Southern Marsh Orchids
Each spring, the grounds at Escot Estate burst into life with one of Britain’s most beautiful native wildflowers – the Southern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa). Known for its striking pink-purple flower spikes and ability to thrive in damp grassland, the species is an important indicator of healthy habitats and careful land management. It typically flowers […]
Wild about No Mow May at Escot!
With spring, the combination of rain, sun and warmth sees gardens, parks and green spaces burst back into life. But while many people reach for the lawnmower at the first sign of growth, the increasingly popular movement of “No Mow May” encourages us to do the opposite. Rather, we let nature take the lead for […]
Dog Poo Plea!
Dog Poo – How Does It Affect The Environment? There are many reasons why dog poo poses a problem. Pet dogs are a non-native, introduced species, eating food which isn’t from the natural environment and pooping it out in nature. Not picking up and disposing of it responsibly has a detrimental effect on wildlife, livestock […]
Blooming spring beauties at Escot
As the days grow longer, Escot Estate undergoes a breathtaking transformation. From January to April, nature puts on a dazzling display with an array of vibrant spring flowers, signalling the arrival of a new season. Let’s take a journey through the Estate and our gardens and explore some of the iconic blooms that grace our […]
Wild Bee Swarms
We recently spotted something a little odd on the terrace by Escot House. On closer inspection it turned out to be a huge group of bees, seemingly fixed to the stone wall! So we had a chat with Malcolm Crook, who keeps 14 beehives on the Estate, 2 in Escot’s gardens, 2 in neighbouring Wildwood […]
Beavers at Escot
We recently posted a video on social media of a new wild beaver dam we’d come across on the Estate. There was a huge amount of interest! So we thought it would be helpful to explain more about beavers, their history and their reintroduction into Britain. There have been beavers on Escot Estate since 2007. […]
Bees at Escot Estate
Escot Estate is delighted to host a number of beehives in different locations. The beekeeper tells us Escot is his most productive site due to the diversity of year round nectar. We also have wild bee colonies which have made their homes within hollow trees. Rural estates are an important bank of old parkland trees […]
Encouraging wildflowers at Escot Estate
We’re enjoying a wonderful show of wildflowers this autumn (yes, it’s autumn!). But new patches of wildflowers don’t just appear from thin air. In fact, experts say 97% of the nation’s meadows have been eradicated since the 1930s, with popular species like wild strawberry, ragged robin and harebell facing steep declines. Campaigners say the collapse […]
Wild flowers at Escot
For couples celebrating their wedding at Escot in normal times, Spring at Escot Park provides a fantastic backdrop for photography, in particular the wonderful swathes of yellow buttercups in front of the house. But encouraging wild flowers is an art in itself. Here’s why. Escot Park has been permanent pasture for many years and is […]
Escot’s Jungle Staircase
How many couples can say they’ve had their wedding photos taken on a jungle themed staircase? Everyone loves the stairs that lead up into the house, but do you know the history behind it? Escot House was built in 1837 by Sir John Kennaway and as the family home of Sir John-Michael and Lady Kennaway […]
Walking at Escot
At Escot we have a number of public and permissive paths which are enjoyed by local dog walkers, most of whom are responsible, know the countryside code and respect it. Some walkers don’t realise that the driveways are private and there isn’t actually a right of way for vehicles, or public parking except for visitors […]
Our commitment to the Estate – forestry
Woodland has multiple assets – for the planet – acting as a carbon sink and diverse habitat for a plethora of biodiversity. Landscape, amenity, sporting and commercial interests follow. In England woodlands are either owned and managed by the state (Forestry Commission) or the private sector including individual landowners, charities and business investors. Timber crops […]
