In this Summer 2020 edition: Community matters Vital work goes on A landowner’s legacy People have come together in Forestry is one of the essential How Clinton Devon Estates is many amazing ways to help industries which have carried on helping to tackle the rural combat Covid-19: through the Covid-19 pandemic: housing crisis: Pages 4-7 Page 9 Pages 10 & 11 Countryside Matters | Summer 2020
Contents Countryside Matters - Summer 2020
4 5 6
At Clinton Dairies, work The Clinton Devon Estates As Coronavirus changed has carried on around the team in North Devon set life as we know it, the clock to ensure organic up a rural support network residents of Beer showed milk supplies are to help their neighbours how community spirit maintained most in need would help them cope
9 10 12 The forestry team has been How supporting the With people seeking space adapting to social distancing growth of sustainable rural for exercise and recreation, guidelines while making communities has driven the the East Devon Pebblebed sure vital supplies to Estates’ business approach Heaths have never been so industry can continue for generations popular with visitors
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The Chair of English Plans for landscape-scale Bicton Arena Manager Nature,Tony Juniper, visited changes to the Lower Helen West tells how she is the Estate for an update on Otter Estuary are to go on looking forward to the the progress of the River show to the public in an return of competitive sport Otter Beaver Trial online exhibition in the coming weeks
2 Summer 2020| Countryside Matters
CLINTON DEVON ESTATES
None of us have lived through times like these before. Yet amongst all the tragedy and sorrow Covid-19 has caused, we have seen people pulling together to look after each other like never before. The pandemic has demonstrated how valuable strong, sustainable rural communities are to the people who live and work in them. Communities across the Estate have rallied round to support their most vulnerable members, as well as those in the caring professions on the medical front line. Their efforts have been truly inspiring, and we at Clinton Devon Estates are pleased to be able to share just some of their stories in this edition ofCountryside Matters. Many of our own people are themselves key workers, and the teams at Clinton Dairies quickly adapted to working with social distancing so they could continue to help feed the nation - and supply fresh organic milk to the local community. Farming and forestry too have continued to adapt and operate through the crisis, as indeed have all business areas across the Estate. As we report in this edition, much work has been going on behind the scenes to ensure that as the lockdown eases and the crisis passes, the Estate and the local communities we operate within are as well prepared as they can be for whatever the future holds.
3 Countryside Matters | Summer 2020 Inspiring stories show how communities have risen to Covid challenge
There is little doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on all of our lives, in many different ways. During these difficult months, inspiring stories have emerged here in Devon of the wonderful efforts of local people to support each other through the crisis. The response of our communities has been quite remarkable, with residents and staff going above and beyond to help in any way they can. Whether it’s supporting those who are vulnerable or isolating, adjusting to new ways of working to keep businesses running, or simply providing a listening ear to those who may be struggling, at times like these we are reminded of the power of community. We already know our county is a wonderful place to live, but what makes it so special is its people. As we take time to reflect on the past few months, we wanted to share some of the uplifting storiesof how people have risen to the challenges this crisis has presented. We hope you enjoy reading about the amazing efforts of those who live and work here. Social distancing down at the dairy
For the staff at Clinton Dairy, the main essential criteria, while keeping up with focus during the Covid-19 pandemic has growing demand. been to keep the business running as Sam Briant-Evans explains:“We usual, as much as possible. As essentially had to split the milking supermarkets struggled to keep shelves parlour in half, with one member of the stocked during the lockdown, Farms team at the very front and one at the Manager Sam Briant-Evans and his team back. Each looked after a section of the worked around the clock to ensure parlour, wiping the cows clean and Clinton Dairy in the lockdown organic milk supplies were maintained. putting the milking units on them as The Clinton Devon Farms Partnership they came in. We do this twice a day purchase a re-useable, recyclable glass is a Clinton Devon Estates farming and although it’s different to how we bottle, or bring their own container. business which manages two organic normally do things, the team have In response to demand and to support dairy farms, Otter Farm and Dalditch adapted very well to it. We took all of the community, the Estate took the Farm. A herd of 750 cows graze locally the correct precautions and followed decision to reduce the price of one litre in East Devon producing 5.4 million daily Government advice to ensure our of organic milk from £1.50 to £1. litres of milk each year.This goes on to teams were safe and protected at all Sam said:“We knew there were many supply the firm Müller and the times.We also follow strict hygiene and people who might be struggling to pick partnership’s organic milk vending sanitisation protocols.” up basic supplies, including elderly machine at Otterton Mill. As the lockdown progressed, demand residents who aren’t necessarily able to With strict government guidelines to for the dairy’s organic milk grew and travel, so we thought this would be a follow relating to safety and hygiene, sales at the Otterton Mill visitor centre great way to support the community. achieving social distancing in the milking vending machine doubled.The This is fresh, organic milk that has been parlour while caring for hundreds of refrigerated machine was set up in an produced by cows grazing the local dairy cows was always going to bring its effort to reduce food miles, waste, and countryside and it’s readily available and own challenges.The Clinton Dairy team connect the farm with the local easy to get to.We want to ensure as had to adapt their entire milking community. It’s refilled daily and holds many people as possible can access it operation to ensure they could fulfil 100 litres of milk; customers can and benefit at this difficult time.”
