Aerial view of Dittiscombe Estate in 2007

Could Messy Gardening Save the Planet?

Can we help the planet by doing virtually nothing in our own back gardens? At Dittiscombe Estate we've been rewilding a previously farmed valley for over 20 years. Find out if the proof is in the oak tree!
Forest Bathing at Dittiscombe Estate & Cottages

Rewilding Reflections by Ruth Saunders

As the conversations around rewilding grow and widen, we can all revisit the lost skills of observation, patience and trust to help us understand, appreciate and re-engage with the natural world.
The future look - rewilding the landscapeRewilding Britain

Rewilding at Dittiscombe by Ruth Saunders

We started rewilding at Dittiscombe in 1998 which became a journey in understanding a new set of nature's rules and learning to love a different type of landscape.
Cricket Inn, Beesands, South Devon

Memorable Eating Out Places in the South Hams, by Ruth Saunders

Holidays are of course memorable for many reasons, but sometimes those stand-out moments might just be the simple pleasure of eating and drinking in a beautiful place. Ruth finds some of the most memorable places to eat in the South Hams.
Splashing and swimming in the sea

South Hams Adventures with your Dog, by Ruth Saunders

Try a new holiday experience with your dog while you are on holiday in the very dog-friendly area of the South Hams in South Devon.
Dogs welcome at Dittiscombe South Devon

A dog friendly welcome to South Devon by Ruth Saunders

Bring your dog for a truly dog-friendly holiday to South Devon. Ruth and her faithful companion Kes the Collie can vouch for many great walks, and dog-friendly beaches, cafes, pubs and restaurants in the area.
Sea Dogs of Start Bay

Sea Dogs of Start Bay

Julie Hinder was intrigued to find our more about the brave Sea Dogs of Start Bay who swam out and helped bring in the catch for fishing communities.
Wildflower bank in Devon

The Secret World of a South Devon Hedgerow by Ruth Saunders

Devon hedgerows burst with wildflowers between April and July, so it's a perfect time to enjoy these abundant displays. But they are also wonderful wildlife corridors and areas of true biodiversity. A walk or cycle along a Devon green lane will be a journey of discovery!
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An Exotic National Trust Garden with Sea Views, by Ruth Saunders

The National Trust's Overbeck's garden and museum is tucked into a belt of woodland high above Salcombe estuary and beaches, and is a stone's throw from dramatic and spectacular views around Starehole Bay at Bolt Head on the the South West Coast Path.
Memorial Tank at Torcross, South Devon

Michael Morpurgo’s war time story set in Slapton

Michael Morpurgo's book The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, of the D Day Landing practices which took place at Slapton Sands near Dittiscombe, is for both children and adults.