Dartmoor National Park Authority



 2005 Archive



Community News

Issue 26 March 2006

Welcome to the twenty-sixth edition of the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Community News Release, helping to keep you up to date with the latest issues, developments and work on the ground within the National Park.

If you edit or contribute to any community newsletter/magazine please feel free to use any of the information contained in this News Release.  All issues of Community News can be accessed on the Dartmoor National Park Authority web site at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk (click on In the News).

Dartmoor National Park Authority Meetings

Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Development Control Committee meetings are available on the Authority's web site.

If you have any suggestions for items you would like included in future issues, or if you wish to contribute an item, please contact Mike Nendick, Communications Officer (External Relations), Dartmoor National Park Authority Tel:(01626) 832093.

This issue of Community News contains articles on:

This issue of Community News also contains:

News from the Hill Farm Project

The Dartmoor Hill Farm Project was set up by the National Park Authority in November 2003, to support farmers within the National Park at a time of great change in agricultural support.  With over 300 farmers now receiving regular newsletters or support, through various initiatives, or projects, the first two years of the Project have proved very successful.  That success has led to the Hill Farm Project being extended, as of April 2006, with partnership funding from the Dartmoor Sustainable Fund, the Duchy of Cornwall and Dartmoor National Park Authority.

The next phase of the Project sees various exciting initiatives being taken forward:

Recycling Farm Plastics

The Hill Farm Project is looking at various options for farmers within the National Park.  The Project has been talking to various recycling firms about the provision of a service.  Two main options are being considered.  One is an option to lease a baler.  This will bale clean plastic on a secure site.  The second option is collection from the farm, on a limited basis.  Both have costs attached.  The Hill Farm Project would like to hear from as many farmers as possible from within the National Park, if either option would be of interest to them.  

Moorskills

The Hill Farm Project is acting as a facilitator for a scheme put forward by a local farmer, to ensure that moorland farming skills remain an everyday part of upland farming.  Many skills, such as handling wild stock, lambing on the hill, and swaling (controlled burning) are in danger of being lost.

The Hill Farm Project is looking at the possibility of a partnership pilot project, to run an apprenticeship scheme, for a limited number of local school leavers.  The apprentices will work, over a two year period, for a cluster of six or more farms, working up to a NVQ qualification.  Special training courses, covering specific Dartmoor skills, will also be provided.

Adding Value to Local Produce

The Hill Farm Project is helping a farmer focus group investigate opportunities for adding value to their product (initially restricted to beef and lamb) by promoting the concept of supporting the National Park landscape through the purchase of local produce.  Funding has been obtained by the Hill Farm Project to undertake research into possible marketing opportunities; to identify the existing resource; and to quantify what steps farmers may need to take to produce a product that the market demands.  This should provide local farmers with sufficient statistics and facts to make informed decisions on whether they wish to pursue a local marketing initiative.  To be successful the project needs to involve as many farmers as possible.  

Provision of Environmental Stewardship Advisory Service

The Hill Farm Project provides a service to help farmers complete applications for Defra’s new Entry Level Scheme and Higher Level Stewardship, including the preparation of a Farm Environment Plan (FEP).  The Hill Farm Project also lays on promotional events that are of common interest to farmers.  Recent subjects include hydro-electric power, cross compliance, soil management plans, farm walks and the requirements of the meat industry.  

The Hill Farm Project also runs a Young Farmers’ Discussion Group, providing a forum for new thought and debate.  This is open to all farmers under the age of 40.

For further information on any of the above please contact the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project on (01626) 836013.

Micro-chipping project continues

The second phase of the Authority’s micro-chipping project has recently been completed.

This has involved the micro-chipping of all the listed (i.e. legally protected) milestones, direction posts and boundary stones, situated close to the roadside.  

A rice sized microchip, with its own unique number, has been inserted into a suitable nook or cranny within the fabric of each artefact.  The microchip is virtually impossible to detect with the naked eye and can only be read using a microchip reader.

The overall aim of the project is to safeguard Dartmoor’s granite artefacts from theft, and to allow for firm identification of any which might be stolen, and subsequently appear in sales rooms or auctions.  

Should anyone have concerns regarding any granite artefact, which they feel is particularly vulnerable to theft, contact Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Archaeology Section on (01626) 832093.

Conservation Area Appraisals

About a year ago Dartmoor National Park Authority reported that Conservation Area Appraisals were being prepared for all of Conservation Areas within the National Park. This work involved the collection of information, the recording of various aspects of the historic environment, and its compilation into draft appraisal documents.    

Since June 1971 the National Park Authority has designated 21 Conservation Areas covering a variety of settlements on Dartmoor.