4 Summer 2020| Countryside Matters
Another fresh delivery Tom takes to the road Estate supervisor RogerTinson with Dianne Nancekivell at Merton post office. Below, the Malt Scoop Following the temporary closure of our Budleigh Salterton Farmers’ Market, Wildlife Ranger Tom Garner wanted to find a way to still be able to reach Support network helps people. He decided to launch a home delivery service which would allow the community to buy our award winning people most in need ClintonVenison, which is usually sold at As the UK lockdown came into effect on the monthly market. March 23rd, Clinton Devon Estates staff in Regular customers snapped up the North Devon knew how much of an range of venison sausages, burgers, impact it would have on local residents, roasting joints and steaks, which are many of whom are elderly or vulnerable. popular for their flavoursome meat In response, they decided to form a rural which is low in fat, high in protein and support network to help those people in rich in essential minerals such as iron the community who needed additional and vitamin B12. support to help them through the crisis. Tom said:“A lot of our customers are Led by supervisor Roger Tinson, the team elderly or were unable to leave their took on a number of tasks to help tenants homes so the home delivery service is of properties located on the Heanton the perfect way for us to support them. Estate in Merton, which is one of three I know most of our customers and estates owned and managed by Clinton many of them are like friends now, so it Devon Estates. providing a listening ear. Becky, the was fantastic to be able to take our landlady of our local pub the Malt Scoop services out on the road. I contacted Many of the elderly residents in Merton Inn, also set up a charity table outside, were having to stay at home for up to 12 our current customers to let them where people could drop off or collect know our plans and we sold out almost weeks, as they followed government any items or produce that they might guidance. Roger and his colleagues swiftly immediately - sales went through the need. The community spirit is very roof.” stepped in to help, along with some of strong.” those tenants who were able to leave ClintonVenison is produced from wild their homes and also wanted to Roger says for many of the elderly deer from the Estate in East Devon. contribute where they could. One of the residents in the village, a chance to simply Wild deer numbers need to be main roles the team took on was to have a chat, while observing social managed for the good of the woodland collect and deliver essential medication distancing guidelines, was one of the and the health of the animals and food shopping. things they appreciated the most at the themselves. time. Commenting on the community response, Tom added:“We do everything in- Roger Tinson says:“The network here is He added:“That’s what they were really house and our product is unique in that very good and we managed to get a good missing, personal contact. it’s sold within a few miles of where it system going. “For many of them, a bus trip to the was culled and produced. “Dianne at the post office fielded any shops is the highlight of their week and “We are not driven by demand as the enquiries or requests through to me and they missed that terribly. A lot of people meat we have available to sell can vary we were then able to get out to people forget not everyone has the internet so from month to month, dependent on and help wherever we could. It might have this can be really difficult for them.We the management of the deer. At the been picking up a prescription or some will continue to do all we can for as long end of the day, it’s a wild product we essential food shopping, or in some cases as we are needed.” are selling.”
5 Countryside Matters | Summer 2020 Residents have come up trumps and gone above and beyond for the NHS
As Coronavirus changed life as we know it, residents in the East Devon village of Beer proved how their unbreakable community spirit would help them to cope with the crisis.
