Woolsery's rebirth: Couple's vision transforms North Devon village

Imagine trying to revive your ancestors' little North Devon village. 

Well that is exactly what Michael Birch did.

Located near Clovelly, the village of Woolfardisworthy, also known as Woolsery, has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to the efforts of one couple and the employment of local villagers.

Michael, who is also co-founder of social networking site Bebo, started the project with a mission to rescue the 350-year-old Farmers Arms pub in Woolsery. 

What began as a personal endeavour to preserve his ancestral roots blossomed into a transformative project known today as The Collective at Woolsery.

Michael explained on the Collective’s website stating: “When I was a child, we would visit Devon every Easter and summer, without fail. Although my grandmother had moved to Bideford, her brother Cyril still lived in the village, and I so looked forward to our trips there. I would hear all about our family connections: how my great grandfather had built the shop and how the graveyard was full of distant relatives.”

The project dates back to 2015 when plans emerged to convert the pub, The Farmers Arms into flats, a fate that would have erased centuries of memories from the village. 

Michael had heard of the pub's potential fate, and couldn't bear to see the historic landmark vanish. 

With his American wife, Xochi, by his side, Michael decided to work with architects to offer a new lease of life into the dilapidated pub.

The project began with the pub, but soon grew into something much larger - a mission to breathe new life into every corner of Woolsery. 

As news spread of Michael and Xochi's acquisition of the pub and their plans for its restoration, fellow villagers came forward, offering to sell neglected buildings and businesses in need of care and restoration.

This expansion included the revival of the abandoned manor,  named Wulfheard Manor, which the Birch family acquired when its previous owners decided to sell up. 

The Grade II listed Georgian manor is due to open in 2025 for visitors to stay in one of its 18 bedrooms.

The fish and chip shop, whose owners were eyeing retirement, also found a new lease on life under Birch's stewardship. 

The fish and chip shop (Image: Emily Harmon)

Finally, there was the village store, a place that held a special corner in Michael's heart, resonating with his ancestral background.

They even have their own farm, Birch Farm, which consists of their animal farm and garden farm.

All produce reared on the farm is used in their village, including the pub. 

The restoration process of the pub was carefully planned, with a focus on preserving the heritage of the buildings while integrating modern amenities. 

Architects and design teams were enlisted to ensure that every detail paid homage to the past while embracing the needs of the present. 

Yet, The Collective at Woolsery became more than just a restoration project; it has since become a sense of community empowerment. 

Mr Birch and his team are committed to fostering sustainable practices and supporting local artisans and growers.

The project has spawned a 150-acre regenerative farming initiative, supplying the pub and village shop with fresh, locally sourced produce.

Central to Mr Birch's ethos is the idea of creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that enriches the lives of villagers and visitors alike. 

Inside the village shop, J. Andrew Shop & Post Office. (Image: Emily Harmon)

The project is managed by Emily Harmon, who has known the Birch’s for more than 15 years.

Emily is the Managing Director of The Woolsery Collective, but originally from San Francisco in the United States.

Emily’s roles for the couple have included helping set up the private members club The Battery in San Francisco, managing the design and build of Moon Hollow (their 600-acre ranch and winery in Sonoma, USA), and developing their island home in the British Virgin Islands.

However, her dedication to the project led her to make a permanent move to North Devon.

Reflecting on her decision, Emily said: "Everyone's really passionate, and I think having a lot of locals here gives them a sense of ownership and pride because this is their village." 

Inside the fish and chip shop (Image: Emily Harmon)

She emphasised the personal significance of the project, stating: "I wanted to end up staying there." 

Ms Harmon highlighted the unique experience offered by The Woolsery Collective, noting: "It's more about coming and experiencing North Devon village life rather than staying elsewhere. This is the perfect place to really be a part of village life."

Emily emphasised another important aspect of The Woolsery Collective's goals: keeping the village thriving, especially in rural areas where it's essential to encourage young people to stay. 

She highlighted the importance of creating jobs within the village to give young residents a reason to remain and help the community prosper.

With over 70 employees, the project has become a vital source of employment for the community, with over 75 per cent of staff residing in Woolsery itself.

Despite its remote location in North Devon, The Collective at Woolsery has garnered attention as a haven for those seeking authentic experiences away from the beaten path.

Fresh food provided by the pub, The Farmers Arms. (Image: Emily Harmon)

While not a traditional tourist destination, the project has attracted discerning travellers drawn to its rustic charm and commitment to sustainability.

Emily provided insights into the intricate workings of The Woolsery Collective, explaining its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. 

The Collective embodies a vision of preserving rural traditions while fostering economic growth.

With over 100 local suppliers, ranging from nearby growers to artisanal producers, the collective ensures a diverse array of high-quality ingredients and products.

Birch Farm (Image: Emily Harmon)

This not only promotes sustainability by reducing carbon footprints but also stimulates the local economy by supporting small-scale businesses.

Furthermore, The Woolsery Collective plays a pivotal role in providing employment opportunities within the village, thereby instilling a sense of ownership and pride among locals. 

Michael Birch, however, still remains actively involved in the project, visiting periodically from his base in San Francisco.

The Collective at Woolsery continues to evolve, with plans for further expansion and enhancement on the horizon.