Wyld Court Cottage sits on the former Wyld Court estate in Hawkchurch, on the Dorset–Devon border. Once a centre of dairy farming, the surrounding landscape has been heavily degraded by the loss of hedgerows, woodland fragmentation, and intensive ryegrass monoculture. Local rivers now suffer from agricultural runoff, and winter flooding is common due to unsown maize fields and poor soil management.

The restoration plan at Wyld Court Cottage focuses on letting nature lead the way. Much of the site is being left to regenerate naturally, allowing trees and plants to return from the local seed bank. To encourage a wider variety of species, some targeted supplementary planting will be carried out in key areas, helping to boost diversity beyond what the surrounding landscape can provide. The supplementary planting has been protected with shelters to guard against deer browsing and ensure successful establishment. Active deer management further helps young trees get away. A deer seat has been installed to aid monitoring, and neighbouring farmers are working collaboratively to keep local deer numbers low. This coordinated approach gives natural regeneration the best chance to thrive and supports the successful creation of a locally suited diverse woodland.

In partnership with the Saving Devon’s Treescapes project (run by Devon Wildlife Trust), the land owner has already re-established hedgerows through Mid Tier Stewardship grants and planted small patches of trees. Devon Wildlife Trust has also supported in restoration of flower-rich areas, which are being carefully maintained as open spaces for pollinators and other wildlife.

The aims are simple but powerful: to enhance biodiversity, reconnect fragmented habitats, and improve local water resilience. Situated just 500 metres from the Blackwater River (a tributary of the River Axe), this project will help to tackle the flooding and water quality issues, bringing benefits that reach far beyond the site itself.

This project is available to support through our Nature+ sponsorship programme. Get in touch if you'd like to register your interest.