At the beginning of the UK lockdown, 35 residents stepped forward to become ‘street co-ordinators’, each taking on responsibility for a street or group of homes, supported by more than 100 volunteers. They would make regular support calls to vulnerable people who were having to isolate, collect medication, drive people to medical appointments and deliver donated food and essential items. Resident Lee Reeve’s garage affectionately became known as ‘Lee’s Emporium’, a place to drop off or collect donated items. It is community Some of the Beer Men's Shed team who are growing vegetables spirit like this which gained Beer the on an allotment donated to them by Clinton Devon Estates title of runner-up in Channel 4’sVillage of theYear in 2018. “We set up an online meeting hub up trumps and gone above and beyond Networker Annie Boalch of the Beer which different groups such as the for the NHS.” Action Group was one of the choir were able to gather in, while a Another key focus of villagers has been organisers. She said:“This crisis really weekly newsletter helped to keep to protect the mental health and well- has brought out the best in people and everyone up-to-date on what was being of residents at such a difficult it’s all of these amazing volunteers who going on. Beer has such a good heart - time. made it happen. we all know we are lucky to live here.” The lockdown forced the closure of Those handy with a needle and thread the popular Beer Men’s Shed, a were also busy with over 100 people community space for men to meet, helping to make more than 1,200 scrub converse and create things. Clinton bags for hospital, ambulance and care Devon Estates stepped in to provide a home staff. Scrubs are placed in the rent-free allotment for the group, so bags after a busy shift so they can be they could continue to meet and work washed at a high temperature, while on a project, while maintaining social avoiding contamination with other distancing guidelines. clothes. Beer Men’s Shed chairman Chris Another resident, Jean Bartlett, made Pickles said:“There are many reasons masks for the street co-ordinators, in a why men come to the Shed, but one of project led by KimVine who runs The its main aims is to help reduce Cloth Shop. loneliness and isolation. Wendy Egerton, who co-ordinated the “During the coronavirus crisis, feelings bag scheme, said:“We thought, what of isolation can be severe and I don’t can we do that will make these think you can overstate that. Clinton wonderful people’s lives safer and Devon Estates have been a fantastic more comfortable at this time? The support to us since we launched the bags contain comforters which NHS Shed last year. This allotment, which staff can wear to prevent their ears they so generously donated, is perfect getting sore from the masks they have for us and it’s in a super spot on the to wear. cliffs. We have been turning over the “We also include face creams, body land in preparation for planting things. lotions, perfume or aftershave as a little The idea is that fellas can come along Beer resident SarahTaylor extra treat. Beer residents have come and do what they want.That might be
6 Summer 2020| Countryside Matters
Some of Beer’s residents who are producing scrub bags and comforters. Above, from left are Heather Morley, Wendy Egerton, and Bramble and Leona Reeve. Right: Anne Boalch picking up a gardening tool or simply stopping by for a chat over a cuppa.” Kate Ponting, Countryside Learning Officer at Clinton Devon Estates, said: “We already knew Beer was an amazing place and so many in the village pulled out the stops to help each other or by sewing for those further afield – their community spirit is everything! “The standout thing has been that, as well as meeting practical needs they have also been proactive in meeting the well-being needs of local people too. “It has been so lovely to follow what is going on and see how the village has found ways to continue the social calendar, albeit at a distance, to ensure everyone can stay well connected and cared for.”
7 Countryside Matters | Summer 2020
8 Summer 2020| Countryside Matters
Estates’ essential forestry work continues during Covid-19 crisis While the UK was in lockdown during the coronavirus unprecedented demand for pallets, as stores were crisis, essential timber harvesting work continued at restocked, which stretched the sawmill supply chain” Clinton Devon Estates to maintain vital supplies to The Estate’s 1,900 hectares of sustainable, high quality industry. and multi-purpose woodlands deliver bio-diversity, Those involved in the supply chain of wood for key recreational and landscape benefits, alongside the goods were designated as key workers, and the forestry production of timber. Managed woodlands account for team at Clinton Devon Estates were working hard to 17% of the Estate area in East and North Devon, keep the business running as usual. comprising a rich mixture of both commercial conifers and native broadleaved species, which provide a wide John Wilding, Head of Forestry and Energy for the Estate, range of habitats for many plants and animal species. says:“UK Forestry is critical in the supply of a number of products and that is especially clear at this time. It’s the In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the forestry team have everyday items which are in greater demand that can had to adapt their working routines to ensure they are easily be taken for granted. As soon as loads are at the meeting social distancing guidelines. forest roadside ready for collection, they are gone. John said:“There have had to be changes made for “Our timber goes on to supply manufacturers, sawmills everyone’s safety. For example, one of our sub- and wood processing industries to make vital products contractors is alternating his time between two vehicles such as packaging, biomass fuel and pallets for so only one person is needed onsite. He’ll drive the transporting goods that are moved by lorry, including harvester some of the time, and then the forwarder, medicines and food.These are all important items but which transports the felled logs to a roadside collection with pallet wood in particular it is imperative we keep point. Chainsaw use has also been minimised to reduce that supply chain going.The run on supermarkets saw an the risks even further.”
9 Countryside Matters | Summer 2020 Solving the rural housing crisis: a landowner’s legacy
Large rural estates have a pivotal role to play in easing Britain’s rural housing crisis. For Devon’s largest private landowner,Clinton Devon Estates, supporting the growth of sustainable communities has driven their business approach for generations.
