December Journal: Rewilding, Wildlife and Water
December at Elmore is a month of quiet transformation.
As winter settles across the rewilding land, water returns, wildlife adapts and the landscape reflects the resilience of nature when given space to recover.
This journal captures seasonal change, wild swimming and the subtle signs of life continuing along the River Severn.
1st December
Finally, the water level is rising in the wild swimming pond. The effects of a dry spring, summer and early autumn are beginning to be undone. As we transition into winter, the character of the pond shifts once more. The reeds that fringe the water turn brown and die back, pond weeds that once lurked below the surface in dense clouds have reduced and the large fish population the pond supports has sunk deeper, rarely rising now. Rain occasionally hits the surface, each drop restoring this wild oasis.
Pond temperatures have dropped to an average of 8°C. Our winter wild swimmers continue to brave the cold, seeking the unmistakable euphoria that accompanies a cold-water plunge before retreating into the snug Scandinavian sauna. Swimmers emerge feeling both invigorated and refreshed, carrying a deep, nourishing warmth with them for the rest of the day. The experience is profoundly relaxing, fostering a powerful connection to both body and nature.
4th December
Today is Wildlife Conservation Day, a fitting moment to reflect on the past year and the remarkable wildlife we have encountered here at Elmore.
So far this year, we have recorded 24 red list bird species, one of the most notable and unexpected being the Curlew, whose haunting call echoed across the land. We experienced a record year for butterflies, including sightings of the migratory Clouded Yellow. There was an otter sighting last month and we are home to five of the seven Biodiversity Action Plan bat species, alongside a rich variety of dragonflies and invertebrates.
The rewilding land is truly bursting with life, offering habitat to countless species that now call Elmore home. As we move towards 2026, we hope even more wildlife will find refuge and balance here.
7th December
Over the last few days, rainfall has been steady and persistent. The ground has absorbed as much water as it can and is now fully saturated. With the water table level with the ground surface and given Elmore’s position on the floodplain of the tidal River Severn, a small amount of standing water across the fields is entirely natural.
With this water comes life. Mallards, Teal, Swans, Geese and the rarer Green-winged Teal have all been seen enjoying these temporary wetlands. As the floodwater recedes, it enriches the soil by depositing nutrient-rich alluvium across the land. This process is a natural and vital part of life in the Severn Vale and is by no means disruptive to day-to-day life here - something for which we feel incredibly fortunate.
9th December
Something a little different is taking place on the estate today. A popular clothing brand is hosting a photoshoot across various locations on the land, capturing their wet-weather gear being put to the test in a truly wild environment.
As strong gusts and heavy downpours sweep through, the beauty of the wild swimming pond, the wooded exteriors of the treehouses and the majestic backdrop of the Court across open green fields are authentically captured. The day brings an unexpected sense of glamour, standing in contrast to the usual rhythms of life on the land - and reminding us how special this place truly is.
11th December
Trees stand leafless and bare no longer, as this week catkins begin to dress the branches of shrubs and bushes. Catkins are dangling clusters of small, petal-less flowers that await pollination by wind and insects before dispersing in early spring.
Many catkins remain closed, but Hazel is early this year, already displaying open, fuzzy blooms. Across the estate, these splashes of colour will soon adorn Willow, Birch, Alder and Oak. Their early appearance is likely due to a relatively warm and wet start to winter. Nature, as always, is already looking ahead to the next season.
16th December
There is a beautiful symbiotic relationship between our herd of Longhorn cattle and the resident magpies and herons. Magpies are often seen perched on the cows’ backs, feeding on ticks and other unwanted passengers from their hides. From this vantage point, they also feast on insects and frogs disturbed by trampling hooves and browsing horns.
Both species benefit, living in quiet harmony. Over the summer, the much rarer Cattle Egret fulfilled this role, but in their absence, magpies and grey herons have stepped in. Herons are often close by, standing sentinel and patiently waiting for food to be flushed their way.
17th December
Arriving on the land early, with a fine mist of rain still hanging in the air, the darkness of night suddenly lifted into the most vibrant sunrise of the year. Fiery oranges gave way to pinks and purples of such intensity that the sky felt almost unreal.
If you could tear your eyes away, you were rewarded with a perfectly defined rainbow arcing across the hill. The morning felt rare, fleeting and utterly unforgettable.
30th December
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the healing we have witnessed on the land throughout 2025. From high earthworm counts to swift recovery from fire damage, everything tells the story of nature being allowed to recover and move back towards its natural state, free from excessive anthropogenic interference.
Birds, being susceptible to environmental change and extremely mobile, are excellent early indicators of land recovery. With the help of dedicated and knowledgeable local birdwatchers, we have gathered extensive data this year. The total number of bird species recorded at Elmore since rewilding began now stands at 129, with 117 species observed in 2025 alone.
This includes 24 red-listed species, 38 amber-listed species and 55 unlisted or least-concern species, representing a significant increase compared to previous years.
This data reinforces what we see and feel every day - by rewilding the land and allowing nature to take control, we are moving in the right direction.
Looking ahead to 2026, exciting new projects will begin here at Elmore, and we hope to hold even more life within this beautiful meander of the River Severn.