The object of designation is to preserve and, where appropriate, enhance their special interest. This special interest is different for each area, but essentially it has to do with the character and appearance of the place when viewed in both historical and architectural terms. Designated settlements range from the small hamlet, like North Brentor, to larger, more urban settlements such as Moretonhampstead.

Conservation Area Appraisals help to define the special architectural and historic interest of an area by describing its character and appearance. The main function of an Appraisal is to enable the Authority and the community to relate planning proposals to the Conservation Area.

All of the draft appraisals have now been completed and were sent out to parish and town councils during December 2005.  We invited comment on all aspects of the appraisal document and asked for replies by the end of the consultation period (31 March 2006).

The appraisal document has been presented in a corporate style and contains text, historic maps, photographs etc. An example of a completed Conservation Area Appraisal document for the parish of Horrabridge can be viewed at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

Historic Farmstead Surveys

Dartmoor National Park Authority has recently appointed a contractor to continue its parish by parish programme of historic farmstead surveys. This involves the identification of pre-1914 farmsteads in a parish and recording the farmhouse and its associated farm buildings.  During the 1990s, this record consisted of a brief written description, and black and white photographs of each building. Today, the Authority has a computer database and digital photographs.

This year will see the parishes of Bridestowe, Okehampton Hamlets, Sourton and Throwleigh surveyed, and completion of the historic farmstead survey for the district of West Devon. Further work on the Teignbridge district in the parishes of Ashburton and Ilsington will follow, with a view to completing all outstanding parishes next year. So far the Authority has recorded nearly 600 farmsteads on Dartmoor, all of which have a remarkable and often unique story to tell.

A Week of Tree Planting

Every winter, the Trees and Woodlands Section of Dartmoor National Park Authority organises some tree planting sessions. Dartmoor land owners donate suitable sites and the Authority finds and provides the young trees, stakes, tree guards, spades and expertise.  The Authority then invites groups of volunteers to help actually plant them. This year was no exception. The site was a large meadow, along the Ashburn river, near Buckfast. When we approached the five nearest schools for tree planting volunteers, every school happily agreed to help. They are always a great days out. This year the bright, cold, snow showery weather encouraged the young helpers to work harder and keep warm at the same time. Working alongside different age groups provided an excellent opportunity to talk about the different native tree species and about the importance of trees, to demonstrate how to use a spade, spot worms, bugs, voles and to catch up with school gossip. In spite of our main emphasis being on education, when working with school groups it is always amazing to see how many trees actually get planted. Each school party contributed between 20 to 30 volunteers, for a two hour morning or afternoon session, and ended up by planting more then 250 trees each session.

So our thanks go to the students and staff of Sands School Ashburton, some of whom used the occasion to raise sponsorship money for their very own conservation project - saving egg- laying turtles in Greece. Then thanks to the cheerful efforts of Ashburton Primary School. The children from Buckfast St Mary Primary School also worked remarkably hard, planting roughly the same number, in spite of being a smaller group. The Buckfastleigh Primary School children were veterans of previous tree plantings and did very well, in spite of us losing the group in a dense patch of elephant grass that happened to be nearby. Finally, thanks to the rural skills students of South Dartmoor School, who

demonstrated their skills by their mature and professional approach to the work.

Increase in Dartmoor Sunday Rover passengers

Devon County Council’s 2005 passenger figures for Dartmoor’s public transport network have shown an increase in sales of Dartmoor Sunday Rover tickets compared with 2004.  This coincides with a targeted promotion campaign ‘Weekends without Wheels’ funded by the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund, and wider coverage of the Dartmoor Sunday Rover ticket.  Devon County Council’s Transport Co ordination Service operated a team of Sunday Rover co-ordinators throughout the summer.  They reported that numbers of first time users were also on the increase.   On several summer Sundays the Transmoor Link double decker service has been departing from Exeter at capacity, with passenger figures in the high 60s and 70s on some journeys.  The Dartmoor Railway has also seen an increase in usage for 2005.

New ‘Fare Car’ service

Devon County Council has recently launched its latest county-wide ‘Fare Car’ scheme, linking Princetown to Yelverton and Tavistock.  The scheme provides a new evening and Sunday service (and Public Holidays) and, like a bus service, has a fixed timetable.  Unlike a bus, ‘Fare Car’ journeys are booked up to 4 hours in advance.  The scheme enables residents to access Yelverton and Tavistock, at times when other scheduled buses do not run, providing greater opportunities and flexibility for Princetown residents to access services and social activities.

The ‘Fare Car’ is operated by a local taxi business, under a formal agreement with Devon County Council, with the aim of improving public transport provision in rural areas.  As well as serving Princetown residents, there is potential to promote the scheme to Tavistock and Yelverton residents, as a means of enjoying a car-free day out on Dartmoor. Further information on ‘Fare Car’ schemes is available from DevonBus on (01392) 382800.

