Herb Heaven Devon

Herb Heaven Devon is an independent artisanal herb farm in South Devon located 5 miles north of Salcombe near Bigbury. Founded in 2018 on previously unused agricultural land, from this tranquil rural valley location in the heart of the South Hams countryside and in an Area Of Outstanding Beauty, founders Lynda and David spend their time working with the land to grow the differing herbs and plants that flourish in these surroundings and that the bees love. Life in the slow lane suits them very well, preferring traditional methods, no dig, no chemicals and very little machinery. Sowing, growing and harvesting at nature’s own pace creating delightful teas, flavoursome culinary herbs and wonderful candles and aromas.

Production is concentrated around the traditional Spring and Summer growing seasons. There are three stages to production; sowing, growing and harvesting, throughout which they use no pesticides and practice traditional pest control techniques, such as companion planting (for example planting thyme in with roses has acted to deter aphids and other problematic insects). To support and enhance the soil they only use natural fertilisers, a ‘fertiliser tea’ brewed from comfrey and nettles, seaweed or their own compost.

Sowing typically starts indoors in their polytunnel in March and April with additional sowing for the next Spring’s early crops in in August and September.

Throughout the Spring and Summer growing season life on the farm moves with the rhythm of the land and nature, being dependent on heat and dampness. The harvesting and drying of each herb differs, those with thicker leaves generally containing more moisture and therefore having longer drying times. Wherever possible all herbs are naturally air dried on the farm, with a dehydrator used only for more complex or thicker herbs and flowers.

Once dried all herbs are carefully blended into a variety of products produced by Herb Heaven Devon, be it with their hand blended herbal teas or culinary herbal blends. Only then are they carefully packed and offered for sale.

Herb Heaven Devon love of the slow life and the stewardship of their land drives them to work with other independent businesses, farm shops and Village shops across South Devon, Lynda is part of their local village shop committee, which encourages people to buy and shop locally, the are part of the local Bigbury Net Zero Project and are actively working with local businesses and community to reduce their carbon footprint. They are also supporting the Avon Valley projects wildlife and nature groups to connect, support and grow the habitats of local wildlife on their own and adjoining land.

Founded from a shared love of the countryside, Herb Heaven Devon founders and partners Lynda and David first made a connection on the nature lovers dating site Muddy Matches in 2017. Having then met in person a few times, it was in a Tea shop in Totnes not that many weeks later while discussing their dreams, they realised that they both wanted the same thing; a piece of land to call their own, shared with someone that they loved, near or around the South Hams and to do something meaningful together for the rest of their lives.

From there on the practicalities of making this shared vision and dream come true took over. Lynda sold her flat in Hove and together they set about searching for the ideal plot of land; not too steep, too flat or covered in concrete. Finally, while searching online, on one Sunday morning they found their new home, a small plot in South Hams which they viewed that very afternoon and purchased at auction the following Tuesday. Herb Heaven Devon was born.

Free spirit David spend his early life travelling and working around Europe, working first fruit picking on a kibbutz in Israel. On his return to England he settled in Devon building a career in logistics, before co-founding a successful organic food production business. David’s understanding and knowledge of logistics, food safety and production processes have been key to bringing Herb Heaven Devon’s product to market. David shares Lynda’s love of the outdoors and relishes the time they spend together farming their herbs.