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.

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.

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

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.

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.