Ebdon Farm

A beacon for nature's recovery on the North Somerset Levels and Moors

Our most ambitious project yet - letting nature lead the way

Avon Wildlife Trust has acquired a former dairy farm on the North Somerset Levels and Moors, called Ebdon Farm.

This is our most ambitious and exciting project to date, transforming 44 hectares of land close to the Severn estuary.

We're currently in the discovery phase, finding out more about the plants and animals that already live on the farm and exploring the options for improving the habitats.

Local communities will play a key role in sharing what they love about their area, to help guide our work at Ebdon Farm, and we will take time to meet and talk to our new neighbours, local interest groups, businesses, and councillors.

Introducing Ebdon Farm (https://youtu.be/p0JmSE1s6pA)

A haven for special species

Ebdon Farm sits around two kilometres from the coast, making it the ideal future location for the Severn estuary’s wading birds and wildfowl to roost when the tide is high. As sea levels rise, high tide roosts will become increasingly important as shorelines feel the squeeze.

Supporting our vision

We’re grateful to one of our long-standing supporters, Peter Lord CBE, animator, director, producer and co-founder of award-winning Aardman Animations.

Peter has been a member and supporter of Avon Wildlife Trust for more than 20 years and has donated generously towards our ambitions to purchase new land for nature.

“I had a delightful visit to Ebdon Farm and this project is a wonderful and inspiring one. I admire the team’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the site, and I can’t wait to see nature return and thrive here. I hope others will be inspired to support Avon Wildlife Trust too.”

Peter Lord CBE

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation has acquired the farm on behalf of Avon Wildlife Trust and provided a two-year window to allow time for the Trust to raise funds to take ownership over the long-term.

The Ebdon Farm project has been supported with development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to allow the project to progress its plans to apply for a full grant at a later date. This will enable the Trust to discover more about the habitats and wildlife on the farm, and to liaise with the local community about what makes this location special and what would make a good community resource in the future.

Image of Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund logos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about Ebdon Farm?

Ebdon Farm is surrounded by sites of ecological importance and within an area classified as a priority habitat. It is perfectly placed to provide connectivity between existing designated sites and the Severn Estuary, which is a site of international importance.

To make a meaningful positive difference to biodiversity, we need more land managed for nature. Ebdon Farm is an opportunity to accelerate this process.

Avon Wildlife Trust is also focusing efforts on climate adaptation, to help prepare for the effects of a changing climate. This includes approaching land management in a way that builds future climate resilience.

Habitat creation and improvement will ease the pressure on species that are vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate, such as wading birds on intertidal areas.

What are the plans for Ebdon Farm?

We're currently in the discovery phase - finding out more about the land, the wildlife that lives here, and what the site means to local people.

The community will help to shape future plans, as we learn more by speaking to people who use the site and live nearby.

We have a vision for Ebdon Farm as a place where nature thrives at the heart of the community.

Can I visit Ebdon Farm?

As we are at the beginning of the project, there is currently no visitor infrastructure or car parking.

There is a bridleway across the farm, but there will be hazards away from the bridleway. If you do visit the area on foot, please keep to the recognised paths and away from outbuildings and structures that may be unsafe.

We will provide regular updates including images from the site.

How has Avon Wildlife Trust acquired the land?

We have received support from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation who have purchased the land on our behalf. The Trust has leased the land and has two years to buy the land from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, through fundraising.

The farm was auctioned on the open market in reasonably sized plots.

Avon Wildlife Trust has secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the discovery phase of the project.

We have also received generous support from long-standing member Peter Lord CBE, who has inspired our vision for acquiring land for nature.