Stretch your legs – without the car!

Sunday 28 May sees the start of Dartmoor’s summer bus network.  Full details of services, operators, and bus and train times are included in the free booklet Discovery Guide to Dartmoor by Bus and Train.  Services include Okehampton, Tavistock, Buckfastleigh, Ashburton, Princetown, Moretonhampstead and Exeter.  As well as year round services, a number of summer only services will operate to help you enjoy car free days out on Dartmoor.  Summer services include the 48, running between Plymouth and Burrator Reservoir, and the 172, from Newton Abbot, via Ashburton, Haytor and Widecombe-in-the-Moor to Tavistock.

Look out for the Transmoor Link this summer, between Exeter and Plymouth via Princetown.  This service is part funded by Dartmoor National Park Authority and is the backbone of the Dartmoor public transport network, for both residents and visitors.  A double decker operates at weekends, and daily during the school summer holiday, along this scenic route, offering panoramic views of the high moor.

Why not give the Sunday Rover a try this summer, for day out with a difference.  A Sunday Rover ticket will allow unlimited travel on the Dartmoor and Tamar Valley bus and train network for just £5.00.  If your journey doesn’t involve a train ride, and you have a Devonwide pass (see Community Noticeboard), you can travel free.  The ticket is also available on services to, and from, Torbay, the South Hams, East Devon, North Devon and Cornwall.

For timetable information call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608.  For a copy of the Discovery Guide to Dartmoor by Bus and Train, or a copy of the Sunday Rover guide please call DevonBus on (01392) 382800.

Dartmoor Freewheeler - Bike Bus

The Dartmoor Freewheeler is a bike bus service being offered by Dartmoor National Park Authority on Sundays from Easter until October 2006.

This FREE service will enable cyclists to travel by minibus, with their bike on an attached trailer (max 12 bikes) onto Dartmoor, so that they can enjoy a mainly downhill ride home.

Starting on Sunday 16 April 2006, the Dartmoor Freewheeler will be operating on four routes - these will run on a rota basis:-

On months where there is a 5th Sunday, an extra Saltram to Princetown route will be run.

The Dartmoor Freewheeler pack (available from mid April 2006) will include a booklet about the service and all the timetables, plus the four route leaflets (with instructions and full Ordnance Survey mapping).  Copies will be available from National Park Authority Information Centres and cycle shops.  For Further information contact the Recreation Section, Dartmoor National Park Authority, on (01626) 832093.

Spring Guided Walks

The Dartmoor National Park Authority has organised an extensive programme of walks and events for spring 2006.  The programme contains options ranging from one and a half-hour strolls to six hour rambles.  There are events for children, Ranger navigation walks, and the chance to learn about the history and archaeology of Dartmoor with one of Dartmoor National Park Authority's qualified guides.  To obtain further information, check out the Authority’s website www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk or telephone the Events Hotline on (01822) 890414.  

Dartmoor National Park Authority Information Centres

On Saturday 8 April, all Centres, including the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, Haytor, Postbridge and Newbridge Information Centres, will open for the new season.  Opening times will be 10.00am – 5.00pm daily.  Why not call in and pick up a copy of the new look Dartmoor National Park Visitor Guide 2006.  This free newspaper contains plenty of useful information for visitors and residents and includes What’s on Dartmoor – a guide to local events and walks.

Exhibitions at the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown

New Spring leaflet

A new full colour leaflet has been produced, detailing some wonderful locations to enjoy a first glimpse of spring on Dartmoor. The leaflet includes a map of locations which will provide the best chance of seeing beautiful spring flowers and enjoy the stunning variety of Dartmoor scenery – from wooded valleys, rivers and ponds, to open moorland.

The leaflet, produced as part of the Wealth of Wildlife project, is available from Dartmoor National Park Authority’s High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown and can also be viewed online at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk. Click on Looking After/ Wealth of Wildlife Dartmoor throughout the seasons  134Kb PDF icon (PDF Help)

Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund logo

News from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund

Since the last issue of Community News, Dartmoor National Park Authority has successfully negotiated a contract with the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWERDA) to top up the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund with £300,000.  Defra is already committed to continuing the Fund at its current level of £200,000 per annum for at least the next two financial years, so after the recent grants awarded (see below for details) there will be well over £600,000 remaining in the Fund to be allocated between now and April 2008.

Since its inception, in July 2002, the Sustainable Development Fund has given grants totalling £697,273 to 116 individuals, businesses and community groups.  In turn, these projects have attracted more than two and a quarter million pounds of match funding – that’s a lot of cash going into the local economy!

