Wellshead Farm & Estate
Beyond farming, we provide services related to the creation, registration and sale of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units and other environmental credits, helping landowners like us take advantage of emerging opportunities.
"We care about preserving the Exmoor way of life and endeavour to do whatever we can to preserve and invest in it; by supporting local schools, shops and health centres, providing employment, and protecting the environment."
Henry Rawson
Owner, Wellshead Farm & EstateOn The Farm
Wellshead is primarily a livestock farm with a small arable operation. We specialise in producing heritage Red Devon cattle and Exmoor Horn sheep, both traditional breeds of the English Southwest. Our farm manager, Ricky Atkins, oversees the Larkbarrow Herd, known for their quality beef and strong pedigree, while our hardy Exmoor Horn flock has earned recognition at county shows and beyond.
Wellshead Natural Capital
As farmers, we understand the challenges of declining payments, with the Basic Payment Scheme ending by 2027. For those seeking to diversify, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) offers a way forward supporting nature without sacrificing agriculture
We founded Wellshead Natural Capital (WNC) to help navigate these opportunities. Run by farmers, for farmers, WNC offers practical advice on natural capital projects. We partner with landowners to create and sell BNG units, providing valuable income for farm businesses.
Not Just Business
Since 2010, we've planted 43,000 trees and expanded Exmoor Trees, a local nursery, increasing its capacity from 50,000 to 500,000 trees annually. We've also supported our community's infrastructure by saving the village shop, The Exmoor Stores, from permanent closure.
For Nature
We’ve adapted our farming to better support nature. By reducing ploughing, we keep more carbon in the soil and minimise our use of artificial fertilisers.
We’ve installed solar panels on our barns, recycle rainwater at our tree nursery, and are restoring woodland, digging ponds, and maintaining heathland to boost wildlife and biodiversity. Our next step is exploring electric farm vehicles to reduce diesel use.
