February 2011

28th February 2011

– Overcast and damp. North-westerly wind.

No records.

27th February 2011

– Cool, overcast, occasionally drizzly.

Not a great deal of change. The pair of Ringed Plovers were on site again, together with threeOystercatchers, the regular female Goldeneye, three Great Crested Grebes, fiveDabchicks, three Shelducks, four Common Gulls, eight Lesser Black-backs, an adultHerring Gull, nine Tree Sparrows and ten Linnets.

26th February 2011

– Overcast and wet.

The main but relatively limited highlights of the day were a pair of Goosander roosting on the flood meadow, 60 Siskin along the central streamline, 47 Linnets and a Yellowhammer in the crop field, 80 Fieldfares east of the A452 and 14 Tree Sparrows at the Oak Hide feeder. The usual Saturday counts were as follows: five Dabchicks, three Great Crested Grebes,four Cormorants, three Mute Swans, two Greylags, three Canadas, two Shelduck, 160Wigeon, 44 Teal, 16 Gadwall, 25 Mallards, seven Shoveler, 48 Pochard, 29 Tufted, threeMoorhen, 57 Coot, 86 Lapwing, six Snipe, a Heron, a female Goldeneye, 75 Black-headed Gulls, a Common Gull, nine Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a Herring Gull. A pair of Ringed Plovers were also present for much of the day.

25th February 2011

– Watery sun, brisk south westerly

A pair of Ringed Plovers put in a brief appearance at 8.30am before flying off to Bradnocks Marsh (the birds then returned later in the morning and were about on and off for much of the rest of the day). A pair of Oystercatchers fed on the shore opposite Car Park Hide and, below the Hide, the usual group of Snipe were hiding in the Iris stems, although only eight were visible this morning.

Small but perceptible changes to the breeding birds are taking place daily now, with a new pair of Little Grebes, this time on Car Park Pool. Two additional Reed Buntings were in song, one on the Reed Bed and one on the Car Park, and three Skylarks were displaying over the Tip field. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming in the tall ash tree near Oak Hide and aGreen Woodpecker called from the central streamline. At least nine Tree Sparrows were feeding at the Oak Hide feeder and, as seems to have become a regular event, they spent some time chattering away in the blackthorn clump to the rear of the south-west pond.

The female Goldeneye remained.

Both Lapwings and Black-headed Gulls are becoming increasingly territorial.

24th February 2011

– Milder again, sunny intervals, light westerly wind.

Yesterday’s Peregrine again spooked the Lapwing flock in the early morning before the bird coasted over towards Siden Hill Wood and disappeared. It reappeared later in the day and perched on one of the islands on Railway Pool briefly, before flying off. A flock of 21 Fieldfaresflew over high to the east and three Redwings were along the Old Road at about 8.30am.

The milder weather certainly encouraged more song, both from Tits, Thrushes and from Reed Buntings with at least four Reed Buntings in song this morning.

On the pools, there were pairs of Little Grebe on both Railway Pool and the Reedbed, and a pair of Great Crested Grebes on Car Park Pool with a single on Railway Pool. Ten Siskins fed in the alders behind Oak Hide, where only four Tree Sparrows were present first thing. A number of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the move with one flock of seven passing over to the north-west.

At 11.15am the first Ringed Plover of the year put in a brief appearance on Railway Pool before it, or another, reappeared at 5pm. The Goosander pair also spent part of the day on the Reserve but must be feeding elsewhere. A Curlew flew over, the Oystercatcher pair were seen to mate and other birds of note included eight Buzzards, 15 Common Gulls and a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in Siden Hill Wood.

Thanks to Brian Harris and John Roberts for clearance and repair to nest boxes this morning.

23rd February 2011

– Mostly drizzly, only slowly clearing as the day proceeded – noticeably milder.

The most notable birds today included a female Peregrine, which flew over in the early afternoon, a flock of 60 Siskins along the concrete road, a pair of Goosander and an additional female, 17 Tree Sparrows at the Oak Hide feeder and the erratic or elusiveGoldeneye which reappeared again.

