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 wetland birds were 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.
Farmland birds were also well represented, with skylarks, yellowhammers, and linnets scattered across arable areas. Most excitingly, the distinctive ticking calls of several hawfinches were heard once again. This rare UK breeding species, sometimes a Continental migrant, visits Britain when food supplies run low in its usual range. A secretive bird, the hawfinch feeds high in the treetops, favouring yew berries, hornbeam, and lime seeds.
With the fieldfare, skylark, yellowhammer, linnet, and hawfinch all on the Red List of Conservation Concern, these observations are particularly significant.
Another notable sighting was a good spread of brown hares, with some engaging in “boxing” behaviour near Clifford Chambers. This fascinating courtship ritual sees females testing the strength of potential mates—if a male can’t withstand her blows, when she wallops him, he’s not a worthy partner.
Perhaps the most exciting discovery was a single field hosting corn gromwell, a rare and endangered plant. This species relies on soil disturbance to germinate, making arable fields one of its last refuges. Over centuries, as humans cultivated the land with tools and chemicals, the plant adapted to survive. Its presence here is remarkable, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts. For a deeper understanding of its rarity, the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) website provides valuable insights.