Conservation
Sensitive conservation and a successful rural estate go hand in hand. Escot's conservation projects are focused on two specific areas: protection of the natural habitat; and restoration to the estate of species that might at one time have been indigenous.
Protection and enhancement of the natural habitat. Much of this work is carried out through the Tale Valley Trust of which Escot is an enthusiastic supporter. This locally based charity focuses on community support and conservation in the Tale Valley.
More details of the trust's excellent work can be found at www.talevalley.com
Restoring water quality in the River Tale. One of the Trusts first activities was to work with the Westcountry Rivers Trust to clear the river Tale. A package of measures was undertaken including fencing off the river bank from cattle and clearing overhanging vegetation. The water quality is now much restored as an abundance of returning wildlife testifies.
Clearing Himalayan Balsam. Himalayan Balsam is an aggressively invasive non-native species that represents a constant threat to the river. Regular clearance weekends is just one example of the charity conservation activities in which Escot takes part.
Restoring the Water Meadows. The River Tale basin contains fine examples of water meadows and the associated archeology including culverts and leats and their supply mechanisms.
The area has now been surveyed and, as soon as funding is available, the next stage will be to re-instate a section of the meadows to working state for educational purposes.
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- “Sleeping in the yurts was fantastic, really cosy and comfy and the bunk beds were so cool”
Sam, Seaton Primary school