Other counts helpfully provided by Steve Haynes and John Belsey were as follows: two Great Crested Grebes, three Dabchicks, three Shoveler, 280 Wigeon, 49 Teal, 19 Gadwall, twoShelduck, 50 Pochard, 28 Tufteds, 38 Coot, five Cormorants, three Mutes, a Canada, 200 Lapwing, two Oystercatcher, 21 Snipe, nine Common Gulls, three Lesser Black-backs, 200 Black-headed Gulls, three Buzzards and both Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

22nd February 2011

– Misty and cool.

Despite the continuing murky conditions a Dunlin was new in and remained, despite the jumpiness of the Lapwing flock, which totalled about 200 birds. Four Tree Sparrows called briefly from the car park but did not linger and 13 at least were present at the Oak Hide feeder.

An impressive 100 strong Siskin flock was mobile along the central stream and a few other records of note included a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker near Oak Hide, at least two singing Reed Buntings, one by Railway Hide and one at the south end of the Reedbed, and aStock Dove on the pole box.

In the afternoon, a male Sparrowhawk hassled birds in the crop field which included, somewhat surprisingly (bearing in mind their recent scarcity), ten Yellowhammers. A pair ofGoosander were on Car Park Pool and proceeded to mate. The female seemed to take the lead, remaining almost submerged for over a minute before the male showed sufficient interest.

21st February 2011

– Drizzly and overcast.

No records.

20th February 2011

– Generally overcast, light but cold south-easterly wind.

The flood plain flock of Fieldfares had increased to 80 this morning, and the roving flock ofSiskin was up to 30, this time feeding along the concrete road. Other birds included 12 Tree Sparrows and a Nuthatch at the Oak Hide feeder.

A slightly reduced number of people at the work party (only six), nevertheless finished off most if not all of the gravel patches on Railway Pool. The sluices to both of the pools were lowered and thanks to all those who attended.

Despite the murky weather, a Bumblebee was on the wing by the back gate and a Coltsfoot flower was showing by the causeway screen.

19th February 2011

– Wet and chilly south-easterly wind in the morning, remaining overcast but generally drier in the afternoon.

The bird of the weekend was a female Hawfinch, seen from Railway Hide by Stuart Hares, perched in the oak trees by the south-west pond. The bird only lingered for a few minutes at around 3.15 pm before flying off, unfortunately. This is the fifth record of the species.

Graham Rowling’s waterfowl and other counts included two Dabchicks, a Grey Heron, 12Cormorants, two Mute Swans, 12 Canada Geese, three Greylags, three Shelduck, 290Wigeon (down from 330 in the middle of the week), 26 Gadwall, 71 Teal, 25 Mallard, sixShoveler, 53 Pochard, 37 Tufted Ducks, a female Goldeneye, 61 Coot, two Moorhen, 130Black-headed Gulls, one Common Gull, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 212 Lapwing, 37Snipe (all around Car Park Hide), four Jay (two on the Old Road and two on the lorry park), 12Siskins around Railway Pool, 14 Tree Sparrows, a Treecreeper by the top gate and a mixed flock of Starlings and Thrushes on the flood plain which included a minimum of 17Redwings, 41 Fieldfare and at least 100 Starlings.

In the crop field there were also 24 Stock Doves.

18th February 2011

– Misty, cold south-easterly wind.

The only records in the log were three Oystercatchers.

17th February 2011

– Mostly grey and misty all day, light south-easterly wind.

A Grey Wagtail, which flew over at about 9 a.m. this morning, and three Song Thrushes, which appeared to fly over and land on the Old Road, were the only unusual birds present first thing. The female Goldeneye started on Car Park Pool but moved to Railway Pool also at about 9 a.m. At least 12 Tree Sparrows were feeding at the Oak Hide feeders.

The crop field was disappointingly quiet, with no more than 20 Linnets and tenChaffinchesbut, fortunately, some of the fodder raddish remains so hopefully the Linnets will continue to visit for a few weeks to come. The spinner feeder was topped up, but I am not sure that it is having the desired effect of helping the small birds. The Jackdaws and Wood Pigeons seem to like the grain, however!

