The land at Rumleigh

There has been a farm documented at Rumleigh since the 13th Century

Naturally, the farm has seen many changes over the years and never more so than in the last fifty years. It has gone from a large mixed farm of many acres, to a small farm focussed on market gardening, then chickens, horses, and now wildlife and herbs ..oh and you.

In the last 30 years the garden was sadly very neglected and is now in the stage of development again. An organic vegetable garden has been added, a polytunnel reinstated and the pond cleared. All around the guest accommodation landscaping and planting has taken place. Which as time goes by constantly develops and changes again.

The grounds around the farmhouse and guest accommodation are full of wildlife. With the emphasis on habitat and sustainability. We see hundreds of dragonflies and every sort of pond life you care to name. Our bird life is wonderful and we reguarly see yellowhammers, swallows, swifts, house martins, wrens, stonechats, treecreeper, nuthatch, finches, wagtails, woodpeckers and a beautiful kingfisher. Look out for the buzzards, the woodpeckers, and skylarks especially. The woodland that leads down to river is also full of adventure. In spring it simply bursts with bluebells, wild garlic and has badger, fox and rabbit and squirrels and we have seen footprints of otters!

Our garden chickens are allowed to free range to help keep bugs down and so do our ducks which you will hear quacking away to themselves.

You are more than welcome to walk around the farmland. It is around 500 meters to the Rumleigh Farm quay on the river Tamar, which can be accessed either via the lane, the woods (not high summer) or the field walkways which are mown grass pathways for your convenience..depends on how you feel. One thing to note: it does get very wet and sometimes muddy in the rain - even summer rain! So wellies are the answer. If you forget them there is a stash at the farmhouse, or you can buy them very reasonably in Tavistock Pannier Market.

If you like dogs, Ruby and Betty - the farm German Shorthaired Pointers will accompany anyone who will take them for walks down to the river, or around the farm, and if you're lucky (or not maybe) Stripes - one of the cats may tag along. Young children need supervision at all times as it can be slippery and some parts are steep. Of course you have access to hundreds of walks locally as well as those on your doorstep.

A pond in a garden creates a world of its own.

Sitting on the bridge watching life go on in the pond will while away many fascinating hours. It is a popular past time, to grab a net and fill a bucket with water to see just how many different forms of pond life you can find. The island in the middle is called Ruby Island and often you will find wild ducks and at certain times of the year geese using it as a temporary home. This year we had moorhens nesting. Take Note: The pond is 4ft deep most of which is silt so do not try and paddle except on the special lowered points. The edges are not access points. Life-savers to throw in are all around the pond should you get into difficulties.

NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNACCOMPANIED

Down by the river there is a Summerhouse for you to use. Its basic, but fun. So why not take a bottle of wine and some goodies down and watch the sunset over the River Tamar. It's also a great place to BBQ and watch out for the local seal or even otter swimming up and down. At this point in the river it is still tidal so depending on the time of day watch out for:

The Tamar River, once one of the busiest rivers in England, collecting copper from Morwellham and New Quay, is now one of the most beautiful unspoilt navigable rivers in England. It is unique in that it has no road running alongside which has let wildlife take over. The tide times are available from a book in the cottage or ask Keith. Best things to do are to rent a canoe or boat, get on the river and go down to Calstock and beyond and upstream to Morwellham. A great day out is see the Tamar Valley from all angles. Take the car to Calstock and catch the river cruise to Plymouth then catch the train back or vice-versa and maybe take in a meal in the city.

Take Note: The river is tidal and is very fast and very muddy in parts. It should be treated with respect and children should be aware of the dangers.