October Journal: Autumn Changes & Rewilding Life at Elmore Court
As the days shorten and the air takes on that unmistakable autumn crispness, Elmore’s rewilding land shifts into a new rhythm. October is a month of change; of migrating birds and falling leaves, of fungi flourishing and wildlife preparing for rest. From badger sightings to hopeful returns of long-lost birds, here’s a glimpse into the quiet, extraordinary life the unfolded across the estate in October.
2nd October – This is the moment keen birders wait for. As summer visitors like the Cuckoo and Swifts migrate south, we welcome the return of Waterfowl and Waders to our wetlands. A little more rain will help refill the ponds and attract even more migrating birds.
6th October – National Badger Day! We’re celebrating these curious, often misunderstood mammals with footage from our trail cameras, revealing at least five residents in our sett - including a rare white leucistic “Ghost Badger.” Watching them play and forage reminds us how vital they are to our ecosystem.
10th October – Tree planting has begun! Volunteers (and Anselm himself) have started fencing and planting Maples as part of our rewilding project. The dry ground makes it tough going, but knowing these trees will become thriving habitats for future wildlife makes every spadeful worth it.
15th October – A master’s student from Hartpury University visited to study our rewilding land. Comparing soil and invertebrate life between restored and control fields, she found richer biodiversity and deep, healthy soils on rewilding ground - a wonderful sign that our efforts are working.
18th October – GPS collars on our Longhorn cattle got a refresh (our bull still prefers to do things his own way). Meanwhile, Lapwings and Snipes have returned to the estate - a hopeful sign that our wetlands are drawing in wintering birds once again.
22nd October – Mushrooms are bursting across the meadows and woods - Deer Shield, Honey Fungus, Field Mushroom and Yellow Field Cap among them. A feast for the eyes and for the bravest foragers.
26th October – A juvenile Goshawk caused chaos among pigeons and crows. Once nearly extinct in Britain, these elusive birds are now making a quiet comeback and every sighting feels like a small triumph.
30th October – Exciting news to end the month: a Corn Bunting spotted on the rewilding land! This rare, red-listed farmland bird - sometimes called the “fat bird of the barley” hasn’t been seen in the Severn Vale for years. A hopeful sign of healthier, wilder fields ahead.
October at Elmore Court has been a month of flux - gold leaves, gusty skies and nature winding down for Winter. As the land rests, our rewilding continues to nurture a landscape rich with life.
