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.
Airbnb Luxe is the luxury tier of Airbnb and is a curated selection of the world's most extraordinary properties that go beyond standard holiday rentals. They are thoroughly vetted luxury rentals with 5-star-everything. To achieve Airbnb Luxe status, the property must go through a detailed inspection process by a 3rd party evaluator who are looking for a cohesive, elevated design throughout the entire home, comfortable, inviting interior and exterior spaces and luxury amenities and an overall environment that are in pristine condition.
We are delighted with this accolade, which comes just over a year after we launched Stay at Alscot as a brand new business. There are two extraordinary properties within the Stay ay Alscot portfolio, Beecham Farmhouse and Locke’s Cottage.
For further details visit https://www.alscot.co.uk/stay
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.
Wrapped up warm again, our resident bird and wildlife surveyor Tom, had to rely on his ears this morning (and his sense of humour) whilst on site identifying birds for the BTO register.
Despite the thick layered fog, it was a successful cold February morning, managing to register 23 species and spot a bright blue Kingfisher, a sienna-brown Red Kite and salmon pink Bull Finch, through the mist.
https://app.bto.org/birdtrack/pubcon/shared?subId=SUB49502452
So today we braved the cold and took a walk over the Alscot Biodiversity Net Gain Site. It’s such a beautiful and peaceful location, teeming with wildlife and looked stunning this cold and icy morning. Bird song was evident and Tom Genders, our wildlife expert, observed 31 species including the Hawfinch! Tom uploaded his findings to the BTO (bird tracker) app. See the results
https://app.bto.org/birdtrack/pubcon/shared?subId=SUB49389489
February 2025 sees start of a new and interesting project for Alscot.
We are creating a cricket bat willow nursery bed using Tods that have been cut from mature cricket bat willow trees grown on the Estate.
The intention being to create a nursery bed that will provide the Estate with its own supply of Sets (young cricket bat willow trees) every 4 years, that can be planted across the Estate.
Once planted, these Sets will take around 15 years to reach maturity before being harvested for cricket bat clefts, where each tree will then be replaced with another Set grown from the nursery bed on the Estate.
We are in the first stage of the project, starting with 800 Tods, and intend to grow the nursery bed year on year.
It’s been another busy and productive year on the Estate, and to help us embrace 2025 in a similar manner, we are very much looking forward to the festive break and recharging those enthusiastic smiles.
The office re-opens on Thursday 2nd January!
May we take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year!
Coming just a little after our first anniversary — what a gift!
We are thrilled to be named as a finalist for the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year category in the 2025 West Midlands Tourism Awards
Stay at Alscot offers two excellent holiday homes exquisitely designed and maintained to the highest standard, offering the perfect combination of historic charm and modern elegance. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, you will enjoy stunning views and a sense of peace and tranquillity. Whether you are looking for a romantic break, a family holiday or a solo retreat or with friends, Alscot's holiday homes provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The awards celebrate the success and accomplishments of tourism business across the West Midlands region. It’s so exciting to have our properties recognised by professionals in an industry award that is held in partnership with VisitEngland
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.
Wow what a fabulous few days we had between 27th-30th June, with the garden brimming with pieces of beauty and an abundance of visitors! The weather, support and exhibitors couldn’t have been better for the second Art at Alscot.
With huge thanks to Sarah Methuen Art who wonderfully organised the four day event for Warwickshire Open Studios, and we would like to thank all exhibitors and everyone that attended Alscot Park (venue 68), who made the event a great success..
On Thursday 27th June we set out to deliver a successful business networking event to achieve the primary goal of fostering connections among local people in business.
Hosted by Alscot and carefully arranged together with Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Huband Warwickshire Growth Hub, the event offered a platform for those attending to seek advice, network and make connections in the beautiful surroundings of Alscot Park.
Joining the electric revolution with our cutting-edge fleet of electric vehicles!
Our team are experiencing eco-friendly transportation without compromising on style or performance. Say goodbye to gas and hello to a cleaner, greener future. Oh and to the Scooby Buzz as this one has been affectionately named by its eco-friendly driver, Darren.
On Thursday 6th June Alscot Estate invited guests to a private screening of the documentary film, Six Inches of Soil. The film tells the inspiring story of three young British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food - to heal the soil, our health and provide for local communities. The screening took place at Everyman, Stratford upon Avon and included a drinks reception, introduction to the film by Colin Ramsay, Film Director, and a Q&A session. The panel included, Colin Ramsay, Emma Holman-West, Estate Owner, Paddy Hoare and Tom Gurney, Perdix Partnership and Simon Cutter, Farmer and Founder of Model Farm Society. Simon began rearing organic livestock and organic produce long before the ‘Organic bandwagon’ started to roll in the wake of the BSE crisis in the early 1990’s. Featuring on BBC Country file, Simon has been a pioneer in pasture fed, organic and free-range livestock with a passion for nature and natural food produce.
Lead by Tom Genders and accompanied by other enthusiastic teachers, the year 6 students from The Croft Preparatory School ventured to the Estate’s BNG land to take part in practical nature studies. The children took on a series of tasks including, orienteering, identifying native tree species, an invertebrates study and a wildlife ID walk where they identified bird song. The activity day is a big hit with the children and school, and is now in its third successful year.
