17th July, 2026
We have purchased a woodland on the River Dart in order to protect it in perpetuity.
Ten acres of woodland came up for sale on the opposite side of the River Dart to us at Ham Point and we purchased the land - protecting the vista for Sharpham House and The Bathing House and Boat House holiday lets - also owned and operated by our charity.
The Trust exists to conserve the estate and already owned a section of the woodland along the riverbank opposite Sharpham House. Trustees were keen to extend ownership and thereby protect this important habitat and protect the heritage views across the river, which have been unchanged for hundreds of years.
“As an environmental charity we have become increasingly aware of the threats to the River Dart and the wildlife that relies on it," said Trust Director Julian Carnell.
"Working with our partners Ambios at Lower Sharpham Barton Farm we have recently planted 5,000 trees on the estate but it is also important to protect the fragments of woodland that have survived along the river. Purchasing Ham Point Wood means it will be protected from development and essentially left alone to carry on benefiting nature,” he said.
Julian is also Chair of the River Dart Catchment Partnership which brings together multiple organisations, landowners, farmers and community groups with the aim of improving the condition of the river. Woodland plays an important role in improving water quality and reducing flood risk whilst also supporting a wide range of wildlife. The Partnership aims to work with partners to increase woodland planting across the river's catchment.
“The native woodlands that remain along the Dart have been there for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and have an important role to play ecologically as well as being aesthetically beautiful and good for our mental health, said Julie Richardson Co-Chair of Trustees.
The Sharpham Trust - a registered charity - owns and cares for the historic 550-acre Sharpham Estate on the banks of the River Dart below Totnes.
We operate a variety of mindfulness retreat centres, which welcome around 3,000 people annually to benefit from meditation and spending time in nature.