Improving biodiversity alongside supporting business can be a complex and tricky business. Planning and development are essential to the strength of Warwickshire's economy. Safeguarding and improving biodiversity throughout the county is essential to all our futures. Marrying up these two great objectives, so that both are achieved, can be a complicated business, but it is a high priority. Alscot is no stranger to balancing business, adapting with the times to generate income streams and encourage commerce, whilst protecting the surrounding countryside, for future generations.
Alscot's Biodiversity Art Competition
We had an absolutely fantastic time, considering and choosing from the overwhelming volume and standard of wonderful artwork, reflecting nature in Warwickshire, created and submitted by local school children to the Alscot Biodiversity Art Competition.
Alscot's Biodiversity Site - Lake Park
Alscot has recently taken Lake Park back in house, to manage as part of Alscot’s Biodiversity Project.
This means that we are committed to a long term plan, of at least 30 years, to improve the grass and woodland and in turn encourage and enhance plant and animal species and their habitats. In doing so, we are following a long term process-lead approach, set out by leading ecological specialists.
Transferring Trees
Tree Planting Season 2020/21
Planting season (Nov-March) is upon us and we’re off to a good start!
We have planted 700 new trees in a variety of species in various locations. We have created a new small plantation of 350 trees (pine, silver birch and hornbeam), and by planting another 350 trees, we have enhanced other existing woodlands across the estate.
Click HERE to view
Dangerous Tree Removal
Risk Management - Ensuring Safety Through Tree Surveys
As well as planting new trees across the Estate, very sadly we occasionally loose old ones too. Trees are often the victim of storms, including an ancient cedar tree that was recently damaged as a result of storm Dennis, and many others are lost to age, fragility and disease.
This old Turkey Oak was identified as over 70% dead and due to its size and exposed location, it was considered highly dangerous and had to be felled. With a tree of this size, felling is a highly skilled, dangerous and expensive job.
On 20th December 2019, the skilled team started work in extremely dark and wet weather conditions, however, this huge tree was felled successfully, professionally and with precision to ensure everyone's safety.
Biodiversity Education
With biodiversity being high on the agenda in so many schools now, the purpose of this project is to engage with children and offer opportunities to provide them with an understanding, in an interactive way, of the bigger picture in which todays challenges sit. Our aim is to help deliver, through practical demonstration, the complex issue of biodiversity to the next generation, to influence and promote a positive effect, and ultimately improve the health of the planet, that impacts all our lives.
Planting The Roundel
After two years in the planning, we are very excited to have some tangible activity to show you on our Biodiversity Project site!
Following a careful plan, week commencing 19th Oct 2020, we (Kate, Paul, Harriett and Elliott) planted in excess of 11,000 wildflower bulbs and plugs in a wooded area known as The Roundel and each of the species was selected carefully by top ecologists. The objective is to increase the biodiversity value of the wood by recreating a woodland ground flora, improving the age structure, and increasing the deadwood resource.
New Orchard Planted by Local Children
A timely and perfect way to celebrate #worldwildlifeday
In an attempt to combat climate chaos, The Woodland Trust are encouraging everyone in the UK to plant a new tree, by donating hundreds of thousands of saplings to schools and communities.
Trees and Planting Portfolio
Year after year, we continue to plant new trees, our attempt to enhance the countryside and positively encourage biodiversity; the web of life.
Thankfully, we are now all more aware, than ever before, of the devastating impact of plastic on our oceans and the need for more trees to filter air pollution and help eliminate carbon & other greenhouse gases, in order to reduce the ozone levels that have a damaging effect on the climate.