Other records of note included a singing Mistle Thrush by River Hide and displaying Black-headed Gulls on Railway Pool (I understand they were also displaying at the weekend). 12Snipe by Car Park Hide, four Dabchicks (two on the Reedbed and two on Car Park Pool), aGreat Crested Grebe on Car Park Pool and a slight increase in Cormorant numbers with 18 on the Car Park Pool islands early in the day.

16th February 2011

– Mostly sunny, light south-easterly wind.

A Dunlin on Railway pool this morning was a new arrival, and the Linnet flock which started at 100 birds had reached 220 by late morning. A Grey Wagtail was by the underpass and later by the bale store on the Old Road. There were also 30 Siskins in the Alders along the concrete road. The female Goldeneye remains and five Mistle Thrushes were noted.

15th February 2011

– Cold south-easterly wind mostly wet.

The only news in the log book concerned a male Goosander on Car Park Pool.

14th February 2010

– Overnight frost, sunny start, more cloud as the morning progressed, cold south-westerly wind.

Stonechats commence their return passage at this time of year and our first was a male today in the Marsh by Oak Hide. Unfortunately it did not linger, moving firstly to the islands after a few minutes and then over to Railway Hide, quickly disappearing thereafter.

30 Golden Plover flew north at 9 a.m., and 17 Tree Sparrows at the Oak Hide feeder was a new record count. 44 Common Gulls on Car Park Pool this morning was another good count, and there were birds moving through all the time.

Other birds of note included a Treecreeper on the central streamline, a Green Woodpeckerby the back gate along with 11 Siskins, and there were 80 Linnets in the crop field.

Ten Waxwings showed in the trees between Packhorse Bridge and the railway car park serving Siden Hill Wood. These were helpfully put in the log book in Tower Hide. By the little car park near to the Ammunition Dump on the west side, 50 Fieldfares and 30 Redwingswere feeding on the flood plain.

40 Waxwings were again on Maxstoke Lane where it crosses the A45 just west of the village. Birds do come and go frequently and are now favouring bushes on the Coventry side of the flyover. Please park carefully to view.

13th February 2011

– Overnight rain continued all day on a variable south-westerly wind.

Despite the weather, the Bittern showed along with two Oystercatchers, two Shelduck and 60 Linnets in the crop field. A Peregrine put in a brief appearance.

12th February 2011

– Sunny, mild, light south-westerly wind.

In the early morning a Bittern showed well to the right hand side of the causeway screen, in the Reedbed, and a Curlew flew over. A pair of Bullfinches were eyeing up last year’s territory on the railway embankment. Today’s Tree Sparrow maximum count was 12, with Graham Rowling and Dave Scanlan’s usual Saturday counts totalling: 16 Cormorants, threeHerons, 12 Mute Swans, 36 Greylags, four Farmyard Geese, 16 Canadas, 360 Wigeon, 22 Gadwall, 41 Teal, nine Shoveler, 39 Mallard, 47 Pochard, 26 Tufted, a femaleGoldeneye, three Shelduck, 52 Coot, four Moorhens, 445 Lapwing, 21 Snipe, threeOystercatcher, 220 Black-headed Gulls, 39 Common Gulls, two Lesser Black-backs, sixBuzzards, a male Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk and a Siskin on the causeway.

An impressive 150 Linnets fed in the crop field.

11th February 2011

– Sunny and warm.

A male Ruff was on the Reserve between 11 a.m. and 12 this morning, and Little Grebeshave increased to three (two on the Reedbed and one on Railway Pool).

85 Linnets were in the crop field where the fodder raddish has held up well into the late winter. At least 400 Lapwings were counted, mostly on Car Park Pool, along with 12 Common Gulls, an Oystercatcher and 12 Snipe, whilst today’s Tree Sparrow count reached no more than eight.

10th February 2011

– Overcast light south-westerly in the morning and wet in the afternoon.

In the milder weather the small bird song was evident, including some thrushes in song scattered around the Reserve. At the back gate there were three Mistle Thrushes which presumably included two forming a pair, reacquainting themselves with their old territory.

Other signs of spring included the first returning Great Crested Grebe with a Little Grebetoday again, after one on the Reedbed yesterday and another at the weekend. The Bitternshowed to the right of causeway screen on the Reedbed this afternoon, and the long stayingGoldeneye remained.

