The Dartington Land Use Review
The creation of a vision for the future of Dartington’s farmland is nearing completion. As previously reported, the estate’s tenant farmer retires in 2014, and a review was launched in 2010 to explore how the land could be used in the future. The local community, neighbouring estates and experts in the field have been consulted, and recommendations went to Dartington’s trustees in December 2011.
Click here to read further background information about the Land Use Review
The Future of Dartington’s Land
A review, a vision and how you can help make it happen
“The farm and estate should once again be used primarily for supporting education, experimentation and enterprise. We have consulted extensively to create a plan; now we need the partners to help realise it”
Vaughan Lindsay, Dartington Chief Executive Officer
- Click here for a summary of the principles and process of the Dartington Land Use Review.
- Click here to download a pdf map outlining the planned land use.
The Big Idea
“Dartington should adopt a mixed approach to farming and land use. This would be best realised through one main farm tenancy plus a range of smaller tenancies. We are recommending a significant move to a mixed farming model and greater biodiversity. Sustainable farming techniques will be key. We see the estate as harnessing science to model field trials. Agricultural forestry and conservation research will model new approaches to food production that are productive, sustainable and resilient. This will require new green technologies and a new understanding of traditional technologies.”
John Channon, Dartington’s Land Use Manager and member of the Land Use Review steering group
Background information
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to look again at how we use our land. We recognise that there is a disconnection between our current land use and what Dartington is about. The Elmhirsts said that the estate was to be a place of experiment, education and sustainable enterprise. We are trying to get back to these first principles.
The Land Use Review started in 2010 by mapping what land we currently have and what we do with it. We then moved on to exploring new ideas in the context of such external drivers as climate change, concerns about biodiversity and increases in energy and fertiliser costs. We’ve visited estates in other parts of the country, run seminars on agro-forestry and community land partnerships and have explored issues ranging from organic farming, to zero-carbon land use. We have investigated running the farm more as an educational and research resource and replacing a single tenancy with a greater diversity of enterprises which create jobs and value-added products which can be sold through the trust’s restaurants and shops.
In January 2011 we held an Open Space brainstorm with Transition Town Totnes and our neighbouring communities. Many of the ideas that emerged, reflected our own thinking and several were incorporated into the final Land Use Review report.
Land Use Review Community Conversation
Our Community Conversation held in October 2011 focused on an update of the proposed community projects within the Land Use Review and proposals for public access to the estate. John Channon, who heads up the Land Use Review for Dartington Hall, spoke to those present about the LUR prior to the final report which was presented to the Dartington Hall Trustees in December 2011. The evening which was attended by over 70 people was a great success, with many good ideas generated and useful comments made by the community. Click here for Q&As from the event and Click here for the proposed plans.
If you have any comments to add, feedback or suggestions please contact John Channon, Land Use Manager – John.Channon@dartington.org