Crowcombe Estate is looking toward a bright and ambitious future after being awarded the Somerset Otter Award in 2025. On Thursday 9th July 2026, guests and neighbours gathered for a celebratory farm walk, recognising the team’s dedication to nature-friendly management and long-term stewardship of the land.
The walk began at Hurley Beacon, one of the highest points on the western edge of the Quantock Hills. At 354 metres, it offered spectacular panoramic views before guests made their way down towards Hurley Farm, pausing along the route for discussion and insight into the estate’s evolving approach to land management.
Sitting on the edge of the Quantocks, Crowcombe Estate encompasses a rich mosaic of moorland, SSSI, upland and lowland grazing, arable land and extensive woodland. This varied landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, and the aspirations of Annabel, Estate Manager Jim, and their well‑established team have driven a series of exciting changes in recent years.
A major focus has been tackling the encroachment of bracken and rhododendron using a combination of a remote‑controlled flail and carefully managed grazing. Jim explained their philosophy: staying on foot as much as possible to maintain a hands-on understanding of the land, working sensitively around ground‑nesting birds, and allowing nature to guide their decisions.
Livestock numbers are steadily increasing, now including a herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle, a flock of 100 North Country Mule sheep, and around 20 native breed pigs. These animals play a dual role: they are essential tools for habitat management and form a profitable enterprise supplying high-quality meat to local customers and the village pub.
The estate’s 250 hectares of woodland are also undergoing a transformation. Regular thinning and plans for new areas of wood pasture are helping bring these woodlands back into favourable management. With support from FWAG SouthWest Advisers Tom Mansfield and Roy Hayes, and specialist guidance from Laura Francis (Laura Francis Farm Consultants Ltd), the team has developed detailed plans and submitted multiple Higher Tier Stewardship applications to secure funding for their long-term ambitions.
Judges were unequivocal in their praise. Ben Thorne described the estate as “absolutely inspirational — the scale of the ambition is down to the dedicated team here.” Chris Wilson added that it is “extraordinary, ambitious, and so different to what I was expecting.”
Crowcombe Estate’s plans for the future are indeed impressive. They aim to grow their herd and flock further to support habitat management across the estate’s diverse landscapes, and they are developing a new outlet for wild venison sourced from the estate.
Above all, the passion and commitment of the Crowcombe team shines through. Annabel and her family have navigated monumental change in recent years, and their dedication to the land — and to shaping a resilient, nature-led future — is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing their plans as they develop.