Other birds of note included 22 Snipe, three Skylark over the car park, both Oystercatchers, ten Tree Sparrows and a Nuthatch at the Oak Hide feeder, and two Shelduck.

9th February 2011

– Light overnight rain, overcast start, occasional sunny intervals in the afternoon, light south-westerly wind.

News helpfully phoned in to me today concerned a male Goosander on Railway Pool and one, possibly two, and a male Brambling in the hedge behind Oak Hide. There were also two Jack Snipe present in the Marsh. A flock of 20 Siskins were seen and one of yesterday’sOystercatchers also returned.

8th February 2011

– Sunny, light south-westerly wind.

The first Oystercatcher of the year was roosting on Car Park Pool this morning, always a good portent of spring. (A second bird arrived in the afternoon). 20 Snipe fed, or were roosting in the longer grass to the right of Car Park Hide, with a further eight under the hide in the rushes and six more on Railway Pool.

Two Herring Gulls, four Lesser Black-backs and eight Commons joined about 60 Black-headed Gulls on Car Park Pool whilst, in the crop field, at least 40 Linnets, 20 Chaffinchesand a Yellowhammer continued to take advantage of the remaining crop. A Skylark sang over the tip field and a Siskin flew over. A little later, at 12.15 p.m., a Raven flew over.

About 3 p.m., a Jack Snipe and four Common Snipe walked across the far end of the Marsh but unfortunately none of them reappeared. There were also 20 Waxwings on Maxstoke Lane, across the A45.

7th February 2011

– A strong, blustery south-westerly wind, overcast morning, wind easing as the afternoon progressed, sunny intervals.

The Bittern showed again in the Reedbed, along with a Kingfisher, and the femaleGoldeneye remains. Ten Tree Sparrows were counted at the Oak Hide feeder. The firstLittle Grebe of the year was present on Car Park Pool

6th February 2011

– Continuing strong south-westerly wind, overcast.

Common Gulls were again in the ascendancy, with 52 today, and a continuous turnover again. Four Herring Gulls were amongst other gulls on the move in the strong wind. At least 400 Greylags and 355 Wigeon were present. A pair of Ravens went over the car park at 1.30 p.m. and, in the afternoon, Tree Sparrows reached a new record count of 16 at the Oak Hide feeder.

5th February 2011

– Overcast strong south-westerly wind.

A Green Sandpiper was the first of the year and excellent counts included another recordWigeon count, 399 birds, 15 Tree Sparrows (a new record) at the Oak Hide feeder with an impressive 41 Common Gulls, mostly on Car Park Pool. There was a significant turnover, as there were at least 28 earlier in the morning. Thrush passage continues with at least 60Redwings and 30 Fieldfares on the Reserve. A Kingfisher showed on the Reedbed, a maleKestrel hunted over the Reserve and at least five Buzzards were in the air together. 52Waxwings were counted on the Maxstoke Lane road bridge.

The full counts for the day were 14 Cormorants, a Heron, 16 Mutes, a Black Swan, 12Greylags, ten Canadas, one Farmyard Goose, two Shelducks, 399 Wigeon, 59 Teal, 17Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 85 Mallard, 38 Pochard, 13 Tufted, a female Goldeneye, 34 Coot, three Moorhen, 461 Lapwings, six Snipe, 299 Black-headed Gulls, 41 Common Gulls, eight Lesser Black-backs, four Herrings, a male Kestrel, five Buzzards.

4th February 2011

– Damp, with very strong south-westerly wind.

Two female Goosanders, which had been feeding on the river, flew off to the east this afternoon. The female Goldeneye was present again, along with 13 Tree Sparrows.

3rd February 2011

– Sunny start, fresh south-westerly wind.

Less to report today. The female Goldeneye continues to linger on, whilst only eight Tree Sparrows were counted at the Oak Hide feeder. Two male Bullfinches showed in the hedgerow behind Oak Hide, and at least 60 Waxwings were present on Maxstoke Lane where it crosses the A45, just north and west of the village. The Bittern was also present again.

2nd February 2011

– Fine start, damp at the end of the day, breezy south-westerly wind.

