How we use our land
For almost a century the land and estate at Dartington have been used for research and exploration of new agricultural processes.
Today a regenerative approach is at the heart of everything we do. It supports healthy soils, creates rich wildlife habitat and nurtures our community of visitors and small enterprises who have come here because they wish to have a deeper connection with the land.
We have a number of tenants who run enterprises using the land to produce food, fungi or flowers or for therapeutic benefit.
Conservation at Dartington
From dormice to hedgerows and everything in between, conservation work plays a major part in Dartington estate life.
Powered by renewables
A significant proportion of Dartington’s energy is produced via renewables, in the form of our 950kw biomass boiler and 500kh(p) solar-PV array.
Food, farming and conservation blogs
Food and Farming blog: Rediscovering the secrets of Queen’s Marsh
Harriet takes a fascinating look through the archives, in an effort to understand the history of Queen’s Marsh – an exercise that will help guide Dartington’s potential restoration of the site.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.