MANNA FROM DEVON

Holly and David have long been advocates for wilder spaces. Their global travels and love of food has developed within them a deep respect for the natural world and a strong understanding of the vital connection between natural ecosystems and human food supplies. In recent years they have brought a little of this concept to the Manna From Devon gardens.

As Holly and David etched out space in the grounds to create an outdoor teaching area they were careful not to destroy the numerous wildflower species that thrive in the walls and wilder parts of the garden. They also chose not to remove any natural materials from the site, instead they created wood and stone piles which have become fantastic habitats for all kinds of insects and invertebrates.

Alongside the wildflowers, Holly and David have introduced herbs and other edible plants to the garden, that not only complement their cookery, but attract a wonderful array of bees, bugs and butterflies. All the creatures that live in the habitats that have been created support larger wildlife from amphibians and reptiles to mammals and birds.

Guests can enjoy being immersed in the natural world as they cook in the woodfired ovens amongst the wildlife and trees. Nuthatches, treecreepers, thrushes and numerous songbirds flit through the canopy while butterflies, bees and pollinators enjoy the wildflowers beneath. Countless minibeasts within the wood piles and undergrowth attract frogs, lizards and hedgehogs. And if you are lucky enough to have booked a course that runs into the evening you will hear tawny owls calling to each other as you watch bats picking moths out of the sky.

Not only is supporting our wildlife the right thing to do, it also creates a wonderful environment in which to live and work. Holly and David are passionate about wood-fired cooking and surely there can be no better place to experience this than outside, surrounded by the natural world.

Follow the Manna From Devon story @BeWild.UK