On the pools, a Shelduck, and a female Goldeneye amongst many wildfowl and a femaleGoosander flew over. At the Oak Hide feeder, 13 Tree Sparrows and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were present. During the morning a Peregrine quartered the Railway Pool, disturbing most of the birds there and, in the late afternoon, the Bittern showed again in the Reedbed. A Muntjac lingered briefly to the right hand side of Car Park hide.

1st February 2011

– Milder, but damp drizzly start, brightening later.

Most of Railway Pool and well over half of Car Park Pool remain frozen, but milder weather forecasted will probably melt the ice fairly quickly. Between the two pools there were 68 Teal, 23 Tufteds, 38 Pochard, 171 Greylags (with others on the tip field), two Canadas, eightShoveler, 12 Mallard, eight Gadwall and the regular female Goldeneye. A few Wigeonwere also coming and going but the majority of the flock were further north along the river banks.

A few Black-headed Gulls drifted in and out with one Lesser Black-backed and twoHerring Gulls flew over to the north, 30 each of Chaffinch and Linnet were in the crop field and at least ten Tree Sparrows were at the Oak Hide feeder.

In the late evening, the Bittern showed by the life buoy on the Reedbed.

22 Waxwings were again on the Maxstoke Lane bridge over the A45 just north of Meriden.

Slide 1

Packington Estate ESG Policy 2025

Developing and maintaining an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy for a country estate involves considering various unique contexts, including historical aspects as well as the cultural significance of such properties, and their custodianship; past, present, and future, to preserve these locations for future generations to come, across all the three aspects of such an initiative.

Packington Estate has four overarching pillars that drive the spirit and principles of the Estate and provide the building blocks for all the Estate’s businesses, operations and projects. These four pillars are Stewardship, Sustainability, Wellbeing and Restoration.

The Estate is in a transitional phase moving away from more traditional, methodologies of Estate management to a progressive strategy, in line with current business practises and procedures. Much of the Estate is undergoing such an evolution to more sustainable operations. This covers every venture and project, from Estate stewardship all the way through to the Board Room.

Packington’s ESG policy is bolstered by its actionable and tangible achievements, framed and guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs or Global Goals). We all know that big global challenges need bold action, from every corner. This initiative was unanimously voted into being by all of the 197 member Nations of the United Nations, and this was formalised with an Act named Resolution Agenda 30, to build a greener, fairer, better world by 2030 and everyone has a role to play in helping achieve these Global Goals. Packington Estate is utilising the SDGs across the Estate as a guideline to set out its pathway for all future prospects and developing over time, an equitable, sustainable, biodiverse, conscientious, and healthy future.

Slide 2

Environmental (E) Considerations

Environmentally-friendly Land Management: Packington has implemented sustainable land management practices that prioritise biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation. This shall involve rewilding certain areas, planting native vegetation, and avoiding the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers on its Regenerative Farms and within the Gardens, with the aim of reducing the use of artificial products across the wider Estate.

1) Renewable Energy Integration: Explore the potential opportunities for on-site renewable energy sources, such as heat source, solar power, biomass and wind turbines. This can reduce the Estate's carbon footprint and enhance energy resilience. The opportunity for the establishment of an Energy Park within the Estate is currently being explored.

2) Historical Preservation: Develop a plan for the maintenance, conservation and sympathetic restoration of the historical buildings, such as the Hall, Church and Stables, as well as landscapes, combining modern, environmental practices with preservation efforts to ensure the legacy and longevity of the Estate.

3) Tree Planting Schemes: Packington is committed to soil and tree health, and as such has an extensive tree planting scheme planned across the Estate, with up to 10,000 trees currently planned for planting.

Slide 3

Social (S) Initiatives

1) Community Engagement: The Estate is fostering relationships with local communities by providing access to parts of the Estate to the use and organising community events such as craft workshops, carol services, fun runs, dog trials and open garden days. Alongside this, the Estate has developed an approved suppliers’ process and collaboration with local businesses, partners and charities, in support of local community businesses.

2) Educational Programs: The Estate intends to establish educational programs and workshops for both children and adults along with guided tours to showcase the Estate's history, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices. The Estate wants to raise awareness and share knowledge with our visitors and the wider community.

