Middle Campscott Farm
Our farm consists of 88 acres; all permanent pasture (except a small wood and kitchen garden). WE farm livestock - about 200 sheep, about 20 Devon cattle, some poultry and a retired sow. We are licenced by the Soil Association and follow their organic standards. We sell our produce in the local Ilfracombe Farmers' Market and on line. Our sheep flocks are kept for the production of lamb and mutton, and also wool, knitting yarn and felted "sheepskins". Our cattle herd is registered with the Devon Cattle Breeders' Society and consists of pedigree polled Red Ruby Devons. They are mainly sold as pedigree breeding stock but we occasionally have a steer killed for beef. We have planted a small orchard of fruit trees, mainly apples, cider apples, pears and perry pears. We have also recently re-introduced beekeeping to our activities and currently have three beehives. Our general aim is to farm in a humane and sustainable way, restore and maintain the traditional landscape features of the North Devon AONB, and be as self sufficient as possible. We are involved in the environmental management schemes provided by The UK Government. We can demonstrate organic pasture management, animal husbandry, hedge laying. We are in an area classified as being of "outstanding natural beauty" (https://www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk/) and in the "North Devon Biosphere" (https://www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk/) near the sea and good coastal walks (see links below for photos; or look us up on Google Maps, satellite view.).
We are a family farm. Karen and Lawrence have farmed here since 1992. Lawrence does most of the farm work and Karen does the felting and marketing. Before we left London in 1992, we were architects. Our son Bennet also lives on the farm. He helps on the farm, has a history degree from the Open University and works part time as a library assistant. We value and appreciate help from our volunteers; we treat them as members of the family and hope that they will find their stays enjoyable and informative.