Congratulations to Shirley and Dave Mudge at Huccaby Farm for winning this year’s FWAG Devon Bronze Otter award for their long-term commitment to wildlife and nature friendly farming and sustainability.
Huccaby Farm, (one of the founder members of the Central Dartmoor Farm Cluster and part of our Landscape Recovery project) is a 350-acre Duchy of Cornwall tenanted beef and sheep farm high up on Dartmoor. It is one of seven Duchy focus farms across the country which has helped them understand their natural capital and carbon footprint.
The farm is already at Net Zero and has a range of important habitats, such as ancient woodlands, pasture, hedges, moorland and rough pasture.
The Mudges keep their stocking levels low, with 80 suckler cows and 150 sheep. This allows the unique landscape to thrive, with flower rich fields that welcome a range of special species.
Th judging team consisted of organic farmer Sam Walker, Rob Wolton from the Devon Hedge Group and Hattie Severinsen-George, environment and land use adviser at the NFU, and this is what they had to say ….
“Their passion for their farm underscores everything we looked at and although they benefit from a higher level stewardship scheme, FiPL grants for new hedges advice, and support as one of their landlord’s “Focus Farms”, it appears that they do a huge amount to look after the environment on Huccaby Farm without any recompense.
The Mudges’ passion for farming was clear from the offset. Not only have they made their farm a beautiful space for wildlife, but they are always willing to learn more, being involved in a range of studies and environmental schemes locally.
David and Shirley are forward-thinking with innovative use of technology including calving cameras and cow trackers on the moor. Ancient woodland and traditional pastures are complemented where appropriate by herbal leys in suitable fields. They have a great understanding of wider issues and engagement outside the farm.”
The winner of the Devon Bronze Otter goes on to represent the county in the regional Barn Owl Trophy, the winner of which goes forward as our regions entry into the National Silver Lapwing the following year – so we wish them luck.
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