Clinton Devon Estates

18/09/2026

Last week, Clinton colleagues, their families and friends came together at Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club for something rather special, the return of the Estate cricket match, a tradition that last took place in 1981.

Captained by Lord Clinton and Edward Fane-Trefusis, the two teams put on an excellent game, with Lord Clinton’s team taking the win by 14 runs.

But the real highlight was the connection to the Estate’s history.

The match was expertly umpired by former colleague Graham Vanstone, who retired last year. Graham played in the original Estate cricket matches between 1977 and 1981.

And, of course, no cricket match would be complete without refreshments! The teams rounded off the afternoon with homemade cakes and treats, proving that some traditions are worth bringing back.

Photo from Unsplash.

16/09/2026

There’s something special about seeing the Clinton Devon Estates landscape through the eyes of the people who know it best.

These beautiful landscapes were captured by our colleagues as part of the monthly photo competition.

There is so much to notice when you take a moment to look around. It reminds us just how lucky we are to live and work in Devon. Do you recognise any of the locations captured?

A huge thank you to everyone who gets involved and shares their view of the Estate with us, and congratulations to this month’s photographers, especially our winner Rick Lockwood, Estuary Ranger.

Have you taken any photographs across the Estate this summer, perhaps at the Lower Otter Estuary, maybe on the Pebblebed Heaths, or whilst enjoying some shade in the woodlands? If you have, share them in the comments below.

11/09/2026

Placement students from Harper Adams University have been coming to the Estate for more than 10 years, and recently we got them back together to hear where those years have taken them!

Our alumni event was a chance to hear how their land management careers have progressed and to reflect together on the value of year-in-industry roles.

The day started with everyone sharing an update on their careers since leaving, followed by a walk along the Lower Otter Estuary, which has changed substantially since some of the group were last here! The day was then rounded off with a game of cricket with the rest of the Estate team.

The event was also a chance to say farewell to Lilly-Ann, our current placement student, who returns to Harper Adams University for her final year, and to welcome Tamsyn, who joins us for the year ahead.

We like to think that by hosting placement students, we’re helping to inspire young people and give them hands on experience, ahead of entering the workforce after graduation. It’s rewarding to bring them back together and hear where they’ve all gone since.

04/09/2026

A new season brings a new set of tasks for our Home Farm team and tenant farmers. They are planting next year’s crops, moving livestock and preparing their land for winter.

The wildlife that calls the Otter Valley home is busy too, feeding and finding shelter before the colder months arrive.

Remember, if you’re visiting, the best way you can support the farmers and wildlife is by sticking to public footpaths, keeping dogs close, gateways clear of cars and fields observed from a safe distance.

However tempting it is to get a closer look (we do understand!), keeping the wildlife settled, means it’s more likely to return or stay put for the long term. And we’re sure you'll agree that, that’s exactly what we all want.

02/09/2026

28/08/2026

Comparisons are being made between this summer's weather and the long, hot summer of 1976, so we went looking through the Estate archives to find out more about it. 🔍

1976 was classed as an extreme weather event, with 15 consecutive days above 32 degrees and 45 days without rain in the South West.

We found Trustees' Minutes charting the contrasting figures for rainfall locally in the years 1974, 1975 and 1976, highlighting the severity of the drought.

Alongside them sits a map, marked up field by field, showing water sources for livestock from rivers, reservoirs and troughs. Drawn up in the late 1960s, these maps became the basis for upgrading water provision to farms across the Estate, equipping them for future warm weather events.

Fifty years on, they offer a fascinating glimpse into how a summer like this one shaped decisions that continue to support our farms today.

27/08/2026

It's Pony Club week at Bicton Arena, and our team have been absolutely loving watching all the riding activities and seeing the smiling faces of the little ones enjoying the events and competitions. It goes without saying that the crepe van has also been popular with the Estate team too - pancakes for lunch is our new favourite!

We are so lucky that the Rolle Estate Office is based in the beautiful setting of Bicton Arena, giving us a front row seat to the range of events hosted there.

Day one of the Mini The Pony Club UK Official Championships is complete, huge congratulations 🥳 to everyone who took part and we will see you all again tomorrow!!!
ESP-Photographic, Equine Photography & Videography

26/08/2026

What role do deer play in a healthy woodland?

Join our Wildlife Ranger, Tom Garner, this September for a two-hour evening walk and talk exploring the relationship between wild deer, woodland and the wider ecosystem.

Taking place across our Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified woodland, Tom will explain how we monitor deer and the different approaches we use to help maintain a healthy balance between deer, trees and the other wildlife that depends on the woodland.

The walk offers an opportunity to learn more about the challenges of managing a living woodland and the careful decisions involved in looking after it for the future.

For more details and to book, click here: https://www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk/events/clinton-devon-estates-deer-management

13/08/2026

Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust Fundraising Manager, Claire carried out essential nightjar monitoring on the Heaths recently and created this fantastic behind-the-scenes video of what’s involved.

Nightjar monitoring is done to track population trends, assess their environment and to inform future conservation efforts.

Watch the video below 👇

11/08/2026

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in modern farming, helping to improve productivity, reduce costs and make better decisions about the land in our care.

Over the past six months, with the help of Nature, Land Use and Environmental Reporting Specialist, Ruaridh Wilkinson, we have taken significant steps forward in how we use digital mapping across the Estate.

These tools are helping us understand how different areas of land are being used, where there may be opportunities to improve productivity, and how we can strengthen environmental resilience for the future.

Ruaridh said: “Harnessing the power of digital mapping and spatial data can transform how we make land-use decisions, from identifying farmland suited to agroforestry, to pinpointing areas where tree planting could reduce flood risk, or land appropriate for much-needed housing.

“But we can go further by drawing on the knowledge held by Estate staff and local communities, who understand the land in ways no map can capture alone.

“From the compounds in our farmland soils to the rare birds nesting on our National Nature Reserves, bringing local insight together with digital mapping helps us make smarter, more resilient choices that unlock better outcomes for people and nature.”