How we use our land
For over nine decades the land and estate at Dartington have been used for agricultural experimentation, research and the application of new processes, with a rich and sometimes controversial history in land-based research.
Today, the estate comprises of a main tenancy, Old Parsonage Farm, which covers 480 acres and maintains a milking goat herd, small Jersey herd, beef cattle and sheep with sustainable, forward-thinking farming practices.
In addition to this, around 20 other land-based tenancies run a variety of brilliantly eclectic and progressive food and farming initiatives – including a meat CSA, a vegetable CSA, community orchards, allotments, apiaries and much more
Land Use Review
Our vision for how we use our land. Find out how we aim to tackle some of the contemporary challenges facing rural communities and agriculture.
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
Some jobs just can’t be hurried
Not many of us take nearly a decade to finish a job – but our conservation warden is positively proud of the fact.
How do we catch up with a climate that’s changing faster than we are?
As environmentalism goes mainstream and increasing numbers of organisations declare a climate emergency, Andrea Kuhn meets those who’ve been trying out the deep social, economic and cultural changes needed to get us out of this mess.
Ash die back at Dartington
We have been anticipating the arrival of ash die back at Dartington for some years. It’s now unequivocally here – and we are urgently seeking your support to enable us to remove diseased tress from across the estate.
Rapturous raptors: encouraging birds of prey at Dartington
What are raptors, and why are we trying to attract them to Dartington? Estate warden Mike Newby explains why birds of prey are vital to the farmers, gardeners and land managers who work here at Dartington.
River Dart Charter Survey: What you said
Almost 500 of you participated in a survey aiming to help shape the future of the River Dart in Dartington. Here, Harriet Bell looks at some of the key findings.
The Hungry Games with Goats: Introducing the contenders to the arena
The latest update on our silvopasture experiment, where trees are planted along with animals. Which tree guard will survive the attentions of our all-consuming goat population?
Growing Dartington’s historic walled garden
A pilot project began almost one year ago to bring a secret garden on the Dartington estate back to life. With the help of our supporters, we hope to transform it into a successful on-going concern.
Plum plot: A foray into silvopasture
After our Broadlears adventure in silvoarable – and the general take off of agroforestry across the estate – the one area we’ve wanted to focus on next is silvopasture: the art of planting trees in with – and often for the benefit of – animals.
Our gardeners are going nuts about nuts
In the latest in our series of blogs from our gardens team, garden designer Dan Pearson’s vision is realised further through the creation of a new nuttery and wildflower meadow.
Why healthy grassland means a healthy ecosystem
Grassland is the basis of most of the UK’s food supply chain and the main source of diet for livestock in the UK. Good grassland management is crucial – and our Estate Warden Mike is on hand to explain how it all work on the Dartington Hall estate.