Rosanna Rothery meets Yolanda Cruwys and Ben Horne, a couple living in 300 acres of rewilded Devon wilderness at Cove Valley, where nature thrives and guests revive
A red deer nestles up to Yolanda Cruwys, appealing to her to stroke its slender neck. Not to be outdone, a pair of wild boars survey this remarkable love-in before trotting over, rolling onto their backs and inviting her to rub their stomachs.
If that sounds like a scene from Snow White, it has to be said that there is a distinct fairytale quality to Cove Valley, a rewilding project in the Exe Valley on the edge of Exmoor National Park.
Yolanda and husband Ben Horne are helping facilitate a wilderness that’s designed to bring nature (and those willing to embrace it) fully back to life. Spending a few nights in one of their three rustic-chic cabins is a chance to allow the tranquility of the countryside to seep into the soul and restore the spirit.
Call of the wild
It’s not unreasonable to surmise that hanging out with wild animals (preferably ones that are demonstrably affectionate) makes you a better human being. And those looking to test the theory will find plenty of convivial creatures to convene with in Cove Valley’s hillside enclosure.
Yolanda and Ben, who spend their time living and working on the land with their two children Yohana and Yula, have taken this human-animal connection a step further.
‘My friends have often said I am Snow White, especially when we had a rescued deer called Tallulah residing with us in the house,’ says Yolanda. ‘I can live with them calling me that because that’s who I wanted to be when I was a child.’
A slice of wilderness
The couple’s rewilding project covers 300 acres and is a collaborative effort with their neighbouring Cove landowners. Yolanda, who grew up near Tiverton, studied Animal Science at university, and Ben’s family have been involved in rewilding projects across Europe and Scotland.
Ben manages a property portfolio, and the couple bought the farm at Cove with a view to cultivating the land and rearing animals. However, its steep hills and difficult terrain led them to return it to its natural state instead. And now, after refraining from grazing and land management practices, they are witnessing the return of diverse species of flora and fauna.
‘Our vision was to create a mosaic of habitats by introducing low numbers of red deer, longhorn cattle and iron-age pigs,’ says Yolanda. ‘We’re using proxy animals to fulfil the ecological roles of extinct breeds that would have been native to Devon.’
During walks along the trails or when visiting the feeding stations dotted around the land, it’s not unknown to spy turtle doves, beavers, badgers, red deer, ponies and storks.
‘It’s not just about the large untamed animals though,’ says Yolanda. ‘Our skies are full of swallows and songbirds, and we have mallard ducks paddling through the wetlands keeping the ecosystem in check.
‘Guests may also catch a glimpse of shy hazel dormice, which we’ve been helping to protect through the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme.’
Reconnecting with the countryside
Beyond the fauna, this rewilding project is also about transforming people’s lives by helping them reconnect with the natural world. Cove Valley is ideal if you want a getaway that includes forest bathing, hiking, stargazing, foraging or simply chilling out in a beautiful landscape.
‘The bigger part of the story is bringing people back to nature and reconnecting them with the countryside,’ says Yolanda. ‘We all need reminding that we’re part of nature and that it has the power to heal.’
One way the couple are doing that is by inviting people to stay in one of their cabins: Chatan, Ukai and Hopi.
Woodland wonderland
Tree tourism has never been more popular. Spending time in the woods (also known as forest bathing) is said to boost health and wellbeing. Those in search of such arboreal adventures couldn’t do better than to squirrel themselves away in Chatan. The two-storey treehouse is romantic, with a gorgeous picnic spot just a short hike away. The wild at heart may prefer Ukai, a woodland lookout with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views of the forest and a Big Green Egg for alfresco cooking.
Hopi, meanwhile, feels like a hideaway for those looking for pure escapism. With stunning views of sunsets over the Exe Valley, its decked platform is an awe-inspiring spot for a summer sundowner or a morning coffee while planning the day’s walks. It also has its own dome-shaped sauna.
‘It’s lovely to invite people to come and see what we’re doing and be part of the story,’ says Yolanda. ‘And the cabins are a nice way to do that.
‘The main thing is for people to get away from the crazy busyness of day-to-day life and slow down a little. We purposely haven’t put TVs in the cabins, although they do all have wifi, so they’re good for creatives still looking to work while being immersed in nature.’
Luxury in the wild
A ranch-style aesthetic runs through each of the cabins, which were designed by the couple’s friend Tom Cox of HAM Interiors. Natural materials, Navajo-inspired fabrics, timber cladding, Commune toiletries and original artworks of native animals are all in keeping with the surrounding environment. Each cabin has a private outdoor wood-fired bath (at Ukai you can literally forest bathe in a tub secluded among the trees) and outdoor cooking facilities.
‘Tom’s got an amazing eye,’ says Yolanda. ‘We asked him to use as much rustic and reclaimed material as possible because we wanted each cabin to blend with the landscape and look as if it had always been there.’
The results are stunning. Each of the remote cabins exudes rustic luxe so guests can disappear into nature without sacrificing luxury.
Rewilding in action
When it comes to rewilding, Yolanda and Ben are letting the land take the lead.
‘It’s quite a hands-off approach,’ says Yolanda. ‘Nature knows what it’s doing, and we are simply learning from it as we go. There’s no real rulebook on how to do rewilding.’
The couple welcome others to share the experience with them, whether as a guest in a cabin or as an event host or participant. Cove Valley has a stone circle for outdoor gatherings, additional camping space and The Roundhouse which can be hired for private events.
‘Once people come here, the story tells itself,’ says Yolanda. ‘Sometimes, though, it’s hard to get that narrative across with just a couple of photos and a reel on Instagram. People need to experience Cove Valley – and its very special energy – for themselves.’
Yolanda’s Food Lifestyle
Favourite finds?
‘I like looking for vintage stuff at markets. I love The Frome Independent and South Molton Salvage Fair. The Antique Village near Exeter is a lovely day out – it has a beautiful cafe and lots of independent sellers.’
Where do you eat out?
‘My favourite local place is The Lost Kitchen near Tiverton, which specialises in wood-fired feasting and rustic menus. The Swan in Bampton is a lovely pub and uses natural fermentation, pickling and foraging to create its menus.’
Where do you shop for food?
‘I’m strict on everything being organic and grow a lot of our food, supplemented by the occasional Riverford box. I occasionally visit local markets, as well as Fordmore Farm Shop near Cullompton.’