With plenty of money still in the fund we are keen to hear about innovative new ideas for better ways of living in, working in, or visiting Dartmoor. A truly sustainable development has no negative impacts locally, elsewhere on the globe – or in the future - so that future generations will be able to enjoy a good quality of life too.

For more information, or to discuss your ideas for potential applications, please contact Peter Joyce, Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund Officer,

on (01626) 832093.

Decisions made since July 2005

Project Total Value of  Project Grant Approved

The Legend of the Hound - Baskerville Carriages

A new tourist attraction, based on the Sherlock Holmes story, providing rides around Princetown in a horse drawn carriage.

 £13,172 £2,000

Buckfastleigh Transport leaflet - Teignbridge CVS

To produce and distribute a leaflet, promoting public transport in and around Buckfastleigh.

 £1,040 £590

Stairways

To initiate a club, for adults with learning difficulties, using Dartmoor as a learning environment.

 £2,740 £2,000

Dartmoor Biodiesel Buyers Club

To enable the setting up of a small scale biodiesel distribution service, using 100% biodiesel, recycled from spent vegetable cooking oil.

 £2,650 £1,300

Support through cycling -  Devon Cycle Hire

A project to use hire cycles, during off peak periods, to give disadvantaged groups of young people an opportunity to experience and explore Dartmoor.

 £19,926 £5,107

Dartmoor Fashion Collection

To develop a collection of designer fashions, using Dartmoor sourced materials.

 £8,300 £4,150

Rushford Mill Hydro Electricity Scheme

Study into the technical feasibility of their site.

 £600 £300

Storage and Shelter building - Bridford Trust

A shelter in the community woodland -  part secure, for the storage of equipment - and part open, with interpretation panels etc for school groups and other visitors.

 £12,000 £6,000

'A Forest full of bugs' a Celebration of National Insect Week (June 2006) - Forestry Commission

To use Workshop Under the Sky, for a week long activity, using both science and the arts to encourage people of all ages - but especially children -  to study and recognise the importance of insects.

 £7,733 £1,650

Dartmoor Mill Owners self help ring - DARE

To inaugurate a self help ring of Dartmoor mill owners, to provide mutual support, whilst converting their mills to hydro electric power.

 £2,394 £2,144

Bowden Mill Hydro Electric Scheme

Full feasibility study into the financial viability of their site.

 £1,362 £681

Eatwise Project -  Tavistock Forward

Working with caterers and food producers to increase the amount of local food consumed locally.

 £8,000 £2,000

Moor Horseriding (phase 2)

Guidebook, website and maps to encourage horse riding on Dartmoor.

 £3,788 £1,894

Metherall photovoltaic installation

To add a photovoltaic cell array to boost the supply from a wind generator.

 £8,361 £2,500

Felt Cocoons

Help with starting up a craft business making felt shrouds, from local wool, for green burials.

 £27,260 £6,168

Okehampton Moving Pictures (OMP)

To support the appointment of a rural film co-ordinator, to extend the now established OMP film shows to rural villages along the northern fringe of Dartmoor.

 £24,000 £12,000

The Contemporary Craft Fair

The 'Energising Environments Education Programme 'as an addition to the Bovey Tracey craft fair.  To encourage people to engage in contemporary crafts that use sustainable and low impact materials and techniques.

 £21,500 £7,000

Renewable energy resouces -  Chagford Sustainable Energy Group

To enable them to pursue renewable energy projects.

 £760 £760

Moretonhampstead Development Trust

To carry out a feasibility study, to identify viable options for taking the old school building into community ownership.

 £2,352 £1,452

Dartmoor Hill Farm Project

To help farmers access the full range of rural development funding and to work towards the implementation of a Moorland Vision.

 £98,000 £26,235

Dartmoor Bike Bus Service -  DNPA Tourism and Recreation

A scheme for transporting bikes and their riders onto Dartmoor.

 £22,000 £7,000

Dartmoor Pony Heritage Centre - Dartmoor Pony Trust

To build stables and a visitor centre, together with educational and interpretation facilities

 £20,967 £10,483
Totals £308,958 £103,414

Community Noticeboard

This section is included in issues of Community News.  It will be available for community groups to request help, raise awareness of successful projects and joint initiatives etc from other groups/parish councils over the moor, such as successful sources of funding, requests/offers of loans of equipment, joint purchasing to benefit from bulk buying etc.  Contact Joanna Rumble, Senior Planning Officer (Community), Dartmoor National Park Authority on (01626) 832093.

This issue contains information on:

This issue of Community News also contains information on Moor Produce.

Good news for Devonwide pass holders – free travel from 1 April 2006

What is happening to the Devonwide scheme?

The Devonwide scheme is changing to meet new legislation introduced to provide free local bus travel for the over 60s and disabled.

