Our Story
A sanctuary for land, wildlife and people
Our work centres on listening to the land - observing ecological patterns and letting natural processes guide decision-making.
In practice, we draw on tools from the fields of rewilding, traditional habitat management, conservation and nature connection.
Tending our relationship with the earth, we explore the ways in which people and place can thrive together.
We take inspiration from indigenous ways of living lightly, aiming to cultivate a more reciprocal relationship with the land.
And seek a balanced, regenerative way of being on the land, one that nourishes, supports and strengthens the ecosystem as a whole.
Part of an ancient river valley, Polcoombe is located between Polperro and Pelynt in South East Cornwall.
The valley previously formed part of Polean Farm, and was historically used for sheep and cattle grazing.
The Philps family farmed the land for many generations and in 2001, Jan and Ray Philps decided to begin the visionary task of planting over 20,000 native trees - with the hope of giving something back to the land that had supported them for so long.
In 2016, just 15 years later, the valley was bursting with life, filled with birdsong and the buzz of insects. This was the moment that Heather White took over stewardship of the land.
Polcoombe is a simple reflection of the land itself - 'Pol' refers to the local name given to the steam that flows through the land, and ‘Coombe’, meaning valley in old Cornish / English.
Our desire is to continue Jan and Ray’s work, protecting the land and working to enhance and support the growing biodiversity, as well as providing a place where the local community can come together.
Modern life has pushed many people to become separated - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - from the landscapes that once sustained us. We believe that meaningful connection with the natural world is essential to human wellbeing.
What happens when people are not disconnected but reconnected?
They become part of something. Part of a place where people can experience the vitality of a truly wild space; a place for inspiration and healing, for rest, learning, community, and joy.
Here, we are exploring how humans and the land can rejoin one another in a balanced, nurturing relationship.
Polcoombe is a haven - for all life.
Heather White, Steward of Polcoombe
Having worked in nature conservation for much of her life, Heather has witnessed first hand the continued destruction of many of our wild spaces in the UK.
Her commitment to the land is rooted in a deep desire to protect it - not only for human benefit, but for all the life with which we share the earth.
Through her studies in Countryside Management and Ecology, and her practical work as a Countryside Warden and Ecologist, Heather has always had a deep desire to be close to nature and better understand how to serve it.
All her experience, particularly the growing awareness of the land’s needs from her time in conservation, simply led her toward the quiet stewardship of Polcoombe.
It was a chance to put down roots in Polperro and dedicate her passion to a small, wild piece of Cornwall.
