Guided Farm Walk at Deptford farm near Bursdon with Stephen Heard
Saturday 1st August 2026
We had a big turnout of members for the Deptford Farm Walk, led by farmer Stephen Heard.
We were greeted on arrival with hot drinks and delicious cake in the beautiful farmhouse garden, and Stephen had gone to the trouble of making a display highlighting some of the important features of the farm, including the farm layout, soil quality and some of the wildlife seen on the farm.
We then set off to look around around the farm. Because it spans either side of the A39 Stephen had arranged to transport us all across the road in a cattle trailer, which was great fun. Our first stop was a field of standing grass with huge amounts of clover, and numerous butterflies and other insects. It was a lush, emerald green oasis compared to the parched fields we have become used to seeing elsewhere.
This theme continued as we walked around the farm: every field appeared to be green, contained numerous plant species, and was surrounded by thick, healthy hedges. This is partly because much of the farm is on culm, which is usually wet, but also partly due to how the farm has been managed through encouraging the growth of a wide variety of grasses and plants, carefully managing the grazing and Stephen lays the hedges by hand every few years.
The farm produces organic, soil association approved beef and lamb, and the livestock we saw in the fields looked extremely well.
Most of the meat produced is sold via a wholesaler to supermarkets such as Waitrose, but Stephen does sell some meat direct from the farm. Follow the Deptford Farm facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071117802553
We are extremely grateful to Stephen and his family for their hospitality and generosity in showing us around Deptford Farm, and for showing us how it is possible to farm in a way that both produces good quality food and also respects and supports the environment.
New Date
Saturday 1st August at 11am
Guided Farm Walk at Deptford Farm near Bursdon with Stephen Heard
Stephen Heard will be familiar to anyone who came to our Boosting Local Biodiversity Event for his eloquent and uplifting talk about farming sympathetically with nature. He has agreed to show us around his farm, which has been farmed by his family for several generations. They produce grass-fed, organic beef and lamb.
Important information:
- Please wear clothing appropriate for the weather and sensible footwear: the ground will be rough in places and, even though it has been so dry, some areas may be muddy
- Parking is limited so car sharing is advised
- Wear suitable clothing for the weather and bring hats and sun cream if necessary on the day.
- If the weather is bad we may need to postpone this walk. Please keep an eye out for email messages and notices on our website and social media.
* Please email Caroline secretary@hartlandnaturesociety.org.uk if you intend to come.*
Parking is in the farm yard at Deptford Farm: *Please note the Farm appears on the map as J heard and son, not Deptford Farm*
What3Words location – ///marathon.damp.galloping
What3Words link here https://what3words.com/marathon.damp.galloping Or download app onto phone
Google Maps link here https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zk8bERMFVh3K5ikJ6 *Please note the Farm appears on the map as J heard and son, not Deptford Farm*
Big Butterfly Count 2026
July 17th to Aug 9th
How to take part
- Download ID chart or app (see table below) to help ID and record butterflies during your count
| Download Butterfly ID Chart | Big Butterfly Count |
| Or Download App From Apple | Big Butterfly Count App – App Store |
| Or Download App From Google | Big Butterfly Count – Apps on Google Play |
2. Find a spot to count butterflies, and some moths, for 15 minutes. Anywhere where you have seen a few butterflies on your walks is ideal. Also do a butterfly count in your garden
3. Add your counts here Big Butterfly Count or in your app.
Tips
You can do as many counts as you like between 17th July & 9th August
Butterflies are more active when it is sunny and hot
Butterflies are generally more active between 10am and 6pm in the hot summer
National Trust Arable Walk at Beckland led by Paul Collom
…Tuesday 21st July… 10.15am for 10.30am start. Aim to finish 1.30pm
Meet at Brownsham National Trust Car Park
An Arable walk through the margins at Beckland Farm, where we will discuss the importance of this underestimated habitat and the management used.
We will ID species as we walk and hopefully spot some interesting insects on the way.
This is a National Trust event to which Hartland Nature Society members are invited.
Important information:
- Meet at Brownsham Car Park (free parking) at 10:15 am for 10:30 start.
- Toilet available.
- Aim to return to CP for 13:30 pm
- This will be a moderate walk, sturdy footwear and long trousers advised.
- Bring refreshments, and please feel free to have lunch in the NT office grounds.
- Paul can supply 3 pairs of close-focus binoculars for people to use.
- The walk will be weather dependent.
To book please email paul.collom@nationaltrust.org.uk
National Trust Arable Walk at Beckland led by Paul Collom
…Tuesday 21st July… 10.15am for 10.30am start. Aim to finish 1.30pm
Meet at National Trust Brownsham Car Park
An Arable walk through the margins at Beckland Farm, where we will discuss the importance of this underestimated habitat and the management used.
We will ID species as we walk and hopefully spot some interesting insects on the way.
This is a National Trust event to which Hartland Nature Society members are invited.
Important information:
- Meet at Brownsham Car Park (free parking) at 10:15 am for 10:30 start.
- Toilet available.
- Aim to return to CP for 13:30 pm
- This will be a moderate walk, sturdy footwear and long trousers advised.
- Bring refreshments, and please feel free to have lunch in the NT office grounds.
- Paul can supply 3 pairs of close-focus binoculars for people to use.
- The walk will be weather dependent.
To book please email paul.collom@nationaltrust.org.uk