A CELEBRATORY farm walk was held by the Crowcombe Estate to showcase an ambitious, nature‑led approach to land management after winning the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West’s (FWAG) Somerset Otter Award.

Highlights include sensitive bracken and rhododendron control, expanding livestock for habitat management, and major woodland restoration supported by FWAG advisers.

Judges called the estate ‘absolutely inspirational’ and ‘extraordinary’ and a strong example of resilient, future‑focused farming in the Quantocks.

The walk began at Hurley Beacon, one of the highest points on the western edge of the Quantock Hills at 1,161 feet.

It offered spectacular panoramic views before guests made their way down toward Hurley Farm, pausing along the route for discussion and insight into the estate’s evolving approach to land management.

Sitting on the edge of the Quantocks, Crowcombe Estate encompasses a rich mosaic of moorland, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, upland and lowland grazing, arable land, and extensive woodland.

The varied landscape presented both challenges and opportunities, and the aspirations of owner Annabel Trollope-Bellew and estate manager Jim Laver and their well‑established team have driven recent changes.

A major focus has been tackling the encroachment of bracken and rhododendron using a combination of a remote‑controlled flail and carefully managed grazing.

Mr Laver said the philosophy was ‘staying on foot as much as possible to maintain a hands-on understanding of the land, working sensitively around ground‑nesting birds, and allowing nature to guide decisions’.

Livestock numbers were steadily increasing, now including a herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle, a flock of 100 North Country Mule sheep, and about 20 native breed pigs.

The animals played a dual role as essential tools for habitat management as well as a profitable enterprise supplying high-quality meat to local customers and the village pub the Carew Arms.

The estate’s 618 acres of woodland were also undergoing a transformation with regular thinning and plans for new areas of wood pasture helping bring them back into favourable management.

With support from FWAG advisers Tom Mansfield and Roy Hayes, and specialist guidance from consultant Laura Francis, the team has developed detailed plans and submitted multiple higher tier stewardship applications to secure funding for the long-term ambitions.

One FWAG judge, Ben Thorne, described the estate as ‘absolutely inspirational, the scale of the ambition is down to the dedicated team here’.

Anther judge, Chris Wilson, said it was ‘extraordinary, ambitious, and so different to what I was expecting’.

Mr Wilson said: “Crowcombe Estate’s plans for the future are indeed impressive.

“They aim to grow their herd and flock further to support habitat management across the estate’s diverse landscapes, and they are developing a new outlet for wild venison sourced from the estate.

“Above all, the passion and commitment of the Crowcombe team shines through.

“Annabel and her family have navigated monumental change in recent years, and their dedication to the land, and to shaping a resilient, nature-led future, is truly inspiring.

“We look forward to seeing their plans as they develop.”