We are extremely fortunate to be able to hold the 2024 Joint Somerset and Devon Branch AGM’s at Exmoor Forest Farm by kind permission of Ed Greenall.

Duredon is situated at the heart of the Exmoor Forest Estate, a traditional country estate and organic farm with interesting historic connections as a former Royal hunting chase until 1818. The dramatic rugged scenery of the Exmoor Forest and the North Devon coast are all on the doorstep and offer some of the best walking, shooting, riding, biking and wild swimming in the South West.

The estate is run with biodiversity, flora and fauna as the guiding lights. There are around 300 acres of species-rich grassland and traditional hay meadows which are managed traditionally, with no cutting until after 1 July, and are grazed by the native breeds at risk.

The house and estate are the perfect locations for both film and photographic shoots and has worked with top producers, directors, photographers and stylists to bring their projects to life. Its sister business in Simonsbath, The Exmoor Forest Inn, is known for its delicious food and drink, including organic beef, lamb and venison from the Estate’s hill farm.

Senior Woodland Officer, Graeme McVittie FICFor from Exmoor National Park Authority will introduce the rationale supporting the national parks plans to increase tree cover on land they own around Simonsbath (farmed by Exmoor Forest Farms) and how this will be pieced together over time to form a new temperate rainforest mosaic. The session will include a short walk into the Barle Valley to consider some of the issues and tree planting techniques deployed.

Programme

11.00 Registration, tea and coffee at St Luke's Church
11.30 AGM
11.50 Update from CLA Vice President Joe Evans
12.30 Introduction to Exmoor Forest Farms by Ed Greenall
12.45 Introduction to Exmoor National Park Authority and their plans for Simonsbath with Graeme McViittie (FICFor)
13.00 Two course buffet lunch at The Forest Inn
14.30 Coach Tour of Duredon and Walking Tour of Barle Valley
17.00 Depart 

Please note: There will involve walking for those with mobility issues. If you have any questions about this, please contact the Southwest office to discuss.

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The AGM only is free of charge to attend but places must be booked through the Southwest office