3) Cultural Heritage Preservation: Promote the preservation of cultural heritage, including historical artifacts, archives, and traditions of the Estate. Engage with local historians and cultural experts to ensure authenticity and respect for the Estate's historic and future legacy.

Slide 4

Governance (G) Strategies

1) Transparency and Accountability: The Estate emphasises transparency in its operations, governance structures, and decision-making processes. The Estate shall regularly review its ESG initiatives and performance in order to build trust and confidence, including the update of this Policy document.

2) Compliance with Heritage Regulations: The Estate shall ensure compliance with heritage and conservation regulations and Acts to protect the Estate's historical significance while aligning with modern sustainability standards.

3) Stakeholder Inclusivity: By involving local communities, team members, and other stakeholders in decision-making processes related to the Estate’s development, thereby creating an accountable and inclusive process for all.

Slide 5

Preservation of Natural and Historic Assets

1) Wildlife Conservation: The Estate shall implement measures to protect and enhance biodiversity within the Estate. This shall include habitat restoration and tree planting, development of the Estate’s Nature Reserve, wildlife corridors, and the creation of biodiverse, environmental areas, such as the Estate’s Rewilding project.
2) Historic Garden Preservation: The Estate shall maintain and, where appropriate, restore historic gardens using sustainable practices, such as within the Walled Gardens. The Estate shall utilise organic and sustainable gardening methods as far as possible and involve local communities in garden-related events and activities.

Heritage Tourism and Economic Diversification

1) Tourism Development: Strategically develop tourism initiatives that highlight the Estate's cultural and environmental assets. This can contribute to the wider and more local economies while raising awareness about sustainable practices. These initiatives involve EcoTourism within the Rewilding and Nature Reserve areas with potential for overnight accommodation, as well as daytime activities and events within the Parkland of the Estate.
2) Diversification of Income Streams: Explore further opportunities for sustainable and regenerative agriculture, as is already on-going, renewable energy projects, such as Somers Country Park, and hosting events that align with the Estate's four Pillars and the Estate’s historical and environmental values.

Team Well-being

1) Training: Provide training opportunity and programs for the Estate team
2) Health and Safety Measures: Implement health and safety measures to ensure the ongoing well-being of team members, contractors and visitors.

Slide 6

Commitment to Diversity and Equality

1) We are committed to:
i) Eliminating Discrimination: We will not tolerate discrimination based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
ii) Creating an Inclusive Environment: We strive to create an inclusive work environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
iii)Equal Opportunities: We provide equal opportunities for all team members, regardless of their background or characteristics.

2) Recruitment and Selection
i) Fair and Open Recruitment: We are committed to fair and open recruitment processes, ensuring that all candidates are assessed based on their skills, qualifications, and suitability for the role.

3) Training and Development
i) Equal Access to Training: All team members will have access to training and development opportunities.

4) Promotion and Career Development
i) Merit-based Promotion: Promotion decisions will be based on merit, skills, and performance, without any form of discrimination.
ii) Support for Career Development: We are committed to supporting the career development of all team members.

5) Harassment and Bullying
i) We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and bullying. All team members are expected to treat each other with respect, creating a workplace free from intimidation and hostility.

6) Monitoring and Review
i) This policy will be regularly reviewed to ensure its effectiveness.

7) Communication and Training
i) This policy will be communicated to all team members.

Slide 7

Monitoring and Enforcement

1) We shall use our best endeavours to proactively prevent and mitigate instances of non-compliance with our ESG policy. Any concerns or concerns of potential breaches, including ethical concerns in our commitment to high ethical standards, should be reported as soon as possible to your Line Manager or the Business Owners. Progress on this policy shall be reported to the Board on a regular basis. Active participation and engagement at all levels of the business is of great importance to ensure ownership of our ESG by all our teams. At the very least, we endeavour to maintain compliance with all legislative requirements.

We tailor our ESG strategy to the specific constitution and values of the Packington Estate, which is essential. Our regular monitoring and adaptation of strategies based on feedback, changing circumstances, and evolving ESG standards will contribute to the long-term success of the Estate as a sustainable and socially responsible entity.

So by adhering to this Policy, we aim to mould and create a significant enterprise, one that reflects the diversity of our rural community and promotes fairness, equality, and mutual respect.