Recent statistics published by the Institute for Public Policy Research show the average rural house price is around £87,000 more than the urban average and just eight per cent of housing stock is affordable compared with 20 per cent in urban areas. In the 1800s landowner Mark Rolle, the current Lord Clinton’s predecessor, was behind the building of many farms and cottages which still define the character of East and North Devon deliver a legacy project that will contribute today. His legacy lives on in Clinton Devon significant social and ecological benefits.” Estates, a land and property management In contrast to East Devon, the housing need in the company responsible for 25,000 acres, run by a North Devon village of Merton was for smaller professional estate management team who properties for the retired generation.The Estate promote and support sustainable development, a Mark Rolle, 1835–1907 responded by building four, two-bedroom vibrant rural economy and space for nature and bungalows to enable some long-standing tenants recreation. delivering 40% affordable housing including social to downsize into comfortable, manageable homes, rented and shared ownership. From the outset of while freeing up larger properties for families. Leigh Rix has been Head of Property and Land for the project the Estate team formed a partnership Clinton Devon Estates for more than a decade with Cornerstone Housing Association to ensure Although the Merton homes have been retained and explains that the Estate’s business approach is the proposals were developed around the needs by the Estate, generally the team acquires the all about producing a balanced scorecard. He says: of local residents. planning consent for its schemes and either sells “The family, trustees and executive team at the the sites with consent to local housing developers, Estate believe that it’s not only possible for Leigh Rix recalls:“On day one of the public or looks for a joint venture agreement. When landowners to be part of the solution to the rural exhibition, the first people through the doors of contemplating schemes, landowners and housing crisis, but that it can be done in a way the Public Hall at 9 o’clock were young parents developers alike must work within the parameters keen to know how they could put their names that supports society and respects the Estate land was identified in the Beer Neighbourhood Plan for new homes set by local authorities which determine the environment. down for one of the affordable new homes.” percentage of affordable homes required. Back in Providing affordable housing was central to the the Estate, the affordable housing provider and the Estate’s most ambitious development project East Devon, for example, in Sir Walter Raleigh’s “With the government’s pledge to build a million project in a town renowned as much for its Arts home village of East Budleigh, the council specified new homes in the next five years, there’s a real the Devon-based homebuilder Cavanna Homes. to date and is designed around a hilltop park, and Crafts architecture as it is for its attraction to known locally as Donkey Hill. The scheme that a site recently put forward by the Estate opportunity for rural landowners to promote retirees. But there was a sticking point. The The Estate team is keen to support its requires 66 per cent affordable housing, resulting responsible development. incorporates space for allotments and orchards proposed site was situated on land used for communities wherever possible, and when parish and provides pedestrian and cycle links, in planning consent for three social homes and “A sustainable community is one that respects the allotments which the Estate had leased to the councillors in the East Devon fishing village of connecting the development to the town, a retail two open market properties. history and landscape of a location, while town council for many years. Beer - Channel 4’sVillage of theYear runner-up in 2018 - issued a call for land for new homes, a and business park and the coast. It will produce a Ideally, the Estate would like to prioritise rural key incorporating features to meet the population’s Initial concerns were alleviated when a much- biodiversity net gain through new hedgerows, workers, such as those in agriculture, forestry or future needs and we need to be providing the Clinton Devon Estates plot was selected by local improved and expanded network of fruit and residents in the Neighbourhood Plan. wildlife corridors and extensive grass planting. conservation, for its rural affordable housing, but right kind of homes in the right places for a vegetable patches was included in the masterplan it does not have the freedom to select its tenants variety of ages, needs and incomes. Clinton Devon Estates’ development company for the two-and-a-half-acre site.The number of The site is adjacent to 10 homes, on land Littleham 2010 speculated over half-a-million- on new developments where the affordable “We regard our developments as legacy projects, plots was increased from 56 to 87, reducing the provided to English Rural Housing Association by pounds on surveys and reports to inform a housing allocation is agreed as part of a planning and the team keeps a close eye on the quality, long waiting list for allotments. New sheds and the Estate in 2004 for affordable housing for local planning application to East Devon District consent. design, energy efficiency and connectivity of all water supplies were also installed people.There will be 30 new homes on the new Council, without any guarantees of winning Mr Rix concludes:“While the Estate’s trustees new homes built by the Estate.What one The designs followed extensive consultation with development in Beer, 13 of which are being consent. Mr Rix recalls:“Planning consent was would like to provide much more affordable community needs may be different to another, so allotment holders, town councillors and local allocated as affordable. granted in 2015 and the first homeowners housing for rural key workers, the current rules we place great emphasis on fully understanding residents, resulting in a clear understanding of On a much larger scale, Plumb Park in Exmouth is moved-in in 2018. It was a long and costly journey inhibit us from doing so. Britain’s rural their priorities and concerns.” local priorities. The Horizon development went a 264-home joint venture with homebuilder Taylor from concept to delivery and it takes a strong communities will only be truly sustainable if we A scheme for 48 homes in the seaside town of on to win the national What House? Award for Wimpey, delivering 25% affordable housing vision, determination and a professional team to can prioritise rural affordable housing stock for Budleigh Salterton came to fruition in 2015, Best Partnership Project recognising the efforts of through social housing provider Live West. It is stay focused on the goal which has always been to those who also work in the countryside.”
