Farming

Managing the Estate’s farmland

Bantham Vineyard

Bantham vineyard was planted in May 2021, it’s a unique site with breath taking views across the Avon Estuary and the famous Burgh Island.
We grow various varieties such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Precoce, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris & Chardonnay.The topography on the site is based on the traditional farmland and countryside characteristics including Devon Banks, Traditional Hedging, Walled Garden…

The Ethos behind the establishment and most of the work in the vineyard is to encourage and promote biodiversity. The multiple species of trees, hedge plants and establishment of Devon banks are acting as wildlife corridors, providing shelter and food to small mammals, birds and insects. Clover cover crops between the rows of vines have been drilled to encourage pollinators and beneficial insects.
The vineyard is lucky to have the support of the local community, a regular team is working in the vineyard at various key stage of the vines growth. (Pruning, trimming, Shoot selection, Leaf stripping…)
If you are interested in joining the team, please contact vineyard@banthamestate.co.uk

 

Careful Sustainable Management

The entire Bantham Estate is in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it is farmed and managed to enhance it’s beauty and attract wildlife.

The Estate’s farmland divides into two parts by the river Avon: the Bigbury side and the Bantham side. Both comprise arable and grassland and are under a combination of demanding stewardship schemes with large areas under Higher Level stewardship or managed organically to Soil Association standards.

The permanent pastures are carefully managed using a variety of methods including strategic grazing by cattle to create an invertebrate rich habitat designed and allow for meadow flowers to thrive. The management is by agreement with Natural England and is carefully monitored to identify the required improvements based on initial surveys and the subsequent proliferation of identified indicator species.

Some of the key species on the estate:

  • Cirl Bunting (Consultation zone and breeding territory)
  • Moths and butterlies : 27 different species such as Dingy Skipper (in decline in UK)

The Estate has a small family shoot with occasional let days. The shoot is managed within the agri-environment schemes that are in place and contributes to the wider ecology and conservation of the farmland with planting and food source for all birdlife on both sides of the estuary.