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Stags is delighted to have been part of the Calverleigh Wetlands project, which won the prestigious Land Management & Sustainable Development Award at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Awards 2026 National Final on 22nd October 2026.
Located near Tiverton, the project has transformed four hectares of farmland into a new wetland habitat, delivering benefits for wildlife, water management, and the long-term resilience of the farming business.
Works began in 2025, with the project bringing together a number of organisations and specialists to transform the site into a new wetland habitat. By freeing a small stream from the constraints of its deeply incised banks and creating a network of ponds and pools, the scheme has established a thriving wetland environment while also providing wider practical benefits.
In addition to creating valuable habitat for wetland birds, amphibians, aquatic insects, and specialist plant species, the project is helping to improve flood resilience, enhance water quality, and provide fresh summer grazing for livestock. The scheme demonstrates how environmental delivery and productive farming can work hand in hand, and the project was praised for showcasing how sustainable land management can support resilient landscapes while delivering wider environmental benefits.
The project was made possible through the commitment of landowner Billy Heathcoat Amory and the collaborative efforts of Devon Wildlife Trust's Working Wetlands team, North Devon UNESCO Biosphere's Devon Woods project, South West Water, Springwater Farm, and South West Natural Solutions. Stags was involved throughout the project, assisting with vacant possession negotiations, providing support in relation to grant funding and helping with RPA mapping requirements.
The award highlights the value of partnership working and demonstrates how practical environmental projects can deliver lasting benefits for farming businesses, water management, and the wider landscape.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding project and well-deserved national recognition!
If you are interested in, or require further information about environmental schemes or land management projects, get in touch with our Professional Services team.