10 Summer 2020| Countryside Matters
Large rural estates have a pivotal role Plumb Park in Exmouth to play in easing Britain’s rural housing crisis. For Devon’s largest private landowner,Clinton Devon Estates, supporting the growth of sustainable communities has driven their business approach for generations.
Recent statistics published by the Institute for Public Policy Research show the average rural house price is around £87,000 more than the urban average and just eight per cent of housing stock is affordable compared with 20 per cent in urban areas. In the 1800s landowner Mark Rolle, the current New bungalows in Merton Lord Clinton’s predecessor, was behind the building of many farms and cottages which still define the character of East and North Devon deliver a legacy project that will contribute today. His legacy lives on in Clinton Devon significant social and ecological benefits.” Estates, a land and property management In contrast to East Devon, the housing need in the company responsible for 25,000 acres, run by a North Devon village of Merton was for smaller professional estate management team who properties for the retired generation.The Estate promote and support sustainable development, a responded by building four, two-bedroom vibrant rural economy and space for nature and bungalows to enable some long-standing tenants recreation. delivering 40% affordable housing including social to downsize into comfortable, manageable homes, rented and shared ownership. From the outset of while freeing up larger properties for families. Leigh Rix has been Head of Property and Land for the project the Estate team formed a partnership Clinton Devon Estates for more than a decade with Cornerstone Housing Association to ensure Although the Merton homes have been retained and explains that the Estate’s business approach is the proposals were developed around the needs by the Estate, generally the team acquires the all about producing a balanced scorecard. He says: of local residents. planning consent for its schemes and either sells “The family, trustees and executive team at the the sites with consent to local housing developers, Estate believe that it’s not only possible for Leigh Rix recalls:“On day one of the public or looks for a joint venture agreement. When landowners to be part of the solution to the rural exhibition, the first people through the doors of contemplating schemes, landowners and housing crisis, but that it can be done in a way the Public Hall at 9 o’clock were young parents developers alike must work within the parameters keen to know how they could put their names that supports society and respects the Estate land was identified in the Beer Neighbourhood Plan for new homes set by local authorities which determine the environment. down for one of the affordable new homes.” percentage of affordable homes required. Back in Providing affordable housing was central to the the Estate, the affordable housing provider and the Estate’s most ambitious development project East Devon, for example, in Sir Walter Raleigh’s “With the government’s pledge to build a million project in a town renowned as much for its Arts home village of East Budleigh, the council specified new homes in the next five years, there’s a real the Devon-based homebuilder Cavanna Homes. to date and is designed around a hilltop park, and Crafts architecture as it is for its attraction to known locally as Donkey Hill. The scheme that a site recently put forward by the Estate opportunity for rural landowners to promote retirees. But there was a sticking point. The The Estate team is keen to support its requires 66 per cent affordable housing, resulting responsible development. incorporates space for allotments and orchards proposed site was situated on land used for communities wherever possible, and when parish and provides pedestrian and cycle links, in planning consent for three social homes and “A sustainable community is one that respects the allotments which the Estate had leased to the councillors in the East Devon fishing village of connecting the development to the town, a retail two open market properties. history and landscape of a location, while town council for many years. Beer - Channel 4’sVillage of theYear runner-up in 2018 - issued a call for land for new homes, a and business park and the coast. It will produce a Ideally, the Estate would like to prioritise rural key incorporating features to meet the population’s Initial concerns were alleviated when a much- biodiversity net gain through new hedgerows, workers, such as those in agriculture, forestry or future needs and we need to be providing the Clinton Devon Estates plot was selected by local improved and expanded network of fruit and residents in the Neighbourhood Plan. wildlife corridors and extensive grass planting. conservation, for its rural affordable housing, but right kind of homes in the right places for a vegetable patches was included in the masterplan it does not have the freedom to select its tenants variety of ages, needs and incomes. Clinton Devon Estates’ development company for the two-and-a-half-acre site.The number of The site is adjacent to 10 homes, on land Littleham 2010 speculated over half-a-million- on new developments where the affordable “We regard our developments as legacy projects, plots was increased from 56 to 87, reducing the provided to English Rural Housing Association by pounds on surveys and reports to inform a housing allocation is agreed as part of a planning and the team keeps a close eye on the quality, long waiting list for allotments. New sheds and the Estate in 2004 for affordable housing for local planning application to East Devon District consent. design, energy efficiency and connectivity of all water supplies were also installed people.There will be 30 new homes on the new Council, without any guarantees of winning Mr Rix concludes:“While the Estate’s trustees new homes built by the Estate.What one The designs followed extensive consultation with development in Beer, 13 of which are being consent. Mr Rix recalls:“Planning consent was would like to provide much more affordable community needs may be different to another, so allotment holders, town councillors and local allocated as affordable. granted in 2015 and the first homeowners housing for rural key workers, the current rules we place great emphasis on fully understanding residents, resulting in a clear understanding of On a much larger scale, Plumb Park in Exmouth is moved-in in 2018. It was a long and costly journey inhibit us from doing so. Britain’s rural their priorities and concerns.” local priorities. The Horizon development went a 264-home joint venture with homebuilder Taylor from concept to delivery and it takes a strong communities will only be truly sustainable if we A scheme for 48 homes in the seaside town of on to win the national What House? Award for Wimpey, delivering 25% affordable housing vision, determination and a professional team to can prioritise rural affordable housing stock for Budleigh Salterton came to fruition in 2015, Best Partnership Project recognising the efforts of through social housing provider Live West. It is stay focused on the goal which has always been to those who also work in the countryside.”
