Below are some insights into what we are aiming to achieve at Combe Grove regarding the land and our plans to protect, conserve and improve all that we have here.
The focus at Combe Grove centres on the conservation, protection, and enhancement of the land’s natural resources. This initiative aims to promote health and vitality, both for individuals and the surrounding ecosystem. As custodians of the land, there is a strong recognition of the essential role played in preserving and enhancing the landscape. The estate provides vital natural resources, including food, water, clean air, energy, timber, fibre, and minerals. Furthermore, engagement with nature has been shown to yield significant health benefits, promoting overall well-being. There is a commitment to nurturing all forms of life and restoring a harmonious connection with the land.
Land Management Practices
Since its acquisition in 2017, there has been a focused effort to understand the land, its inhabitants, and its historical context. This understanding informs responsive land management strategies. A combination of traditional and innovative techniques, including Permaculture design, is employed to foster biodiversity and enhance productivity sustainably. Permaculture is an ethical design methodology that supports the establishment and maintenance of sustainable settlements in ecologically balanced ways.
Key land management practices include:
- Wildlife Monitoring: Regular observation of the diverse species inhabiting the estate and implementation of wildlife-friendly management practices.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Avoidance of hedge cutting and tree felling during the bird nesting season to protect avian populations.
- Meadow Management: Employment of traditional methods to encourage the growth of wildflowers and grass species, which in turn support a variety of invertebrates, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
- Organic Practices: Commitment to pesticide-free management by utilising organic techniques.
Biodiversity of Wildlife, Plants, and Trees
The estate’s grounds have been allowed to rewild over many years, benefitting the local wildlife population. This has resulted in sightings of roe deer, rabbits, badgers, foxes, slow worms, and grass snakes, alongside a rich variety of insects and bird species. The diverse habitat is supported by a mosaic of woodland, scrubland, grassland, hedgerows, and a large spring that feeds several rivulets within Eastwood.
Comprising 70 acres, of which over half is woodland, the estate includes two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, which are home to endangered species such as the Lesser and Greater Horseshoe Bat. These bats roost in extensive mines located within the downland plateau of Combe Down, north of the manor house. Additionally, two extensive badger sets, which may be generations old, can be found on the property, with the best viewing opportunities occurring in June and July when the cubs are most active above ground.
Eastwood, the oldest woodland on the estate, is approximately two hundred years old. Its unmanaged state has resulted in a structurally diverse habitat that supports numerous woodland species, as well as a rich array of plants and trees, including some of the largest and oldest oaks and beeches. During the peak summer months, the species-rich grassland flourishes with various wildflowers and grasses, supported by calcareous soil that facilitates exceptional plant diversity. From June to July, Pyramidal Orchids and Bee Orchids can be found scattered throughout the meadows.
Henry VIII granted the site of Combe Grove to Humphrey Colles in 1542. It was later sold to Matthew Colthurst, MP for Bath. However, the first mention of the present dwelling dates to 1698, when it was reportedly owned by “a merchant from Grave’s End”.
The history of Combe Grove dates back to 1542 when Henry VIII granted the site to Humphrey Colles. Subsequently, it was sold to Matthew Colthurst, MP for Bath. The earliest recorded mention of the current dwelling appears in 1698, when it was owned by a merchant from Gravesend. In 1706, a local family, who had resided in the village since the 1500s, occupied the property. Over the years, various renovations and extensions were made, including the planting of a grove of fir trees, which inspired the property’s name.
Notably, between 1748 and 1790, the Methodist preacher John Wesley frequently visited, delivering sermons from the terrace to congregations on the lawns below. The house changed ownership multiple times before being acquired by the Vaughan-Jenkins family in 1810, who retained ownership until 1968. Following this, the property was let to Audrey Easter, who converted it into unfurnished apartments for individuals who preferred not to maintain a household. Permanent residents included notable figures such as Rex Harrison, Kay Kendall, and the actor and composer Ivor Novello, along with his mother.
The Estate’s grand entrance from Brassknocker Hill originally featured wrought iron gates showcased at the Great Exhibition of London in 1851, costing £300. The health club, Cannon’s, was established in the early 1970s, managed by Ron Clarke MBE, an Australian athlete who competed against Roger Bannister. In March 2017, Combe Grove was purchased by The Elmhurst Foundation, a charitable trust that has since transformed it into a Centre of Health and Wellbeing, providing club memberships, Metabolic Health Retreats, and apprenticeships for the local community.
Community Engagement
Updates and events related to the ongoing initiatives at Combe Grove can be followed on the official Facebook page, which includes information on events, talks, workshops, and opportunities for work and volunteering.