The concessions for free travel that are starting on 1 April 2006 are being introduced because of an extension to the legislation that governs their availability.  It is the district, unitary or borough council’s duty to provide a pass for free travel to its residents from 1 April 2006.  The County Council has no duty to provide such concessions.   Exeter City Council, Mid Devon District Council, South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District, Torbay Council, West Devon Borough Council, Torridge District Council and North Devon District Council have decided to continue together with the Devonwide scheme; they fund the scheme and Devon County Council administers it on their behalf.  Plymouth City Council and East Devon District Council have decided to run their own separate schemes in their own districts.

Under the current scheme people who qualify for a Devonwide pass can travel at half fare on most public bus routes in Devon.

From April 2006 free travel will be available to all those who are eligible for a Devonwide pass.

What changes will there be to the scheme and how will the new Devonwide pass work?

The Devonwide pass for free travel will be available under the following conditions:

Who can have a Devonwide pass for free travel from 1 April 2006?

To qualify for a pass all applicants must be resident in the district and unitary council areas of Exeter City, Mid Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay, West Devon, Torridge and North Devon and meet one of the required categories.

  1. Men and women over 60 (in accordance with the 1995 Pensions Act and the Travel Concessions (Eligibility) Act 2002).
  2. People who are blind or partially sighted.
  3. People who are deaf or profoundly deaf.
  4. People who are without speech.
  5. People who suffer from any disability or injury, which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to walk.
  6. People who do not have arms or who have long term loss of the use of both arms.
  7. People with learning disabilities.
  8. People who are unable to drive on medical grounds, i.e. those whose driving licence has been revoked on medical grounds or whose application for a licence has been or would be refused on medical grounds.

How to apply for a Devonwide pass for free travel

Holders of the current Devonwide half fare travel pass, apart from East Devon, Plymouth residents and travelling companions, will be automatically sent a new pass for free travel by the end of March. Anyone changing their address should inform the Devonwide office.

New applicants are encouraged to apply for a half fare travel pass now and they will then be sent a pass for free travel automatically which will be valid from 1 April 2006.  

For further information about the Devonwide scheme visit the Devon County  Council Web site (www.devon.gov.uk) and click on Devonwide (external link, opens new window).

Or contact: Devonwide Concessionary Fares, Transport Co-ordination Service, Room 18, Matford Offices, County Hall, EXETER Devon EX2 4QW.  

Telephone: 01392 383688 (Mon-Fri 9-5) Email: devonwd@devon.gov.uk

East Devon residents

Residents of East Devon District will not be eligible for a Devonwide travel pass from 1 April 2006 and should contact East Devon District Council (external link, opens new window) about their scheme for free travel for their residents, tel.: 01395 571500.

Plymouth residents and Plymouth Countywide life pass holders

Residents of Plymouth City will not be eligible for a Devonwide travel pass from 1 April 2006 and should contact Plymouth City Council (external link, opens new window) about their scheme for free travel for their residents.  Countywide life passes issued to Plymouth residents will cease to be valid for concessionary travel from 1 April 2006.  For further details please contact Plymouth City Council, tel.: 01752 307790.

Defra launches 'Community Halls for Rural People' online

Defra has launched an information hub called 'Community Halls for Rural People' on its Rural Affairs web site.

The web site has been designed to help rural communities to benefit from the variety of funding opportunities available for community halls. It has information and links to funding sources and other advice for those running local community buildings where rural people meet, or would like to meet in the future.

The web site has been developed in consultation with Action with Communities in Rural England, and has links to the 38 Rural Community Councils who have expertise in advising on best practice for managing rural community buildings.

It is a resource that will help the dedicated people who run village halls to find out, quickly and easily, how they can access, a whole range of funding, services and advice. It will help them to share their experiences of applying for and securing funding.

'Community Halls for Rural People' can be accessed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/communities/halls (external link, opens new window).

People without web access can get paper copies of the information by calling the Defra Helpline on 0845 933 5577 or email:VillageHallHelpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Moor Produce

Dartmoor is home to small traditional farms and other businesses, many of which sell their goods direct to you, the customer. So rather than joining the queue at the supermarket, buy local, support local producers and the future of Dartmoor.

As you are travelling around keep a look out for farms selling their own produce direct form the farm. Choose those shops, pubs and restaurants that offer the best of quality local produce and if in doubt don’t be afraid to ask.  

Local produce markets are also great fun to go along to. They only sell produce from a defined local area and the stallholders are the farmers and producers themselves so you can easily find all about what you are buying. A number of markets take place on or around the moor.

