Latest news & blogs
Food and Farming blog: How best to keep Peek sheep?
In her latest blog, Harriet explains how new footpaths around the fields at Peek Plantation are helping preserve much-used thoroughfares, while protecting the sheep of the young tenant farmer.
Action to protect trees, organic crops and biodiversity
How upcoming management of grey squirrels and rabbits on the Dartington estate aims to help our tenants make a living out of small-scale farming.
Conservation diary: Good times are over?
September: Fun’s over? Animals begin to put on weight ready for winter hibernation, and even shrubs are making preparations for the cold ahead.
Dartington launches new expanded craft programme
Schumacher College and Dartington have launched an exciting new range of craft courses in September 2015, many offering the chance to learn from local makers.
Food & Farming blog: Finding new ways to grow at Dartington
What is agroforestry – and why does it matter? Our latest blog tackles this complex subject and explains why it’s so important for Dartington to support this underappreciated and challenging form of agriculture.
Mary Bartlett’s blog: Solander Boxes* and remembering Rigby Graham
In her latest blog looking back at little-known snippets of Dartington’s history, Mary looks at some of the weird and wonderful printed creations, and remembers a giant of the industry and personal friend, Rigby Graham.
Conservation diary: Ground nesting birds need your help!
The breeding season between 1 March to 31 July is a particularly sensitive time of year for ground nesting birds, and Mike’s on hand with some tips on how to avoid disturbing them during this time.
Conservation blog: Colour and perfume from the forest floor
In this month’s blog, Mike writes on how it’s the perfect time to enjoy the sights and smells of low-lying bluebells, white hawthorn and wild garlic.
Gardens blog: Unearthing the ‘Holy Well’
Recently the Gardens team have been rediscovering one of our oldest listed features, a Holy Well!
Mary Bartlett’s blog: Are grey squirrels threatening Dartington’s woodlands?
Mary takes a look at the ravages grey squirrels cause to the Dartington estate, and how important the care of Dartington’s woodlands was to founder Leonard Elmhirst.
Volunteer blog: Vicky (and Stella the chainsaw)
Chainsaws are powerful and dangerous tools, so when volunteer Vicky qualified to use one, Sonja sat down with her in the Volunteer Hub to ask how the training had gone.
Founder-Principal of Dartington College of Arts, Peter Cox, dies
We are sad to announce the death of Peter Cox (13 April 2015) at the age of 97.
Conservation diary: A feast for the senses
It’s April, and Mike reflects on how the month truly reminds you spring is finally here, with fresh green foliage on the trees.
Pentangle founder and Dartington Arts student John Renbourn dies
We are sad to learn of the death of John Renbourn, an internationally regarded musician and perhaps best known as a founder member of the acclaimed folk group Pentangle.
Conservation diary: Swan song
In this week’s conservation blog, Estate Warden Mike takes a look at the lifecycle of one of nature’s most elegant and beguiling creatures – the swan.
Gardens blog: About the George III lead urn
In this blog, gardener Katie provides a little insight into the George III lead urn located near the Sunny Border.
Conservation diary: Longer days and the return of migratory birds
Spring is almost upon us but the nights can still feel cold. Each day brings extra daylight in the evenings ready for the clocks to go forward and prepare us for the warmer months ahead.
Conservation diary: Spring is on its way
February can be a bleak month – however there are signs spring is around the corner with large clumps of snowdrops showing on the woodland floor.
Gardens blog: Bear-baiting in the Tiltyard
My name is Katherine Ross, and I hope to share with you the interesting titbits and conundrums that I come across while undertaking my research into Dartington’s Gardens.
Food & Farming blog: Please help us prevent dog attacks
It has transpired that there has been a dog attack on several of Little Bo People’s sheep in the early hours of this morning.
Conservation diary: Green shoots around the corner?
In January there are few plants showing, although the yellow hazel catkins can be seen in the woodlands and hedgerows.
Dartington increases investment in Totnes Renewable Energy Society
Dartington has chosen to invest a further £20,000 in TRESOC’s current Share Issue, bringing the total raised so far to £230,550.
‘Crocus circle’ oak tree succumbs to honey fungus
The large turkey oak near the White Hart and Space Studios, widely known for the stunning crocus circle that flowers around it in the spring, became severely decayed due to honey fungus.
Conservation diary: Spotting a well-camouflaged visitor
If you’re visiting the Dartington estate, keep an eye out for woodcocks, which can be seen by the eagle-eyed watcher at this time of year.
Endangered eels get free run up Bidwell Brook
A new eel pass has been installed at Bidwell Brook in Dartington this week to enable young glass eels, known as elvers, to migrate upstream unimpeded.
Conservation diary: First signs of autumn
During this month you will be able to see the autumn colour in the hedgerows and trees. The fruit on trees are starting to ripen, like the sweet chestnuts and the acorns.
In memoriam: Colette King
Throughout her working life, Colette inspired hundreds of students, colleagues, actors, directors and playwrights.
Future of fallen Monterey Pine revealed
The Dartington Hall Trust has approved a variety of uses for the 200-year-old Monterey Pine, which fell in old age in Dartington’s gardens on Wednesday 27 August, 2014.
Monterey Pine falls in Tiltyard
The large Monterey Pine, which stood on the north-western terraces of the ‘Tiltyard’ in the Dartington gardens, has fallen due to old age.
Mary’s blog: a swift journey to the moon and back
In this blog, Dartington veteran Mary Bartlett explores the impact of David Lack, a legendary ornithologist whose career took flight at Dartington.