11 Countryside Matters | Summer 2020
Kate Ponting, the Clinton Devon Estates’ to allow daily exercise for local communities, if safe to do Countryside Learning Officer, has never seen so, an approach fully supported by the local police. so many visitors drawn to the East Devon The period between mid-April to mid-May was probably the busiest month ever seen on the commons.The Pebblebed Pebblebed Heaths Heaths Conservation Trust (PHCT) team carefully monitored the situation and were prepared to close the car For many local people, the commons are the go-to place for parks across the commons, should government advice or regular “air and exercise”. public behaviour dictate that this was necessary. The value of this space – to escape from a troubled world, clear the head and experience nature – has become even Fortunately, it hasn’t been, but visitor numbers remain more important since the Coronavirus outbreak. unusually high. The health and wellbeing value of the Pebblebed Heaths has Up-to-date information posters are displayed in car parks, long been recognised. reminding the public of government messages on how to keep safe, along with specific messages relevant to Work undertaken by Exeter University in 2018 estimated exercising on heathland. that the heaths receive more than 400,000 visits annually. The commons are sufficiently large with generous enough Thanks to the amount of exercise visitors enjoy, the car parking that it is possible for the site to accommodate economic value of the heaths to people’s health and large numbers of visitors spread throughout the day without wellbing has been calculated at more than £450,000. undermining the rules on social distancing. However,if a car As the lockdown eased, Clinton Devon Estates were park is overcrowded, we would encourage visitors to use committed to keeping the heaths as accessible as possible, one of the many alternatives.
12 Summer 2020| Countryside Matters
The Coronavirus outbreak has also introduced many new When the Otter Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest people to countryside areas for the first time, with riverside was first designated in the 1980s, paddle boarding was yet footpaths and other walking and cycling routes also seeing to become widespread in popularity. increased use. Kayaks and canoes were occasionally seen on the estuary, This presents an opportunity to encourage a wider but it is only in the last few years that activity of this sort has appreciation of the landscape, but occasionally a few reached levels that are likely to have a more significant reminders are necessary as well. After such a long,dry spell, impact on the site’s wildlife. fire continues to represent the biggest risk to wildlife and visitor safety on the commons and would also have As elsewhere, there is a Public Right of Navigation on tidal devastating impact should it threaten woodland, farmland or waters. rural properties. This includes seas, estuaries and tidal rivers – up to their Barbeques and other fires are not permitted in the historic Normal Tidal Limit, which on the Otter is close to countryside – and all litter must be taken home. White Bridge. The Otter Estuary is also managed by the Pebblebed Heaths Launching within the reserve, including from Lime Kilns or Conservation Trust team. This wildlife area supports the Donkey’s Turn is not permitted. Access is from the significant populations of bird species with its reed-beds an beach only. important breeding site during the warmer months. Our staff have supplemented the existing signage, including Keeping dogs under control, noise down and stopping at the some at the bottom of the reserve, to make the viewing platforms and bird hide, is actively encouraged, significance of the site clear and help visitors make which ensures that recreation and wildlife don’t conflict. responsible choices.
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14 Summer 2020| Countryside Matters
Chair of Natural EnglandTony Juniper, left, with Clinton Devon Estates’ John Wilding Natural England Chair hails results of Otter beaver trial
15 Countryside Matters | Summer 2020 Plans for future of Lower Otter estuary to go on show online Proposals to restore the Otter Estuary to a more natural condition, closer to that which existed two hundred years ago, will be submitted to East Devon District councillors later this year following the approval of a major funding bid.