Local Produce Markets

Bovey Tracey, town centre

Saturday morning, fortnightly from 14 Jan 2006  

Tina Richardson:  (01626) 835363

Ivybridge, town centre car park

3rd Saturday of month

Jenny Farmer  (01803) 861202

Newton Abbot, town centre

Every Tuesday

Mick Ford:  (01626) 215427

markets@teignbridge.gov.uk

Teign Valley Farmers’ Market, Community Hall, Christow

Every Wednesday morning

Bryony Falch:  01647 252887

Okehampton

3rd Saturday

Christine Brown: (01363) 83279  

www.okehamptondevon.co.uk

Widecombe-in-the-Moor Village Market

The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, 10 am – 4 pm.

This popular Market brings together a wide variety of local producers and suppliers and is held once a month.  

Everything sold at the market has a local link, with a superb selection of hand made furniture, deli goods, plants and herbs, breads and preserves, Widecombe blended leaf tea and ground coffee.      

Market dates:

Local Producers Directory

B&M Farming, Lovaton Farm Partnership

Lovaton Farm, South Tawton, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2RA

Tel: (01647) 231649

Email: lovaton@btopenworld.com

www.traditionallyrearedmeat.co.uk/ (external link, opens new window)

Dexter beef is reared in a traditional manner on land in the countryside stewardship scheme.  Home bred & fed, home produced feeds.  The Gloucester old spot pigs roam freely in paddocks in the summer and straw yards in the winter to produce mouth-watering pork.

Local shops P.O stores (Spreyton), The Stores (S Zeal), Londis (Exeter rd garage Okehampton), Bridge Stores (Bow, Crediton), Spar (N Tawton).  Direct to customers - delivered mail order, £10 postage, free for orders over £70.

Blackaller Honey

Rosemary Cottage, North Bovey, Devon TQ13 8RA

Tel: (01647) 440322

Email:peter@blackaller.fsbusiness.co.uk

http://www.blackaller.co.uk (external link, opens new window)

Honey and Bee products

Farmers’ markets in Crediton, Bovey Tracey, Exeter, Teignmouth + retail outlets.

Bottor Rock Farm

Hennock, Newton Abbot

Tel: (01626) 834247

Bottor Rock potatoes (12.5kg or 25kg).  Beef in 1/8 mixed packs ready for freezer. Lamb, half or whole, all jointed and bagged ready for freezer.

All produce collected from farm.  Some delivery can be arranged.  Beef and lamb £5/kg.

Bramley and Gage

4 Long Meadow, south Brent, TQ10 9YT

Tel: (01364) 73722

Email: edward@bramleyandgage.com

www.bramleyandgage.co.uk (external link, opens new window)

Fruit Liqueurs, sloe and damson gins.  All fruit sourced as locally as possible, made in the traditional way with no added flavouring, colouring or preservatives.

Buckfast Abbey, Buckland Abbey, Dartington Cider Press, Riverford Goes to Town, Rosemoor, Knighthayes & other shops in Dartmouth, Modbury, Salcombe and Tavistock.

Browne's Chocolates

Throwleigh, Devon, EX20 2HX

Tel: (0845) 456 0568

Email: sales@brownes.co.uk

www.brownes.co.uk/ (external link,opens new window)

Handmade chocolates.

Independent retailers throughout the region.  No retail outlet here.

Buckfast Organic Bakery

Hamlyn house, Mardle Way, Buckfastleigh,

Tel: (01364) 642279

Email: sally@clivespies.co.uk

Vegetarian, organic pies and pasties. Gluten-free savoury pies.  Luxury gluten-free cakes.  Organic quality flapjacks.

Distribution via refrigerated courier or own refrigerated van.  

Colston Farm 'Proper Pork'

Colston Road, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LW

Tel: (01364) 643836

Traditional, slowly produced pork & ham from saddleback & Welsh white pigs, living a happy & contented life, slaughtered & butchered locally, free local delivery fresh or frozen.

Free local delivery (personally), no minimum, Buckfastleigh farmers’ market, Ilsington country store, Widecombe Post Office & store, restaurants and pubs in Buckfastleigh area.

Dartmoor Delectables

Whistle Cottage, The Old Station, Horrabridge, PL20 7RQ

Tel: (01822) 854729

Email: sue@goldingcook.com

http://www.dartmoordelectables.com (external link, opens new window)

Handmade preserves (jam, marmalade, chutneys, pickles) made in own Dartmoor kitchen. Locally sourced/grown produce used as much as possible.  Reviving interest in unusual and old fashioned recipes e.g. marrow and ginger jam, highdumpsydeary jam.

Tavistock country market and Tavistock farmers’ market as part of a country market co-operative.

