As part of our sustainable land management practices, we conduct baseline surveys and carefully monitor improvements in soil health, plant life, and wildlife diversity. Surveys across grasslands, woodlands, water bodies, and arable land are now well underway, helping us build a valuable dataset for the future.
A recent bird survey, carried out on the 5th and 6th of March, yielded encouraging results. A diverse selection of waterfowl was recorded, including teal, gadwall, mallard, snipe, moorhen, and little grebe. In the woodlands, red kites were observed nesting, while fieldfare and redwing thrushes—winter visitors to the UK—were noted both in the woods and on some grasslands. These birds were busily feeding, storing energy for their migration back to mainland Europe.
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Earlier this year we were asked to contribute to The September edition of environmental SCIENTIST – the journal of the #InstitutionofEnvironmentalSciences(IES) – examines the evolving concept of ‘net gain’ in environmental policy frameworks, from both a UK and global perspective.
For the first time in a generation, Alscot Estate has the opportunity to consider its long term land use strategy. This comes at a time where the agricultural transition in England, alongside a broader political agenda of tackling environmental crises, means that rural land management is now focused not only on quality food production, but also on environmental provision and social value.
As a result, Alscot’s ambition is to farm in a regenerative manner and from September 2024, we began farming regeneratively on “home farm” land.
Today we welcomed a team of scientists from the University of Plymouth, carrying out specialist surveys using Medusa Radiometrics gamma spectrometry equipment. In addition to the traditional soil analysis techniques, this technology measures natural gamma radiation in the soil to assess density, composition, and structure – providing a more extensive view and valuable insights that would otherwise take extensive drilling or excavation to uncover.
We’re thrilled to announce that Alscot has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald Business & Tourism Awards 2025 for Best Green Business! ✨🌱
This recognition celebrates our commitment to sustainability, with an emphasis on responsible farming and land management. From our Longhorn cows, due on the estate very soon who will play a vital role in conservation grazing to support biodiversity, to practices like delaying hedge and grass cutting so birds have the chance to nest and feed, we’re proud to farm in ways that help nature flourish. 🐄🌿🐦
Following the announcement of our transition to regenerative farming last September, we’re pleased to share the next exciting development in our journey toward full organic conversion within the next five years.
As part of this process, we are introducing pedigree cattle to graze our natural grasslands and herbal leys — a key element in restoring soil health, supporting biodiversity, and improving overall land resilience. The herd has been bred by Shropshire farmer Archie Corrie of Leighton Farm, where a long tradition of pedigree breeding means each registered animal is named in strict alphabetical order. It’s a little like naming hurricanes… only much calmer and with considerably more grass.
There has been growing local interest in our new regenerative agricultural system, which is already encouraging a richer diversity of wildlife and plant species across the Estate. In addition to our regular surveys, we’re inviting the local community to help us track these changes using the iNaturalist app.
Quick Guide: When you open the app, type ‘Warwickshire’ to zoom in on the area. You’ll then see species already recorded in and around Alscot.
We warmly encourage your participation — every observation helps build a clearer picture of the Estate’s evolving ecosystem.
To identify bird song, we recommend Merlin Bird ID.
Photo: Banded Demoiselle
Alscot is not only about our current team and the work we do today — it’s also about the incredible contributions of those who helped shape the Estate’s evolving future and community, and continue to support.
In late June, we were delighted to welcome some of those individuals back to Alscot for a garden party hosted by Emma Holman-West.
The sun shone — as did the guests — for a wonderful afternoon celebrating connections to the Estate, whether through residence, employment, or service, past or present.
Guests enjoyed the immaculate, blooming historic gardens, followed by a traditional afternoon tea — a fitting tribute to Alscot’s rich history and vibrant community.
This photo captures the genuine enthusiasm and curiosity that the Croft Prep. School students have for nature-based activities at Alscot. Tom Genders hosted his fourth consecutive activity day on Alscot's Biodiversity Net Gain site — 47 acres of land carefully managed to restore and enhance grasslands to provide plant and wildlife habitats, over a minimum of 30 years. The site offsets habitat loss caused by development elsewhere in the region.
