June Journal: New Arrivals

 4th June

Last month's heatwave left the fields and meadows with waist-high grasses, providing perfect cover for the young animals born this spring as they begin to venture further into the world. Early one morning, I watched two young fox cubs racing each other through a field, still playful and carefree, not yet possessing the stealth of adulthood.

9th June

This month we're once again placing bioacoustic recorders across different habitats at Elmore to capture birdsong. The recordings form part of a research project with Hartpury College, exploring how species are responding across rewilding sites.

10th June

Madams Pool is a focal point of activity. Its surface dimples with rising fish, leaping up to catch flies hovering above the water. Dragonflies and damselflies dart about, flashes of colour against the still surface. Then, a streak of blue slices through the air as a Kingfisher returns to its perch after hunting.

From a distance, the lake appears peaceful. But once immersed in its waters, you become part of the activity, turning your head from side to side, never quite knowing what you might spot next.

11th June

Farm Manager John and I attended Cereals, the UK's flagship arable farming event, which this year was held locally at Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.

Despite torrential rain, it was a brilliant day. We wandered through the regenerative farming stands, discussing natural ways to improve soil health and increase biodiversity on farmland. There were crop demonstrations, every kind of modern farming machinery, and experts ready to talk about every aspect of farming.

It was valuable to see how others work their land. Often with different goals, but always with a deep respect for the places they care for.

13th June

As Ranger, much of my attention has turned to our herd of Longhorn cattle, who are now approaching full term in their pregnancies and beginning to show signs that calving is close. Their udders are filling and changing shape in preparation for feeding their calves.

I've been checking on them twice a day with growing excitement.

Our approach is always to let nature take its course wherever possible. At the same time, we keep a close eye on the herd so we can step in if a cow or calf needs our help.

14th June

The butterflies seem to have emerged all at once this summer.

Walking through the fields, you'll find Meadow Browns, Painted Ladies, Skippers, Marbled Whites, Common Blues and Brimstones adorning almost every flower. The wildflowers and plants have flourished this year, providing a rich source of nectar for insects throughout the meadows.

15th June

Following last month's visit from Stroud District Council, they chose to feature our treehouses in a film promoting unique places to stay across the district.

Today, a film crew arrived to capture the treehouses in their summer glory.

17th June

Young rabbits sunbathe along the paths, and wherever you walk across the land, you'll see them quietly going about their day.

Hares sprint through the fields, only just visible above the tall grasses, their movement giving them away.

19th June

Some of the cows are now a week overdue, and temperatures are climbing towards another heatwave in the South West.

These frequent visits onto the land have reminded me just how much wildlife remains active despite the heat, so I decided to set a few trail cameras. One was placed beside our Barn Owl tree, as we hadn't seen them for several months. Another was positioned beside the roots of a tree where I'd briefly glimpsed a weasel disappearing.

23rd June

Our first calf of the year has arrived.

She was discovered early in the morning, perhaps only half an hour after she was born. A healthy heifer calf, we've named her Athena. Traditionally, all Longhorn calves born in the same year are given names beginning with the same letter, and 2026 is the year of "A".

It's common for a cow to keep her calf hidden away for the first week or so, settling them in a hedge or woodland while she moves between the herd and her calf to feed them throughout the day.

Athena, however, has other ideas. She has a habit of wandering away from wherever her mother leaves her, keeping both us and her mum on our toes.

25th June

Athena and her mum are settling into a good routine, while several other cows look ready to add more calves to the herd.

Today we also welcomed a business team to Elmore for a day of tree planting and learning about our rewilding project. With temperatures reaching 36°C, they took it all in their stride before enjoying a well-earned dip in the wild swimming lake to cool off.

27th June

Today one of our experienced mothers, Teabag, gave birth in the dense woodland that sprawls down a hill on the eastern side of the rewilding land.

While calves are still very young, their mothers are understandably protective, so we give them the space they need and avoid getting too close. In another week or so, once they've settled into the herd, we'll be able to approach them to fit their ear tags.

29th June

Today I collected the trail cameras and was thrilled to find footage of our Barn Owls, alive and well, occupying their usual tree.

The seasons continue to turn. Trees move from bare branches to fresh green leaves and fruit. Species arrive and depart. The cows give birth. Temperatures rise. The landscape shifts from muted tones to an abundance of colour.

Yet some things seem almost untouched by time.

These Barn Owls have made the hollow tree on the edge of the woods their home and are here to stay. To hunt, thrive and endure.

Written by Hazel Alabaster - Estate Ranger