VENISON from deer shot on the grounds of Castle Drogo and in the Teign Valley has won a prestigious National Trust Fine Farm Produce Award.

Deer roam through the Castle Drogo estate and the Teign Valley, a landscape with a diverse habitat , including sites of special scientific interest, ancient woodland, heathland and low input grassland. This combines to create an excellent natural and varied diet reflected in the quality of the venison.

The wild population of roe and fallow deer have been managed for 30 years, and head ranger Mick Jones has been involved in their management for the past fifteen. This is the first time the Teign Valley has received the coveted stamp of approval.

Mick said: 'The venison used to be sold off to game dealers and butchers on an ad hoc basis with a small amount sold at the Drogo café after being butchered locally. 

'It's only in the last two years, thanks to the installation of a larder on the Drogo estate, that we have been able to take control of the venison produced and ensure a high standard of production.'

Judge Richard McGeown remarked that the Teign Valley venison was 'mouth watering with good depth of flavour from the shoulder'.

The awards, supported by Freedom Food and now in their eighth year, celebrate the breadth and quality of produce grown, reared or made on special places owned or managed by the National Trust, including tenant farms, orchards and gardens. 

Other winners from Devon this year included double cream from Ashclyst Farm and Red Devon beef from Burrow Farm.