Buscot and Coleshill: Nature's Estate

May 2026

Digging trenches

During May, archaeological trenching works were undertaken at Buscot in advance of proposed natural flood management interventions. Trenching was part of the prep work required before implementation of the future designs.

Trial trenches were excavated across several locations, and the works were carried out by archaeologists. No significant archaeological features were found, which provides greater confidence for the progression of the natural flood management plans to be implemented. The NFM works will provide improved water management, increase flood resilience and enhance wetland habitat across Buscot.

April 2026

Assessing the floodplain

In April, we started meeting on site at the River Cole floodplain with contractors to discuss the proposed new wetland works. The focus of this project is to raise sections of the riverbed using woody material in order to hold the water back in the floodplain for longer. This would enhance wetland habitat for wildlife such as wading birds, and help to reduce flooding downstream.

Site walks were undertaken to assess existing river conditions and access requirements for machinery. Using woody material from tree felling works further downstream slows the flow of water, traps sediment and encourages the river to reconnect more naturally with its floodplain.

This project will also improve marginal habitats, keeping areas wetter for longer and improving conditions for a variety of wildlife.

The interventions for this work are being planned for later summer/early autumn after the trees have been felled out of nesting bird season.

March 2026

New pond locations

During March, site visits were undertaken at Colleymore Farm to identify potential locations for the creations of new ponds. This was to assess opportunities to improve the movement of water around the farm, enhancing areas of productive farmland while also creating habitat for wildlife.

We looked at how new pond features could slow the flow of the water movement, holding water back in the landscape in more desired areas and contribute to different ways of natural flood management.

We also assessed new pond locations on ecological value, and located sites that would be beneficial to farming, as well as increasing the value of ponds and marginal habitat as part of wildlife corridors. This supports greater ecological connectivity across the farm.

The next step in this project will be to dig some test pits to see how the water holds in areas across the farm, and assess the soil profile.

February 2026

Leaky dams

February was another busy month working on the Nature’s Estate Project. We have completed approximately 350 metres of conservation-style hedge laying at Colleymore Farm, helping to improve valuable habitat for wildlife. Hedge laying improves the structure and longevity of hedges while supporting biodiversity by providing shelter and food for birds, insects, and small mammals.

Alongside this work, we also installed a series of leaky dams along a field ditch as part of our natural flood management work. These simple timber structures help to slow the flow of water during heavy rainfall, allowing it to spread and soak into the ground rather than rushing downstream. This approach helps reduce flood risk while also creating wetter habitats that benefit wildlife.

Progress also continued on the development of the estate’s new walking routes, which are now nearing completion. These routes will allow visitors to experience more of the landscape and learn more about our local history and habitats.

We’re pleased to share that the new walking routes will be officially launched soon, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to explore them soon.

January 2026

Wetland mosaic

Throughout January, we are in the delivery stage of the new estate walking routes. Five walking routes have been designed, offering a variety of lengths and endless great views. The routes start from several locations, including Buscot, Coleshill, Badbury, and Faringdon which will help improve access for visitors. We are now in the process of installing the new waymarking posts. Further updates will be shared via our website and social media channels.

Alongside the walking routes, design work is ongoing on our wetland habitat mosaic project. We are working to enhance and restore habitats along the River Cole, improving conditions for a range of wildlife species including water vole and otters. This will link into strengthening ecological connectivity across the landscape. We are looking into areas of Stage 0 channel restoration, which is a natural approach to river restoration that allows a river to spread out and reconnect with its floodplain. It allows water to move more slowly through a network of small channels, wetland areas, and pools. This helps create better habitats for wildlife, improves water quality, and reduces flood risk by holding water back in the landscape.

December 2025

Species rich hedgerows

December has marked an important milestone at Buscot and Coleshill Nature’s Estate project, with the beginning of delivery of our hedgerow project. Work has started to establish species-rich hedges across the estate, helping to strengthen habitat networks and support wildlife.

These new hedgerows are being planted with a diverse mix of native species. This variety will provide food, shelter and nesting opportunities for birds, pollinators and small mammals, while also improving landscape connectivity and resilience.

Alongside new planting, hedge laying will be taking place over the next few months. This traditional countryside management technique will rejuvenate existing hedgerows, improving their structure and long-term health while enhancing their value for wildlife.

November 2025

Winter wetlands

November has seen the beginning of Coleshill’s Home Farm sites nature improvements. Dave, our project ecologist, has made four House Martin nest boxes ready for instillation, so look out (and up!) for these in the coming months. The bug hotel has also been completed by members of the public, and we are planning on adding more to our orchards in the future.

This winter, we are changing and diversifying our estate wide walking routes. To get the latest updates on these, keep an eye out on our main Buscot and Coleshill website.

The increase in rain over the last month has seen our wetland habitat mosaics at Coleshill becoming alive with wildlife again. If you’re visiting Coleshill Parkland, look out for over-wintering and wading birds.

October 2025

Autumn wildlife

This autumn has brought lovely colours across the estate. It’s been a beautiful month for walks.

We’ve also begun farmland hedgerow surveys on another farm this month, gathering baseline data and identifying priority hedges. These surveys will inform our plans for hedge-laying, which we’ll begin next winter to improve wildlife habitat and support long-term hedgerow resilience.

This months wildlife highlights have been egrets on the wetland area at Coleshill and a woodcock – which was a great spot by our project ecologist, Dave.

September 2025

Creature comforts

This September, we have been looking at ways to create more homes for wildlife around Coleshill village. Over the coming months, look out for new bird boxes, bug hotels and a log beehive around our estate. We will be working with school groups as well as local crafters to make these.

We have plans in place to start the hedgerow rejuvenation project on one of our tenant farms this year, so keep an eye out for photos of conservation style hedge laying and planting.

We are also organising a Hazelnut Hunt on the 12^th of October at Coleshill to check for signs of dormice. If you are interested in joining, please email dave.Dunleavy@nationaltrust.org.uk

July 2025

Gathering information

This month, our volunteers have been busy continuing to survey and baseline parts of the estate, with some great sightings. These have included Spotted Flycatcher, Treecreeper, Little Owl, Reed Bunting, Green Woodpecker, Thick-Legged Flower Beetle, Fairy-Ring Longhorn Beetle, Ringlet and Large Skipper to name a few. A huge thanks to the volunteers for their continued work in enhancing an excellent baseline for our estate.

We are also working with a local grazier to have some sheep grazing on Furze Hill, an area of in hand land that is currently being monitored by volunteers. This will form part of a longer-term management plan to restore the field to species rich grassland.

June 2025

Nurturing habitat

June has brought another stretch of warm, dry weather. With that, we have seen excellent numbers of butterflies, including lots of white admirals and marbled whites.

We have also had great progress with a new area of habitat restoration on the east of the estate; staff and volunteers had a very productive session litter picking the area of peat bog. This rare and important habitat could be thousands of years old. We will continue to monitor and maintain this area as part of our ongoing conservation works.