A couple’s awe-inspiring stay at a 400-acre project dedicated to restoring natural habits and missing species. 

Where is it? 

Located near to Launceston and the Cornish border in west Devon, Coombeshead Rewilding is close to the village of Lifton and a short drive from the A30.  

What's the accommodation like? 

Our off-grid shepherd’s hut was cosy and comfortable, with a bed that even accommodated my six-foot-plus partner and a log burner in which we toasted marshmallows.  A short walk from the hut stood the shelter housing a shower and another with a composting toilet, mounted at the top of two steps like a rustic throne.  Camping is also an option.

What did you eat and drink? 

Although the accommodation at Coombeshead Rewilding is off grid in terms of power, it is set up well for self-catering and all the huts have a covered outdoor kitchen area. Ours was stocked with a two-ring gas burner, stovetop kettle, cutlery, crockery and basic cooking equipment, plus we had access to a larger communal kitchen with barbecue, pizza oven and space to socialise with other guests.  

We picked up local produce from the nearby Strawberry Fields Farm Shop while using its EV chargers and, tempted by a breakfast menu offering everything from pastries to kippers, on our final morning we tried out The Arundell, one of several local pubs serving food. We both ended up choosing the full English, complete with a regional sausage known as hog’s pudding. 

What is there to do? 

Coombeshead Rewilding is all about immersing yourself in the surroundings and the project offers a selection of activities, some of which are open to non-residents, led by hugely knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.  

On our first evening, Nick took us on the beaver spotting trip. As well as unexpectedly encountering a barn owl, we saw how these semi-aquatic creatures have revived the wetland area since being reintroduced. We saw more of their industriousness the next morning during the wild walk with Tay and began to appreciate how these amazing mammals create havens for other wildlife large and small.  

Tay also conducted the animal encounters tour, during which we saw the Coombeshead Rewilding breeding projects close-up – meaning we also got close-up to native wildcats as well as white storks, both of which used to be common in Britain. It was like forest school for grown-ups. 

What do I need to pack? 

Sturdy footwear such as walking boots for exploring the site plus flipflops for using the shower and toilet. Headtorches were essential at night.  You’ll also want some binoculars as you begin to more attuned to natural world around you.  

Lasting memory 

Approaching the pond with our gaze fixed firmly on the water looking for beavers, we stopped dead in our tracks as a huge white barn owl silently glided out in front of us and disappeared into the fading light. That’s the magic of Coombeshead Rewilding: you start out looking for one thing, only to find so much more.  

Sainsbury's magazine  insider tip 

Take a couple of battery packs for charging your phone. There is a solar-powered USB socket in the hut, but you’ll need some extra oomph because of all the photos you’ll want to take.