The Lower Otter Restoration Project has been awarded around £8.5 million as part of Project PACCo – Promoting Adaptation to Changing Coasts.The Otter Estuary is one of two pilot sites for PACCo: the other is in the Saâne Valley in Normandy. PACCo has a budget of €25.7m, including €17.8m from the European Dr Sam Bridgewater Regional Development Fund via the Interreg France (Channel) England Programme. Funding for the £12 million Lower Otter Restoration Project is also being The funding will support the Lower provided by landowners Clinton Otter Restoration Project’s aims of Devon Estates and the Environment climate change adaptation by working Agency. with natural processes to provide benefits for people and wildlife. Sea Dr Sam Bridgewater, head of Wildlife defences at the mouth of the River and Conservation at Clinton Devon people as possible to visit the online Otter, built 200 years ago to claim Estates, said:“The European funding exhibition. Together with the fresh farmland from the sea, along approval is a major milestone for the Environment Agency we will be happy to with other man-made alterations to project and we are on the verge of answer any questions people may have the river over the centuries, mean the another as we are submitting our final about the plaing application and Otter is no longer as naturally planning application to East Devon proposals. District Council for consideration. connected with its floodplain as it “East Devon District Council, the local once was. “Before the coronavirus emergency planning authority, will consider the The Lower Otter Restoration Project we had planned to hold an exhibition views of local people as part of its was conceived in 2013 to recreate a in Budleigh Salterton so that local normal planning process, which will more ecologically healthy environment people could see the latest proposals. include formal means to comment on in the face of more extreme weather Because that’s no longer possible we the application.The proposals will also conditions and rising sea levels will host a virtual exhibition on the be available to view on the council’s expected under climate change. There project website once the planning planning website in due course. application documents are ready. is a significant risk that a major flood “If the council approves the proposals, or extreme tidal event could lead to “To reach this point the project we will be able to give a clearer idea of catastrophic failure of embankments, partners have consulted extensively when the construction would be likely with unpredictable environmental and with the local community over the last to start and finish - at the moment we social impacts. Recent years have seven years, with their input and think it would take about two years.” seen part of the South West Coast responses helping us shape the Path that runs along the embankments direction of the restoration project. The benefits of the project include: closed to the public for significant • A more ecologically healthy estuary periods due to erosion caused by “To continue with this community involvement, we would like as many by reconnecting the river to its such events. floodplain
16 Summer 2020| Countryside Matters New pitch proposals approved
Plans for a new home for Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club as part of the wider Lower Otter Restoration Project have been approved. The proposals were drawn up on behalf of landowner Clinton Devon Estates in conjunction with the cricket club. The planning application, approved by East Devon District Council, includes a main cricket square, junior pitch, single- storey timber-clad pavilion, and equipment store. The 3.5-hectare site, currently largely agricultural land, is on the northern edge of the town off the B3178 East Budleigh Road. The new main cricket square would include 13 wickets, one of which would be an artificial surface, and the project has been designed to meet the requirements of both the club and the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board). Dr Sam Bridgewater, from the Lower Otter Restoration Project, said:“Should the Lower Otter Restoration Project proceed, a new home will need to be found for Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club, a long-term tenant of Clinton Devon Estates. “The project is proposing a way of managing the Lower Otter estuary in a more sustainable way, which would involve restoring large parts of the land around the mouth of the river to a more The Lower Otter meets the natural, wetland environment.This would sea at Budleigh Salterton improve the local ecology, and help the OtterValley respond more naturally to the effects of climate change, such as • The creation of approximately 60 position to implement this move if rising sea levels and more extreme hectares of rare inter-tidal and permission is also approved for the weather. wetland habitat which would wider project. The wider PACCo “Should the project proceed - and we do attract a wide range of wildlife initiative is also supporting similar not yet have all the necessary • Improved public access, including proposals in the SaâneValley in permissions in place - it would also securing the future of the South Normandy. involve finding a new home for the West Coast Path along its current “As the projects develop, we hope that cricket club. route other coastal areas facing similar issues "We know that a good cricket pitch takes • Preventing potential pollution from will be able to learn from the work we a long time to be ready for play. We a former landfill tip through have done and better understand their applied for permission for the new erosion own options in the face of a rapidly ground when we did so that, if the wider changing climate.” • Securing access for nearby project were to go ahead, the facility residents and businesses, Mike Williams, from the Environment would be ready for its new occupants in particularly along South Farm Road Agency, said:“PACCo is an extremely good time.” exciting project, which will deliver real Should the wider Lower Otter • Securing a long-term future for benefits for people and wildlife on the Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club. Restoration Project proceed, the club ground, and help others to build on our could be looking forward to being able to Dr Bridgewater added:“We already success elsewhere. We must all find move in for the start of the 2022 season. have planning permission to provide a ways of adapting to climate change if new home for Budleigh Salterton we are to manage our estuaries and This would mark a big change for the Cricket Club, off East Budleigh Road. coasts successfully in the future.” cricket club, having played at Ottermouth since the 1930s but it would provide a The existing facilities are frequently The project website can be found at: impacted by flooding. We will be in a facility that could benefit the local lowerotterrestorationproject.co.uk community all year round.
