ABOUT US
Birling Estate is a beautiful family-owned estate, nestled along the south-facing slopes of the North Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just one-hour from London.
Comprising 1800 acres of arable, pasture and woodland which are now part of a modern diversified rural business, but one that has conservation and restoration at its core.
Since taking over as Managing Partner, I’ve used the knowledge gained from 20 years’ experience as an environmental engineer to diversify the estate’s portfolio.
Everything we do is driven by a love for the land and for nature. Our enterprises will be viewed through a lens of climate change, biodiversity loss, health & wellbeing, and culture & heritage. Providing positive impact either through our own operations or educating others.
Guy Nevill
OUR VALUES
We believe in being a place where people, nature and enterprise can flourish in harmony.
Our vision is to become a regenerative estate; through building communities, ecosystems and circular economy. Home to inspiring places and world class wine.
Our mission is to build a beautiful and resilient business that will breathe life into the estate and create ripples of positive change. And to enjoy the journey…
OUR HISTORY
In 2035, the Nevill family will have been custodians of this piece of land for 600 years and 20 generations. We’ve taken inspiration from our family crest – Ne vile velis – ‘form no mean wish’ to govern our approach to the next phase of the Estate’s continuing story.
Probably our favourite Nevill of Birling over the generations is Sir George, 5th Baron Bergavenny.
Sir George was Chief Larderer for Henry VIII – the renowned gourmond – and also competed for him in France in 1520 on the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Not one to sit around, he also held the post of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.
His son, Henry Nevill, also managed to keep in with the Royal Family; Queen Elizabeth I is recorded as having visited him in Birling for a few days as part of her travels in 1573.
The Manor of Birling was originally part of the possessions of Odo, Bishop of Baieux, half-brother of William the Conqueror. Following that Ralph de Curva Spina resided at the Manor House of Birling called Comfort until 1154, it then passed through various families to Elizabeth Beauchamp, daughter of the Earl of Worcester, who married Sir Edward Nevill in 1435. At that time it was a deer park and has remained in the Nevill family ever since.
The very shortlived Birling Manor House was built in the 1830’s by the Hon. Rev. William Nevill, later the 4th Earl of Abergavenny. But early in the morning of January 17th 1917 fire broke out and the house was almost totally demolished – bringing to an end what was at the time a central part of village life.
VINEYARD
In 2022 we planted 27,000 vines in partnership with Westwell Wines, with plans to plant 40 acres in total across our south-facing, chalky slopes.
We’ll be growing four varieties – including Burgundian clones of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Ortega. This will help Westwell to double production and enable us to start up our own brand.
We can’t wait to produce some fantastic wines that are the ultimate expression of our beautiful corner of Kent.
Wines will be available from 2027, so follow @birlingestate on Instagram for more updates.
FARMING
Farming on the Estate has moved with the times; the hop fields and orchards so apparent in the old tithe maps have been replaced with arable, pasture and more recently a small flock of native and rare breed hill sheep.
All crops grown on the estate are food grade – milling wheat, malting barley, and naked oats – rather than going to animal feed. Each year we typically grow 2000 tons of wheat which produces a staggering 3.5 million loaves of bread!
The 1000 acres of arable and 100 acres of pasture are managed under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. This is apparent in the wildflower field margins, uncut hedgerows and winter cover crops.
OFF-GRID WOODLAND CAMPING
A stay at Badgells Wood is a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature, with others and with yourself. A place for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
PROPERTY
We have a range of period cottages and more modern homes that occasionally come available on the Estate and locally in Birling Village.
We also offer commercial units between 500-3000sqft; former agricultural buildings converted to storage, workshops and office space with views over our countryside.
Our vision is to build up an offering of craft-based, designer-maker and artisanal businesses for the local community to enjoy.
Please email us to register an interest in joining the other small businesses such as Nature’s Goods and Kent Brewery on Birling Estate.
WEDDINGS
Our secluded outdoor event space, The Manor Gardens, offers couples the opportunity to celebrate their special day with family and friends, surrounded by nature.
Guests are provided with sole use of the grounds – with manicured lawns and pockets of woodland – in which to design their dream woodland or festival wedding.
Our Giant Hat Tipi offers a romantic, covered setting for dining or dancing the night away, and glamping facilities can be provided for those who want to enjoy a post-wedding brunch the next morning.
