BOOK THE HOLWELL "FARM EXPERIENCE"

We are regularly asked by our guests if they can "help" on the farm when they stay here and to that end we have now put together several options for you and your family, friends or colleagues to come for a week to Holwell and "join in" in some of the following activities;

• Dry Stone Walling - we have several miles of ancient dry stone walls around the farm and they regularly need attention where stock have pulled sections down and this is a very theraputic skill to learn, but not for those with bad backs !

• Hedge Laying & Tree Planting - another rural skill that is sadly dying out now but very useful to know how to do.  We plant thousands of saplings every year and "lay" hedges on the walls.

• Working Parties - these are put together at varying times of the year to "attack" certain areas of the farm that are in need of restoration and re-building.  This may include for instance clearing sections of our system of sunken green lanes that navigate through the farm.  These are so ancient that they even pre-date the cart and were originally designed for pack-horses as they travelled about the moor.  Coming up this Summer - The Walled Garden Restoration project (highest in Devon in altitude)

• Dartmoor Pony Handling - this is usually conducted in the Autumn after the annual "Drifts" when all the new foals need to be "weaned" and handled and halter broken

• Basic Butchery Skills - as we have our own full time Butcher on the farm, we are able to offer guests the opportunity of learning how to professionally butcher meat in the traditional way and to make sausages, cure meat etc

• Falconry - the ancient art of Falconry is available for all levels and will capitalise on the stunning terrain of Holwell for a range of hunting and pest control experiences

These "Experiences" are available for a minimum of 6 persons and prices start at £850 for a week fully inclusive of accommodation and Welcome Pack.  You will be notified on booking of any specific items of clothing that would be recommended.  Certain age restrictions apply for obviouis reasons !

Adopt a “Holwell Dartmoor Pony”

By Adopting a Holwell Dartmoor Pony you can ensure you are playing a vital role in the preservation and sustainability of this precious Native Breed – one of the world’s oldest most enduring and endearing !

You can choose your own foal or pony from the Holwell Farm Herd and you will receive a special Folder with Certificate of Adoption ; photo ; regular email and image updates through the year.  You even get to name it if it is one of this year’s foals !

You can then look forward to your next visit to Holwell and spend time getting to know your pony better and follow it through it’s handling process – when old enough you can even take it for a walk.

You can “Purchase” your pony for just £50 per annum.  Makes a great Birthday or Christmas Present too.   For more information please ask Philippa during your stay with us.

How many farmers today are “deliriously happy” to be working the land? Bill Taylor may just have found one.

AS FERN Britton’s perky voiceover informs you, the owners of Holwell Estate have taken a £2million gamble creating a sustainable farm on Dartmoor.

MOOR THE MERRIER DOWN ON THE FARM

Barnyard chic at the five-star farm

Agricultural buildings near dartmoor have been converted into stylish cottages. But are holidaymakers prepared to pay £1000 a week? Rory Knight Bruce finds out.

Holwell Farm Cottages, Devon