Nestled in the heart of Somerset, a county renowned for its apple orchards and cider, the nine-acre field site of Beachams Barn Cabins holds a rich ecological history.
Once a vibrant orchard, it has undergone significant transformation over the years. While the apple trees had long since departed before our arrival, the land still bears the imprint of its past.
We are excited to embark on a journey to restore our field to its natural state. With the invaluable guidance of YACWAG, a local environmental group, we aim to rewild the land and create a thriving ecosystem.
By planting native species, we hope to reintroduce biodiversity and enhance the natural beauty of our surroundings.
This project is not only a commitment to sustainability but also a celebration of Somerset’s rich agricultural heritage.
Driven by a desire to restore our land and create a lasting legacy, we embarked on a five-year re-wilding project.
Beyond fulfilling planning requirements, we aim to enrich the local ecosystem. By planting native hedgerows, wildflowers, and trees, we’re reintroducing biodiversity and defining distinct areas within the field.
Our cabin area, ‘The Orchard’, will feature fruit trees to enhance privacy and aesthetics while preserving stunning views. Ultimately, we strive to create a harmonious environment where nature thrives and guests can unwind in peace.
Our re-wilding strategy has been developed in close collaboration with local wildlife consultancy group YACWAG, who have also advised us to plant and encourage a greater variety of wildflowers and grasses, such as yellow Rattle.
This process takes time, but ecology and sustainability is an ongoing and long-term commitment for us here at Beachams barn cabins.
Developed through consultation with YACWAG and The Woodland Trust, the plants we are introducing to the site as part of our extensive re-wilding commitment have all been carefully considered as native and traditional species of the region.
Grasses and flowers selected for their suitability to the damper soil near the stream.
Ragged Robin
Oxeye Daisy
Yellow Rattle
Greater Birdsfoot Trefoil
Knapweed
Cuckoo Flower
Meadow Rue
Meadow Vetchling
Versatile grasses and flowers selected for their suitability to the soil further up the slope.
Knapweed
Cowslip
Oxeye Daisy
Yellow Rattle
Common Birdsfoot Trefoil
Lady’s Bedstraw
Self heal Prunella Vulgaris
Tufted Vetch
Common Vetch
A mix of native plants as recommended by Tthe Woodland Trust:
Goat Willow Salix Caprea
Osier Willow Salix Viminalis
Wild Privet Ligustrum Vulgaris
Guelder Rose Viburnum Opulus
Hazel Corylus Avellana
Hawthorn Crataegus Monogyna
Purging Buckthorn Fraxinus Cathartica
Dogwood Cornus Sanguinea
Holly Ilex aquifolium
Honeysuckle Lonicera Periclymenum
Trees selected for their suitability to the damper soil near the stream.
Alder Alnus Glutinosa
Black Poplar Populus Nigra
Crack Millow Salix Fragilis
Field Maple Acer Campestre
English Oak Quercus Robur
Trees selected for their suitability to the soil and exposure up the slope.
Goat Willow Salix caprea
Osier Willow Salix viminalis
Wild Privet Ligustrum vulgaris
Guelder Rose Viburnum opulus
Hazel Corylus avellana
Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
Purging Buckthorn Fraxinus cathartica
Dogwood Cornus sanguinea
Holly Ilex aquifolium
Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum
Our eco-cabins are built with sustainability at their core.
Elevated on screw piles, they minimise environmental impact by avoiding concrete foundations. The added benefit is these can be removed if and when required, without harming the land.
The timber frame structures, paired with high-performance Rationel windows and doors, ensures optimal energy efficiency.
We’ve chosen an eco-friendly Steico wood fibre insulation to keep the cabins warm in winter and cool in summer. This insulation is a byproduct of the milling process, which reduces waste and create a comfortable environment without harmful VOCs or off-gassing.
To further harmonise with the natural surroundings, our cabins will soon feature grass and sedum “living” roofs, which will reduce surface water runoff and provide a haven for pollinators.
The exterior cladding is crafted from UK-grown larch, repurposing timber salvaged to prevent the spread of tree disease.
These design choices reflect our commitment to minimising our footprint and creating a truly sustainable and luxuriously comfortable retreat, without a guilty conscience.
Fauna
Alongside our plant-focused re-wilding efforts, we’re committed to safeguarding local wildlife.
Endangered horseshoe bats call the surrounding woodlands home, so we’ve carefully considered their needs.
Our cabins are designed to minimise light pollution and their windows face away from the hedgerows to protect these nocturnal creatures.
To support pollinators like bees and insects, we delay cutting the grass, allowing wildflowers to flourish and set seed.
This natural approach enhances the overall biodiversity of our site.
At a macro level, our process aims to increase the abundance of pollinator insects as well as bees, butterflies, crickets, dragonflies, spiders and freshwater life in the stream located at the foot of our site.
Our guests often enjoy spotting a variety of wildlife.
From common creatures like shrews, field mice, and hedgehogs to more elusive species like badgers, deer, and even otters, there’s always the chance for a special encounter.
We’re particularly proud of our resident barn owl, regularly captured on camera, and the heron that frequents our grounds.
Keep an eye out for birds of prey and the distinctive call of a woodpecker.
