We are delighted to be taking part in Agroforestry Open Weekend 2024

Our farm

Elston farm is nestled in the rolling hills of Devon near Crediton. We have been in stewardship schemes for over 15 years, which has allowed our hedges to grow up 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 left land fallow to encourage the rarer annual arable plants to grow and planted seed-producing strips for winter bird feed.

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 2023

Over Agroforestry Open Weekend 2024 we will be open at 11:00am on the Sunday ONLY

No need to book, just turn up.

facilities/refreshments

Not available on site but bring a picnic if you wish!

parking/access

Large car park, solid base. Loos available.

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

Find out more: farmwilder.co.uk

In the Press: ‘I’m seen as the fool’: the farmers putting trees back into the UK’s fields

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