We are extremely fortunate to be able to hold the 2025 Devon Branch AGM at Carswell Farm on Tuesday 9th September 2025 by kind permission of the Sayers Family.

Discover Carswell Farm – A Hidden Gem on the South Devon Coast

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the stunning South Devon countryside, Carswell Farm offers fresh sea air, spectacular coastal views, and a unique glimpse into modern sustainable farming. This large, working organic dairy farm is home to 580 cows, producing milk from grazed grass, homegrown silage, and a carefully balanced mix of wheat, barley, peas, beans, vitamins, and minerals. The farm also cares for 300 young dairy heifers and around 30 beef cattle, which graze the farm’s rougher pastureland.

Carswell Farm is part of a wider farming business owned by the Sayers family. The late Arnold Sayers purchased the original 130-acre farm in 1950, and today the enterprise spans over 3,500 acres across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset—farmed through a mix of owned and tenanted land. The business is now managed by Geoff and Zoe Sayers, who continue to build on Arnold’s legacy with a strong focus on innovation, diversification, and responsible stewardship.

Sustainability is central to the farm’s ethos. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Carswell regularly hosts school visits, offering hands-on experiences that bring food, farming, and the countryside to life for young learners.

The success of its grass-based dairy model has supported a range of diversified ventures. Today, Carswell offers nine beautifully appointed holiday cottages, a glamping site, and a popular wedding venue—all within walking distance of the South West Coast Path and several secluded beaches, including a private cove.

Between the 1970s and 1990s, the land was intensively farmed, with a strong focus on productivity. While this delivered high yields, it left the coastal landscape lacking in biodiversity. In recent years, the team has embraced a more sensitive approach. Coastal scrub areas are now carefully managed to encourage a healthier, more diverse ecosystem. Around 30 acres are actively maintained for game and wildlife, incorporating a patchwork of shelterbelts, bird seed mixes, and native hedging to support and enhance the natural environment.

Carswell Farm stands as a shining example of progressive, responsible farming—where productivity, education, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Programme

11:00am – Registration & Refreshments
11:30am – AGM
11:50am – CLA Officer Update
12:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Welcome & Introduction to Carswell Farm / Group
2:00pm – Walk and talk down to the beach, or a shorter/alternative walk around the farm
3:30/3:45pm – Depart