the last of the season’s leeks. In stark contrast the weather for my second visit could not have been better as a bright sun beamed out of a blue early autumn sky. One of those days when you were blessed to be alive. To read more click on the post title or image.

The family-run farm of Shillingford Organics is located on the outskirts of Exeter. Martyn Bragg’s is the second generation of the Bragg family to farm here and Martyn leads a team who grow vegetables, salads, herbs and fruit – all using methods which demonstrate a passion for encouraging wildlife and biodiversity. To read more click on the post title or image.

Martin Crawford has carried out extensive research into forest gardening – the use of permanent shrub and tree cover to a provide self-sustaining food source – and in so doing has established the Agroforestry Trust with its semi-tropical wonderland on the Dartington Estate where his ideas and practices are demonstrated. To read more click on the post title or image.

Tim and Jo Budden have been farming at Higher Hacknell Farm since 1985 and determined to work a way that works with nature and not against it. The result is a wildlife haven on which they produce multi-award winning organic beef and lamb. To read more click on the post title or image.

With its aims to inspire people to take courageous action for a just, peaceful and sustainable world, Embercombe, in deepest Devon, is a bold and passionate initiative. To read more click on the post title or image.

The number of young people involved in sustainable and ethical food production is one of the features which gives hope for the future. One of the results of such involvement is the number of very young people – children indeed – to be found on the small holdings. To read more click on the post title or image.

What had been a clutch of chirping chicks was a flock of fabulous hens when I revisited Elder Farm at Greenham Reach a couple of months after my first visit….and the no dig herb beds, formed from compost layered on cardboard Charles Dowding style, were showing some nice progress. To read more click on the post title or image.

Another fabulous few hours with my second visit to Chagfarm near Chagford in Devon….this time with the goats and new kids! ……….. click on the post title or image to find out more.

Just three miles from the centre of Exeter lies West Town Farm, a largely livestock farm where the land is managed organically, the animals are cared for to the highest standards and every effort is made to conserve the wildlife that lives along side and within the farm. ……….. click on the post title or image to find out more.