The Devon Bronze Otter, now known as the John Whetman Devon Bronze Otter, is judged annually and showcases those farmers who show a long-term commitment to wildlife-friendly farming and sustainability.

This year we welcomed an all-new judging team of organic farmer Sam Walker, Rob Wolton from the Devon Hedge Group and Hattie Severinsen-George, environment and land use adviser at the NFU. 

In late July the judges set off to visit our finalists…

Visit 1

Shirley and David Mudge, Huccaby Farm, Princetown

Huccaby Farm is a 350 acre Duchy of Cornwall tenanted beef and sheep farm high up on Dartmoor. Whilst being a very challenging farm commercially, it has significant wildlife value and the Mudges have worked hard to balance the two.

As well as farming 80 suckler cows and 150 sheep, the Mudges have diversified into a small campsite on the farm, have a portaloo hire business as well as letting out one of the barns as a wedding venue during the summer months when it’s not housing livestock.

In addition to a Higher Level Stewardship agreement they are proud to be a Duchy Net Zero Farm. They have recently created a new banked hedge, with FiPL grant and advice: the young shrubs and trees have been planted through a wool mulch mat made from fleeces from the farm - an original, sustainable and effective approach. They also maintain their stone walls, cleaving their own granite gate posts and making their own Devon-style gates.

                

Here is what the judges said:

Their passion for their farm underscores everything we looked at and although they benefit from a higher level stewardship scheme, FiPL grants for new hedges advice, and support as one of their landlord’s “Focus Farms”, it appears that they do a huge amount to look after the environment on Huccaby Farm without any recompense.

The Mudges’ passion for farming was clear from the offset. Not only have they made their farm a beautiful space for wildlife, but they are always willing to learn more, being involved in a range of studies and environmental schemes locally.

David and Shirley are forward-thinking with innovative use of technology including calving cameras and cow trackers on the moor.   Ancient woodland and traditional pastures are complemented where appropriate by herbal leys in suitable fields. They have a great understanding of wider issues and engagement outside the farm.

Visit 2

Richard Dormor (J.Burrough & Co), Southdown Farm, Seaton

Situated on the South Devon coast, this 200ha beef and sheep farm is in an idyllic yet challenging location. 40% of the farm has public footpaths and this hotspot for tourists means that everything Richard does on the farm is in full view of the public. Richard and his family have chosen to embrace this, engaging with visitors and opening wildflower meadows to showcase how farming and wildlife can co-exist.

A significant part of the farm grows herbal leys to feed the 100 head of cattle plus followers and 340 sheep. They continue to reduce fertiliser and spray use, targeting farmyard manure where it’s most needed and boosting organic matter in the soil.  

A 100KW solar panel array provides much of the electricity needed for the farm’s caravan park during the summer months and a FiPL grant has allowed them to put up some educational signs around the farm for visitors.

   

Here is what the judges said: 

A demanding place to farm – not necessarily because of the topography but large windswept fields and very large numbers of tourists and ramblers. Richard seems to positively embrace these challenges and has an open and outgoing attitude to the public as well as the visitors to his caravan park.

 A nationally scarce plant, Nottingham Catchfly, grows in open areas on the cliffs, and this supports a rare moth, the White Spot. Richard trims the cliff edge with his flail where possible to benefit the plant and welcomes small-scale actions by local volunteers to keep patches open and to monitor the plant and its moth.

Richard is a public-focussed farmer, farming in a beautiful part of Devon. He recognises his role in improving the environment and is learning as he goes. He has an extremely positive and engaging manner.

 

The judges’ decision…

 

After much deliberation and some very close scores, our three judges announced Shirley and David Mudge as our winners for 2024!

Congratulations to our finalists who both hugely impressed our judges. We look forward to inviting you to Huccaby Farm next year for a celebratory farm walk.