Dartmoor Kitchen

Little Ash Farm, Whiddon Down, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2QG

Tel: (01647) 231130

Email: info@dartmoorkitchen.com

www.dartmoorkitchen.com

Award winning pies, puddings and tarts using a mix of organic, local and seasonal ingredients.  Pies include Devon steak and potato, roast butternut squash and tomato, game or potato, cheese and onion.  The choice of puddings includes prune and almond, apple cake and fresh berry cheesecake.  Tarts include smoked trout, courgette and sweet pepper, and asparagus and goats cheese.

Deliveries to pubs and specialist food shops twice a week.  Direct from farm, 6 days a week.  Home deliveries dependant on order/location.

Deer Force 10

c/o Mardlewood House, Higher Coombe, Scorriton, Buckfastleigh

Tel: (01364) 644420

Email: pmarding@hotmail.com

Organic Venison (soil association).

Riverfood farm shop or Rodney Cleave butchers in Ashburton.

Devonshire Farmhouse Ice Cream Ltd

Kittson View, Higher Murchington Farm, Chagford, TQ13 8HJ

Tel: (01647) 433170

Email: dfic@talk21.com

http://www.devonshirefarmhouse.com (external link, opens new window)

Bottled milk, clotted, double, single, whipping cream, luxury dairy ice cream, sorbets, and diabetic ice cream.

Retail, wholesale, home delivery (minimum order £25), mail order clotted cream.

Dunns Dairy

Beacon View Farm, Drewsteignton, Exeter EX6 6PF

Tel: (01647) 231452

Email: dunn_019@fsmail

Milk, Cream, Butter, Eggs.

On-site farm shop open 7am-5 pm Monday to Saturday.  Supply various shops, hotels etc throughout Devon.  Doorstep deliveries with no minimum order.

Haldon Woods Farm

Sourton Cross, Okehampton, EX20 4HX.  

And Binkham, Yelverton, PL20.

Tel: (01822) 854652

Email: trishcarrington@tiscali.co.uk

Home produced and reared beef, lamb, mutton, pork. 15 varieties of sausages, bacon, gammon steaks, lamb and mint sausages and burgers.  Eggs (chicken and duck, when available). Discounted barbecue, camper and freezer packs of meats.  All meats sold frozen.

Collection from farm and by telephone order, free delivery within 25 miles.

Heaven Scent Herbs

Unit 9, Gidleys Meadow, Christow, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7HR

Tel: (01647) 252847

Email: anne@heavenscenthearbs.co.uk

www.heavenscentherbs.co.uk (external link,opens new window)

Handmade herb and spice mustards

Mail order service available, callers by appointment only.

Hogs Bottom Garden Delights

Unit 5a Westbridge Street, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 HDE

Tel: (01822) 613013

Email: hogsbot@aol.com

www.hogsbot.co.uk (external link, opens new window)

Cordial fruit vinegars, salad dressings, marmalade/chutneys/preserves, assorted cooked pies/quiches, All made from as much local produce as possible.  Direct through farmers’ markets.  Wholesale to about 50 shops/farm shops/cafés etc.  Supply a few local pubs.  Will soon be selling online.

Little Ash Farm

Little Ash Farm, Whiddon Down, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2QG

Tel: (01647) 231130

Email: info@littleashfarm.com

www.littleashfarm.com (external link, opens new window)

Organic Eggs, Salad bags, herbs, vegetables and fruit.

Farm shop, Monday – Saturday  9 am – 5 pm

Moorland Mist

Mitchelcombe Farm, Holne, Newton Abbot, TQ13 7SP

(01364) 631528

Email: clearlydevon@hotmail.com

Dartmoor water, supplied in returnable bottles - 250, 330, 750ml & 1litre glass bottles with still or sparkling water.  1, 5, 13, 15 & 19 litre HDPE bottles, still water for use with coolers and porcelain crocks.

Home delivery, trade sales to farm shops, health shops, pubs, hotels and restaurants (minimum order 4 crates).  Contract bottling for 'own label' customers

Richard and Caroline Mann

Great Dunstone, Widecombe, Newton Abbot, TQ13 7TH

Tel: (01364) 621233

Email: greatdunstone@btinternet.com

Beef is sold in mixed 1/8ths or freezer packs consisting of: 2 x 8 oz rump steaks, 2 x 2-3lb topside, 5 x 0.5 kg braising steak, 5 x 0.5 kg mince. Lamb is sold in 1/2s or whole.  Beefburgers and sausages also available.

Postal orders nationwide or minimum order of £30 to be delivered within a 30mile radius of Widecombe-in-theMoor.

Sherberton Beef and Lamb

Sherberton Farm, Princetown, Yelverton, PL20 6SF

Tel: (01364) 631276

Email: wood@anton-coaker.co.uk

www.anton-coaker.co.uk (external link,opens new window)

Home reared beef and lamb supplied fresh or frozen.  Beef is supplied at one price per kilo and mixed orders are supplied.  The meat comes in freezer friendly packs of a sensible weight, but specific weights can be catered for. Lamb is supplied by the half, jointed.  Being hill lambs, halves are not huge and thus suit families or couples.

