We are delighted to be taking part in Agroforestry Open Weekend 2025
Our farm
Elston Farm is nestled in the rolling hills of Devon near Crediton. We adopted minimum tillage about 18years ago. We have always manged our hedges to benefit wildlife, allowing them to grow tall and the margins to become scruffy, softening the field edges, and creating perfect nesting habitat for ground and shrub nesting birds; full of seeds and insects for them to eat. We have used stewardship schemes to maintain pollen mixes between our tree and planted seed-producing blocks for winter bird feed.
We collaborate with researchers to develop a broader understanding of sustainable and resilient practices, with an aim to maintain similar levels of food production; whilst encouraging biodiversity, improved nutrient cycling, reducing nutrients leaving the farm to become pollutants, and developing our soil structure.
Our agroforestry
The Silvopasture on Elston Farm was planted in March & April 2021, with the help of Sustainable Crediton. We have planted trees in 14 metre rows, 3 meters apart within the rows.
All the trees are indigenous, with 24 species selected for Elston Farm. The taller standards are oak, alder (which fixes nitrogen), Scot’s pine, downy birch, lime, sycamore, and field maple. Whilst not strictly indigenous we have also planted at low density walnut, apple, and chestnut as cash crops. The low bushes we have planted are spindle, elder, holly, willow, hazel, and witch elm.
how to find us
You will find us at Elston Farm, Copplestone, Crediton EX17 5PB.
Exeter to Elston Farm – Take the A377 through Crediton, on approach to Copplestone take a sharp right-hand turn before the farm shop (first right after the car garage). Follow Elston Lane for 3/4 of a mile taking the second right into Elston Farm / M C Kelly.
Barstaple to Elston Farm – take the A377 towards Crediton, go through Copplestone and take the left hand turning after the farm shop. Follow Elston Lane for 3/4 of a mile taking the second right into Elston Farm / M C Kelly.
agroforestry open weekend 2025
Agroforestry Open Weekend we will be open Sunday 18th May from 2pm.
The tour starts at 2 pm!
You don’t need to book but please turn up at 2 pm to join the tour with Andy Gray. If lost, call 07906859740
facilities/refreshments
Not available on site.
parking/access
Large car park, solid base.
dogs
We love dogs, you are welcome to bring your dog along on a lead. We have cows and deer on the farm.
disability access
Our car park is accessible to all, however, we do not have paths through the fields to view the silvopasture. For more information please contact Andy Gray.
more information?
ag@mckelly.co.uk / 07906859740
In the Press: ‘I’m seen as the fool’: the farmers putting trees back into the UK’s fields
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