The day was filled with engaging, hands-on experiences, including:
• Orienteering – Map reading and native tree identification
• Foraging – Searching for plants (supposedly) for Mr. Genders’ lunch
• Team building – A practical, problem-solving STEM challenge
And no doubt Tom Genders demonstrated his abundant knowledge and keen ear, to identify various bird song.
P.S. Mr. Genders did not actually eat any of the foraged plants!
Yesterday, it was the wider estate team’s turn to be introduced to Alscot’s regenerative farming journey.
While farming isn’t something we’re all involved in on a daily basis, it’s certainly something that unites us—after all, we all rely on food to live!
Our regenerative farming project began as far back as 2020, but it wasn’t until 2024 that we took a major step forward by sowing the fields with legume fallows and herbal leys—our first move toward improving soil health.
This year, the sheep have already benefited from this diverse and nutritious plant system, enjoying protein-rich forage. We’re now excited to be planning for cattle grazing, either later this year or in the next.
The 3–5 year conversion process, designed to produce nutrient-rich animal feed, is regenerating the land - improving the soil structure and quality, and laying the foundation for future organic food production, including heritage wheat and vegetables.
The team was introduced to regenerative agriculture not just through presentation and discussion, but by walking the land itself. We visited a variety of fields—each with different crops, shaped by different conditions—and had the chance to observe and learn directly from the landscape.
The word “wholesome” is often overused, but in this case, it truly captures the spirit of the day.
To learn more, view our ‘Home Farm’ page on the website, follow us on social media, sign up to our newsletter or contact us!
The clear highlight of our recent breeding bird survey was the recording of a Corn Bunting at Alscot. To give this rare and charismatic species the best chance of success, we’re leaving the nesting field completely undisturbed until the young have fledged. Fortunately, our naturalist—from Wiltshire—brings a wealth of experience working with landowners and farmers to support this enigmatic bird.
We may not have a resident team at Alscot, but that certainly didn’t stop us! A huge thank you to all the members of the Alscot community who put on their whites and gave a fantastic performance in this year’s Estate match against Warwick Cricket Club. The goal for the evening was to have fun – and we certainly did – but that didn’t stop some real skill from shining through.
Well done to both teams for a brilliant game, but a special shout-out to Alscot – a brand-new team of players who had never played together before. You really put on a great show!
A fantastic game with an amazing turnout — the crowd was buzzing, the food was delicious, the drinks were flowing. Huge thanks to everyone who came to support and enjoy the cricket friendly. Warwick took the top slot again this year, but Alscot will definitely be back for the challenge to gain the cup, next year!
In addition to the fun £1,002.22 was raised for the club.
The vibrant display we’re now seeing is the result of sowing Herbal Leys and Legume Fallow last September—an important step in our journey to regenerate the soil and transition to organic status. The crops are creating some magnificent colour – the purple flowering Phacelia and red Crimson Clover being most visible at this time of year.
Soil samples have recently been taken across the arable and permanent pasture fields, and sent off for analysis. This will help us to build a valuable baseline dataset as the regenerative farming system develops.
Warwickshire Open Studios Summer Art Weeks is coming back to Alscot!
Visit Art at Alscot between Friday 27-Sunday 29th June.
Since 2000, Warwickshire Open Studios has gained an outstanding reputation for helping visual artists and designer makers, across the Warwickshire and Coventry area, connect with art lovers who enjoy, buy, commission and participate in their work.
The aim is to make art accessible for all – therefore WOS welcome artists of all ages / abilities / mediums and encourage a diversity of venues. Over a 16-day period, over 400 registered artists open their homes, studios and pop-up exhibitions to the public. Alscot Park being one of them!
From Friday 27th June the historic garden at Alscot Park will be open for the third consecutive year, for the three day event, where 15 talented artists will be on site exhibiting their art.
Since Alscot began practicing regenerative farming across approximately 715 hectares of Alscot agricultural land, the project has sparked widespread interest, both locally and nationally, as we work to enhance soil health—a fundamental component of ecosystem services, human wellbeing, and ecological balance. We are actively collaborating with leading organisations and researchers to provide valuable evidence on the wider impact of soil health on society.
