Dartington & Staverton

The ward covering Dartington and Staverton sits in the western part of the South Hams district of Devon in England, tucked into the valley of the River Dart just a short distance from Totnes. It is a predominantly rural area of rolling farmland, orchards and lanes, with riverside meadows and small hamlets giving it a distinctly countryside character while remaining within easy reach of the market town.

Culturally the area is best known for the historic Dartington Hall estate - noted for its medieval hall, gardens, arts programmes and the presence of Schumacher College - which brings a steady stream of visitors and creative activity. The local economy mixes agriculture and small-scale food and craft businesses with tourism and a cluster of creative and educational organisations, and the communities here are often described as engaged and culturally active, linked to Totnes’s well-known alternative and sustainability scene.