Deliver locally (radius 30 miles) and can collect from farm.  Minimum order 5 kilos of mixed cuts.

Well Hung Meat

Tordean Farm, Dean Prior, Buckfastleigh.

Tel: 0845 230 3131

Email: sales@wellhungmeat.com

www.wellhungmeat.com (external link, opens new window)

Award winning (4 soil association food awards in 4 years) beef, lamb, pork, poultry, bacon and sausages by mail order. Monthly meat boxes containing all of the above.

Farm shop, postal/internet, farmers’ markets.

Happy Hogs Ltd

Moorlands Farm Shop, Whiddon Down, Exeter, EX20 2QL

Tel: (01647) 213666

Email: sargent@tinyonline.co.uk

www.moorlandsfarmshop.co.uk (external link, opens new window)

20 types of sausage, dry cured bacon, free range pork, organic beef, lamb and pork, game in season.   Moorlands Farm Shop.  Exeter, Tavistock and Okehampton farmers’ markets, and via mail order and the internet, free delivery on orders over £100.

Luscombe Organic Drinks

Luscombe Farm, Colston Road, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LP

Tel: (08451) 303036

Email:  info@luscombe.co.uk

www.luscombe.co.uk (external link, opens new window)

Organic fruit juices and traditional soft drinks including the gold medal award winning 'hot ginger beer'.  Riverfood farm shops, Buckfastleigh and Christow farmers’ markets, local health food shops, deli's and garden centres. Mail order available.

Frenchbeer Farm Ltd

Frenchbeer Farm, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8EX

Tel: (01647) 432427

Traditional free range or barn reared turkeys for Christmas, Aberdeen angus cross beef, reared & finished on Dartmoor, hung for flavour & succulence. Heather lamb, a true delicacy - available late summer/ autumn.  Heather mutton - specially produced from our Scottish blackface flock.  Farm gate sales - please phone.

Wild Beef

Hillhead Farm, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8DY

Tel: (01647) 433433

High quality beef from native breeds of cattle.  Reared and finished off unimproved grassland, they are killed locally and the meat is hung for at least 3 weeks.  Available by home delivery, mail order and produce markets nationally.  Mail order, home delivery - no minimum order, free delivery > £15. Crediton farmers’ markets.  London markets.

Ullacombe Farm

Ullacombe Farm, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9LL

Tel: (01364) 661341

Email: ullacombefarm1@btinternet.com

Homemade bread, cakes, savouries, ready made meals & preserves made in farm kitchen. Organic veg grown in the kitchen garden and polytunnel, free range eggs, plus other local produce, Widecombe Beef, Torbryan Pork, free range Chicken.  Farm shop: Mondays: closed, Tues - Fri: 9.30 am - 6 pm, sat: 9.30 am - 5 pm, sun 9.30 am - 4 pm.

Brimpts Farm/Beef Box

Brimpts Farm, Dartmeet, Dartmoor, Devon

Tel: (01364) 631 179

Email: info@brimptsfarm.co.uk

http://www.brimptsfarm.co.uk/ (external link, opens new window)

Beef direct to your door around the country, also available from farm shop, Winners of Devon Life magazine best food producers award 2005, Winners of westcountry farm diversification award 2005 at Royal Bath and West Show.  Mail order - £30 minimum.  Farm shop open all year - please call for details.

Tor to Tor Meat Delivery Service

Holwell Farm, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 7TT

Tel: (01647) 221335

Email: meat@holwelldartmoor.co.uk

www.holwelldartmoor.co.uk (external link, opens new window)

Free delivery of Dartmoor’s finest fresh and frozen meat, all reared on moor farms.  Pork - free range English saddleback pigs from Widecombe-in-the-Moor, whole or half pigs or choose the following: flavoured sausages, joints, bacon, hams, suckling pigs.  Beef - Aberdeen angus cross galloway & south Devon and dexter, bred & fed at Widecombe.  Lamb - organic from Holne. Seasonal game - from estates on Dartmoor including venison and pheasant.  Fresh farm eggs.  Delivers meat and eggs, no minimum order or delivery charge to residents and businesses on Dartmoor and outlying villages.  Also attend monthly village market in church house at Widecombe-in-the-Moor.

RJR and SA Ashford

Bowden Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon,

Tel; (01364) 643955

Organic Beef and Lamb produced from the farm.

Local deliveries, also chilled box scheme. Also supply some local pubs and hotels.

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This page last updated 29 March 2006

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