Planting with Purpose

Planting with Purpose

This week marked an exciting milestone at Home Farm as we completed the planting of 1,250 metres of new hedgerow, made up of 7,500 mixed native species. The planting took place in an area of the farm currently undergoing organic conversion, reinforcing our long-term commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible farming.

On Tuesday 20th Jan 2026, the Alscot team came together to help plant over 500 of these hedging plants, and it was fantastic to see such a great turnout. Despite the cold conditions, the sun shone throughout, lifting spirits and making for what could only be described as a cracking day to be outdoors. There was no time wasted — following coffee, the team got stuck in and the plants were soon in the ground.

Mooving Into Modern Livestock Management

Mooving Into Modern Livestock Management

In December, Alscot introduced Monil virtual fencing as an alternative to traditional physical fencing to manage our herd of Longhorns. While this technology isn’t suitable for protecting livestock and land in every location, it proved to be the ideal site to trial this innovative management tool.

Virtual fencing is operated via solar-powered GPS collars worn by the cattle. These collars provide warning signals to encourage animals to remain within a defined boundary, and compared to traditional fencing, this system offers greater flexibility and significant operational benefits.

Emma Holman-West announced as new Patron of Friends of Stratford Hospital.

Emma Holman-West announced as new Patron of Friends of Stratford Hospital.

Emma first worked with the Friends back in 2016, when the charity launched a major fundraising campaign to help create the hospital’s new state of the art cancer and ophthalmology wards.  Emma was spurred on by the shocking statistics that showed, at the time, 30 per cent fewer people in the district refused chemotherapy compared to nearby Warwick Hospital due to the distance they had to travel, often daily. As well as fundraising, Emma’s role was to lead on the internal design ensuring it delivered the best possible experience for those spending some considerable time on the wards, during what can be very difficult times for the patients and their families. Alscot hosted several fundraising events including a clay pigeon shoot, open garden, and concert by The Orchestra of The Swan.

Christmas Greetings From Us To You..

Christmas Greetings From Us To You..

As we wrap up another wonderfully busy year, we wanted to share a special moment of celebration with all of you. Our Christmas video was made with good cheer, plenty of laughs, and deep appreciation for everyone that makes Alscot the special and unique place it is.

 We wish you all a bright and joyful Christmas and a happy and successful new year.

Thanks for being part of our journey!

Working in Partnership With Local Organic Farmers

Working in Partnership With Local Organic Farmers

We’re now in our second year of regenerative farming, and it’s been fantastic to see real progress taking shape.

As part of our commitment to sustainable land management, we’re grazing our SFI land with organic sheep – working in partnership with Daylesford Organic and other local farmers. Daylesford has provided 700 organic Lleyn sheep to graze between October and December across 650 acres of overseeded Alscot land, laid with herbal leys.

This approach not only supports soil health and biodiversity, but also contributes to the wider goal of sustainable and organic food production, which we believe is essential for healthy living.

And The Winner is......Alscot for Best Green Business

And The Winner is......Alscot for Best Green Business

We won Best Green Business in the Stratford Herald Business & Tourism Awards!! 🏆

Winning Best Green Business means the world to us because it recognises our vision for the future and the heart of everything we do — our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and creating a positive impact on our community and the planet. It’s a reflection of the hard work, vision, passion, and purpose that drive our team every day. This award reaffirms that doing business responsibly and protecting the environment can go hand in hand with success.

Hedgerow Surveys in Action

Hedgerow Surveys in Action

Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of engaging with Rosemary Collier, Chair of SWAN (South Warwickshire Area Network for Wildlife). Recently, Rosemary and members of the SWAN team visited Alscot for an exciting experimental trip to trial their brand-new hedgerow assessment surveys.

Using methods developed by the Natural Capital Assessment Partnership (NCAP), these surveys help gather valuable data to support the Warwickshire area habitat database — and may even identify important hedgerows that could become designated Local Wildlife Sites.

Growing Beyond Sustainability: Our First Year of Regenerative Farming

Growing Beyond Sustainability: Our First Year of Regenerative Farming

7.00pm Tuesday 4th November, Preston on Stour Village Hall

Join us as we look back on our first year of regenerative farming.

Over the past twelve months, we’ve been working to restore soil health, encourage biodiversity, and produce crops in a way that gives back to the land. This community update is a chance to share what we’ve achieved so far, the lessons we’ve learned along the way, and how regenerative practices are shaping a more resilient future for farming. We also want to celebrate the role our local community has played in supporting this journey — from sharing knowledge to contributing valuable data. Your involvement is vital, and together we can continue to grow stronger connections between people, food, and the land.

Let’s keep growing together!

A New Chapter on Home Farm- Introduction of Cows

A New Chapter on Home Farm- Introduction of Cows

Thursday 2nd October marked an exciting step forward as we welcomed our new herd of longhorn cattle. Delivered personally by their Shropshire breeder, the cattle arrived in excellent condition and were unloaded with ease.

True to their reputation for good temperament, the longhorns stepped calmly down the ramp and made their way into their new field without hesitation. Moving together as a group, they wandered off steadily to explore their new surroundings.

Walking the Ground for World Science

Walking the Ground for World Science

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.

Alscot Shortlisted as a Finalist in Business Awards

Alscot Shortlisted as a Finalist in Business Awards

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. 🐄🌿🐦

Alscot Welcomes New Herd as Regenerative Farming Progresses

Alscot Welcomes New Herd as Regenerative Farming Progresses

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.