At Lympstone Manor Estate, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a fundamental part of how we cultivate our English vineyard and care for the wider estate. From nurturing vibrant ecosystems to protecting water and working with our local community, every decision we make is guided by a long-term commitment to environmental wellbeing.
Our vineyard, with 17,500 vines planted in the fertile Exe Estuary valley, sits at the heart of our estate. This vineyard is managed with respect for nature, using low-intervention techniques that prioritise soil health, biodiversity and ecological balance throughout the year. Grass is maintained between vine rows to encourage soil life and prevent erosion, a key tenet of sustainable viticulture that promotes strong roots and resilient land.
Sustainability in the vineyard goes beyond the vines themselves. We aim to enhance the natural landscape, actively planting pollinator-friendly species and creating habitats that support bees, insects, and other wildlife. The introduction of estate beehives brings local biodiversity to life and helps sustain crucial pollinator populations. Our thriving bee population plays a crucial role in maintaining the rich biodiversity that surrounds our vineyard.
Almost as soon as the grapes have been harvested, the vineyard begins its gentle transition into winter. The foliage turns rich autumnal colours, a beautiful sight across the slopes, before the leaves eventually fall away. At this point, one final task remains before the year draws to a close, welcoming a flock of sheep into the vineyard. Our Poll Dorset sheep, tendered by local Powderham farmer Ben Mortimer, act as natural lawn mowers, carefully grazing between the vine rows to control grass growth. This time-honoured, sustainable practice reduces the need for mechanical mowing while their presence also provides eco-friendly fertilisation, enriching the soil naturally. As the vineyard rests and recovers through the colder months, this harmonious cycle supports long-term sustainability, allowing the land to regenerate in readiness for the new growing season. And so, the natural rhythm of the English vineyard begins again.
Biodiversity is a central pillar of sustainable land stewardship. Healthy vineyards and landscapes benefit from a variety of plants and animals working in harmony. Research shows that diverse ecosystems in vineyards can improve soil fertility, support natural pest control, and enhance ecosystem services essential to agricultural resilience.
Depending on the conditions, spray treatments may be required to control or eliminate vineyard maladies, including powdery and downy mildews in addition to botrytis. We keep treatments to a minimum as we favour a low intervention approach.
At Lympstone Manor Estate, we embrace sustainability from allowing parts of the estate to re-wild naturally to inviting guests to find out more about the vineyard during our growing season vineyard tours. Lympstone Manor Estate nature walks start on the estate highlighting the importance of ecological balance and allowing guests to spot birds and wildlife thriving in the local vicinity.
Water stewardship is another priority. Being close to the Exe Estuary brings both beauty and responsibility. The estate carefully manages water runoff and monitors flood risks, integrating natural flood defences into landscape planning and preserving the historic boundary of the estate. These measures help protect both our vineyard and surrounding habitats against extreme weather, reflecting a broader commitment to climate resilience.
Sustainability also means collaboration. We work with our neighbour the National Trust to preserve the land and encourage nature into our own park land. This partnership fosters a shared vision for environmental stewardship and extend our impact beyond the estate’s borders and build a stronger network for landscape-wide conservation. Whether through educational vineyard tours or joint biodiversity efforts, community engagement remains central to our ethos.
The vineyard’s sustainable practices support more than our award-winning wine, they nurture a thriving landscape where nature and agriculture flourish side by side. By supporting bees, enhancing biodiversity, protecting natural waterways and working with our neighbours, we aim to ensure a vibrant future for our estate and for the generations who will wander the landscape long after us.
At Lympstone Manor, sustainability sits at the heart of everything we do.
Read more about our sustainability initiatives at Lympstone Manor Hotel and Lympstone Manor Estate Vineyard.