17 Countryside Matters | Summer 2020
Bicton Arena could host the Bicton HorseTrials (2) in July, subject to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions Getting back in the saddle Helen West, the Bicton Arena Manager, looks that something will not work, I will change it. This is one of the things I feel very strongly about as a course forward to being able to welcome back designer, you must keep your mind open. Placing the cross competitive sport here in July country fences is something I really enjoy. I am not so sure Matt does, as apparently I can be quite demanding. If I want Based on “Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s it moved two inches to the left and then change my mind Covid-19 recovery strategy”, we are working towards and go six inches to the right, this is not unheard of! th being able to recommence competitive sport from 4 July. I love the ideas that come into my head when I am out in With this in mind we have much to plan, without even the park placing fences.This is something that will never considering the additional Covid-19 measures we will happen behind a laptop screen. I am so spoilt at Bicton as need to put in place. I thought it might be interesting to the Grade I Listed parkland is so beautiful and we are explain a little about what goes on behind the scenes prior blessed with topography and natural features that other to running a Horse Trials at Bicton Arena. To do this, I will venues do not possess. It does however mean I have to be take a look back to earlier this year when we were all more mindful of where fences are situated.The inclines stations go prior to our April event. and declines can make a big difference and the other thing In March I put out cross country fences and set the tracks I must be very mindful of is running across a camber. It is for Bicton (1) Horse Trials. This is one of my favourite really unbalancing to run on a horizontal slope, especially parts of my job as course designing is one of my passions. I for the younger horses and less experienced riders. usually have a pretty good idea of what I will be designing Dressing the fences is one of my favourite parts of the as I have spent endless hours watching fences and pieces build process. A relatively boring, bland fence can look of ground ride, as well as walking different bits of ground entirely different with greenery, flowers and props. It is and looking for new ideas. I then go for a walk with my also an essential course design tool as we can help horses trusty "Cross Country App” which maps my route and I judge their take off point with appropriate colour to can simply drop a pin at each point I envisage having an provide face edge visibility, dressing and trees in their eye obstacle. I then sit down with my laptop and edit the line. Wood coloured edges have very little visibility for tracks. horses, so you will often see that we have painted the Once I’ve established where I am going, what the distance leading edge blue or cream (which they pick out well). will be and the number of jumping efforts, I make fence I have focussed on cross country course design here, given lists. Whilst I am formulating these lists, the danger is that that one of the first events we look set to recommence I start getting creative and inventing new fences which with will be Bicton Horse Trials (2). It seems fitting to give need to be built! an insight into what I look set to be doing again shortly, When I meet Matt Lynch, my cross country builder, with providing the easing of restrictions continues in the way it the telehandler to physically place the fences, if I realise is expected.
18 Summer 2020| Countryside Matters Ben and Sam join the team at Clinton Devon Estates
Clinton Devon Estates has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Ben Rudkin as Chief of Staff and Sam Briant-Evans as Farms Manager of the Clinton Devon Farms Partnership. The land and property business, with headquarters at Bicton Arena in East Budleigh, owns and manages 25,000 acres of land across North and East Devon. Both Ben and Sam will be supporting Clinton Devon Estates’ 2030 strategy which focuses on delivering a range of environmental, business and community initiatives to generate a vibrant and sustainable future in the county and beyond. Estates Director JohnVarley said:“With declarations of climate emergency and a growing need to achieve a carbon net zero future, large rural estates such as ours have the ability to deliver ever-more effective landscape scale projects that can make a real difference to the environment and to the people who live and work in our rural communities. “From traditional activities such as farming and forestry to looking at new ways of generating sustainable and renewable energy and providing space for nature and for people to enjoy, we want to lead the way in this new era,” he added. Ben brings a wealth of experience in operations and business improvement and management. He said:“Increasing operational efficiency and a focus on continuous improvement has been a key element of my previous roles, and something I intend to focus on as we continue to drive the business forward. “We have an exciting agenda in place, which focuses on land use, good governance and investment for the future. Bringing together the extensive skills and experience of the Estate team will enable us to deliver our ambitious strategy over the coming years,” he added. Clinton Devon Estates Chief of Staff Ben Rudkin, above, and Farms Manager Sam Briant-Evans, below Sam Briant-Evans will manage the Clinton Devon Farm Partnership’s two organic dairy farms in East Devon, Otter farm and Dalditch farm, where a herd of 750 cows graze locally and produce 5.4million litres of milk each year. Sam said:“I am looking forward to managing a profitable family business in a way that’s sustainable and in touch with the environment. “At a pivotal time for the industry, we are working towards achieving the government’s objectives to reward farmers for the public benefits they provide. “As an Estate, we are well placed to get involved in our communities with the various initiatives we lead on and will look forward to learning more about the funding available,” he added. Sam is employed by Europe’s leading farming companyVelcourt Limited, which was appointed by The Estate in 2017 to manage the farm’s operations.
19 Countryside Matters | Summer 2020
CLINTON DEVON ESTATES
Rolle Estate Office, Bicton Arena, East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BL
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