Word Ros Woodham Photos Ros Woodham and As Credited
North Devon, in the south-west of England, is known for its dramatic cliffs, wild beaches and surf culture. Yet tucked away from the cultural vibrancy, Little Comfort Farm exudes its own natural charm. It’s where ecologists Jodie and Jeremy Ward pioneer rewilding and organic farming, offering a unique eco farmstay where wildlife thrives and sustainability is a way of life.
In a shady hollow, flanked by steep-sided woodland and meadows, winds the River Caen. The still, moist air, thick with a mulchy aroma, creates the ideal sensory companion for the faint yet ever-present sound of running water. There’s a real sense of nature here, and it’s hard to believe that I’ve just walked onto a farm.
Biodiversity hotspot
Jodie, from Berkshire, UK, and Jeremy, from Tasmania, Australia, met in 2013 while working as ecologists and connected over a shared passion for the natural world. They acquired the traditional farm in Devon in 2017, recognising the ecological potential of the property’s 70 acres. They sought to rewild the area, blending tailored farming practices to contribute to the long-term environmental sustainability of the land.
Their approach to conservation is aimed at restoring a balanced, self-sustaining ecosystem, reintroducing native species and allowing natural processes to shape the landscape for biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Their current focus lies predominantly on reintroducing previously extinct beavers along the River Caen catchment. Centuries of human activities harmed the habitats of these native mammals and increased the risk of floods by draining ancient meadows to meet agricultural demands. Aligned with their own vision for rewilding, they joined a wider initiative to rebuild beaver-engineered wetlands, which also allows other important native species to flourish, promising substantial benefits for flood management and biodiversity.
However, bureaucratic hurdles have hindered progress, despite Little Comfort Farm being identified by experts as an ideal reintroduction site for beavers. Undeterred, the urgency of addressing climate change, flood risks and biodiversity loss compels Jodie and Jeremy to persist in rallying support to restart this important endeavour.
Organic farming
The grazing land on the farm is enjoyed by a small herd of Ruby Red Devon cattle, a hardy, ancient breed whose presence increases the biodiversity of the land. As important ecosystem engineers, the cattle take the place of now-extinct large grazing animals such as bison and aurochs. Their grazing and browsing create a diverse habitat mosaic that provides optimal environments for a range of species such as the dung beetle which, in turn, is a major food source for bats and songbirds.
As a tenant farmer for the National Trust, Jeremy’s cattle also graze freely on the vast area of protected dunes around Woolacombe Beach, allowing them to exist in a natural habitat while helping to rejuvenate the dunes’ native herbaceous vegetation. They are tracked and contained using geo collars, which employ GPS technology to monitor the movements and locations of the cattle.
Eco farmstay
Five stone cottages have been completely redeveloped and transformed to provide multi-award-winning eco farmstay accommodation. Guided by a green architect, sustainable elements were implemented so the cottages remained true to their overall anti-greenwashing philosophy. Energy-efficiency measures – from using wood-fibre insulation and natural paints to installing reclaimed wood and slate kitchens – ensure that the five-star cottages offer the perfect eco escape, with egg collecting, reptile walks and bat watches among some of the activities you can expect to engage in on a stay here.
Produce
The on-site shop stocks organic produce from the farm, including slowly matured 100% grass-fed beef, hand-pressed apple juice and chicken eggs, as well as local honey and jams, organic tea and a wide variety of gluten-free foods.
Success story
In the seven years since taking on Little Comfort Farm, rewilding efforts have yielded remarkable results, including a dramatic increase in songbird diversity. There are more nesting opportunities for species such as migratory warblers, linnets and siskins. Jeremy hand-makes a variety of bird boxes specially designed for each species, such as the pied flycatchers, kestrels and barn owls that now nest here. Guests can partake in an unforgettable dawn chorus walk with Jeremy who is also a professional ornithologist.
The bat diversity on the farm was a major draw for Jodie who is a licensed bat ecologist. As part of the redevelopment of the cottages, they created new roosts and fly-throughs. Almost all UK resident bat species have now been recorded on the farm and at least eight of them roost here, including the incredibly rare barbastelle bat, which returns in greater numbers every year.
The Wards have also seen blooming reptile numbers and delight in taking guests to meet their slow worms, common lizards and grass snakes.
Family life
Jodie’s and Jeremy’s deep personal commitment to their cause continually influences their two young daughters who enthusiastically absorb this earthy, organic lifestyle. Regular chores for them involve tending to the geese and collecting the hens’ eggs, accompanied by their enthusiastic Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas, Roux and Cherry. With ever-evolving ideas, this family is intensely focused on promoting their passion for living in harmony with nature.
- ‘Little Comfort Farm’ is published in Anthology Volume 21. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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