Our Story
Our story began in 1950 as a conventional dairy farm, when Arnold Sayers bought 150 acres at Carswell Farm on the South Devon coast.
Since then, the farm has gained organic status, grown in size and diversified. Today, we farm around 3,000 acres across the West Country and run a number of farm-diversification businesses. We are passionate about doing business ethically and organically, in harmony with nature, so that all our products are free of pesticides and nasty chemical processes and we are ensuring the best possible future for our children.
People
It’s the people working in the Carswell Group that make it special. We work hard to provide support and training at every level in our businesses, and provide unique opportunities for experienced people and newcomers alike. The satisfaction of working with animals and the seasons in the beautiful setting of the Devon countryside is what makes us get up in the morning and love coming to work.
Provenance
We want the best and make no excuses for being single-minded with this approach in everything we do. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, with great grass to feed our cows. Whether staying in one of our holiday cottages, or sampling our organic milk, the taste, service and provenance will be of the highest quality ensuring you know that your family are in good hands.
Planet
We are just stewards of the land we manage – we tread as lightly as we can on the planet, nurturing the soil and preserving our environment for future generations. Our cows graze on lusciously nutritious pastures bathed in sunlight on Devonshire hillsides. We have a low carbon footprint because we don’t need fertiliser and we generate more energy from renewable sources than we use.
Click here to learn about our conservation work.
100% Organic
Farming organically is healthier for the soil and our animals and is inherently more sustainable. With regular soil sampling and detailed analyses, we focus on soil health so that we can grow the best quality grass and forage for our cows whilst improving, rather than taking from, the ground we farm.
Our locations
We farm across three locations in South Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. Our Farm Holiday Cottages are based near our home farm in South Devon
Our Farms
Our cows are the starting point for the rest of the business and, without them, our company would not exist. We believe absolutely that organic milk from grass is the healthiest.
Each of our five farms is different, but we all work to the same principles of highest animal welfare and environmental stewardship. By looking after our cows, we are rewarded with the best produce. Together, we produce 7 million litres of organic milk from 3,000 acres of land in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
Block Calving
This means that all the cows in the herd calve at the same time of year. We match the best quality food to the right stage of the cow’s lactation, so when the cows need the most energy to make milk, they have it.
Milk from Forage
Our cows graze fresh grass for at least nine months of the year and preserved grass (silage/haylage) during winter. This means the cows are healthy, free range, and able to eat the food they were designed to.
Best Cow for the system
We use the best genetics from around the world to achieve a cow that is physically strong, productive and best adapted to our land to enjoy a happy, long life.
Our Holiday Cottages
In a small corner of the stunning South Devon countryside, with fresh sea air and the most beautiful scenery, you will find Carswell Farm. Tucked away on the South Devon coast, our seven holiday cottages are right in the heart of our large working organic dairy farm and yet only a few minutes walk from the coast path and secluded beaches and coves, including our own private cove.
An Ideal Location for Family Holidays
You’ll never be short of anything to keep the children occupied when staying at Carswell Farm Holiday Cottages.
Holiday Cottages Near the Sea
We are located right on the South Devon Coast and only a short distance away from sandy beaches and blue sea.
Dog Friendly Holiday Cottages
There is no need to leave you dog back at home, our holiday cottages welcome all well behaved dogs.
Weddings at Carswell Farm
Welcome to Carswell Weddings, a coastal Devon wedding retreat. A spectacular venue where you have the freedom to create your country wedding. Enjoy the countryside experience and give your guests something to remember with this very special, Devon seaside wedding venue.
Local Suppiers
We can help you with a selection of great local suppliers, so you get the best of what the area has to offer for your wedding day. To find a great Devon marquee, tepee or yurt company, wedding caterer, florist, photographer, makeup artist or event hire company.
Accommodation for your Guests
Sitting on the South Devon Coast Path which leads to neighbouring county Cornwall, this coastal Devon wedding venue offers stunning views, a variety of holiday cottage accommodation to suit everyone and most importantly a space to make your own and share with your family and loved ones.
Work for us
If you love cows and grass, and want to develop your career with the goal of having your own herd to manage within a few years, please contact us. We aren’t currently recruiting for any of our farms but do contact us if you’d like your details to be kept on file.
Get in touch here
If you’re interested in a specific part of our business or if you’d simply like to know more about the Carswell Group do email us by clicking the button below or you can find us at:
Carswell Farm
Holbeton
Nr Plymouth
Devon PL8 1HH
Phone: 01752 830 282