February 2014

28th February 2014

– Cold and wet.

The early morning on Car Park Pool saw three Herring Gulls and two Lesser Black-backsdrop in to bathe and the now regular adult Great Crested Grebe.

27th February 2014

– Sun and showers.

A feature of past springs used to be the late February and early March movement ofStonechats but following previous cold winters this had become a rare event; so today it was pleasing to find a female, initially on the railway embankment (west side) at 8 am and then in the rushes in the Lower Siden field. It may have moved on quickly as it couldn’t be seen at 9 am. There were also two Snipe in the scrapes, 33 Cormorants on Railway Pool and approximately 10 Redwings on the edge of Siden Hill Wood.

The adult Peregrine was again on the flood plain and on or around the pools were a pair ofGoosanders, two Oystercatchers, one Ringed Plover, four Shelducks, 16 Common Snipeand the regular Kestrel.

26th February 2014

– Sunny, mild, south-westerly wind.

Further signs of spring with noisy Oystercatchers, scrape forming Lapwings, a drummingGreat Spotted Woodpecker by the south-west pond, a regularly calling Little Grebe in the causeway bay on Car Park Pool and plenty of song including larks in the tip field opposite the entrance gates.

The adult Peregrine was again perched on the flood plain this morning, opposite and to the north of Car Park Hide and visible, well, from Tower Hide.

In the late afternoon, three Jack Snipe were reported from the marsh and the Bittern showed well, at dusk, roosting in the Reedbed.

Contractors for Railtrack are erecting palisade fencing against the base of the railway embankment from at least the Marsh Lane railway bridge to Hampton in Arden so there may be some temporary short term disturbance to Railway Pool and the field opposite Lower Siden. Most of the work should be completed this week.

25th February 2014

-Drizzly, cool south-westerly wind.

Both Lapwings and Black-headed Gulls were displaying this morning and indeed the Black-headed Gulls being since at least the weekend, particularly on Car Park Pool but now also on Railway Pool. The Lapwings were displaying over both the crop field and the islands on both pools, with pairs also acting territorially around Car Park Hide.

Pretty well the entire Wigeon flock were feeding on the grass around Car Park Hide with 184 counted. There were 32 Shoveler spread across the pool and 11 Pochard just on Car Park Pool. The Kestrel was again around the car park and crop field and 11 Snipe were spread between the area to the right of Car Park Hide and the Marsh.

A pair of Oystercatchers were initially on Car Park Pool and then moved to Railway Pool before flying off to feed elsewhere.

24th February 2014

– Sun and showers, increasingly windy from the south-west.

The Ringed Plover, present for part of the morning on Railway Pool, along with threeOystercatchers, but there were only four Snipe visible in the Marsh.

Two Green Woodpeckers and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were showing around Oak Hide, there were three Bullfinches on the Old Road, six Pied Wagtails on the tip field but no sign of the Bittern or any Mediterranean Gulls today.

23rd February 2014

– Strong, south-westerly wind, occasional light showers.

A different adult Mediterranean Gull to that on the 21st, spent part of the morning on the islands on Railway Pool. Although also an adult, this was in partial breeding plumage with a partial black hood. It flew off at 11.15 when it, quite a lot of Black-headed Gulls and sevenCommon Gulls were flushed by a Peregrine.

In the afternoon the pair of Goosander reappeared and there were 100 mixed Thrushes in and around Siden Hill Wood. At dusk the Bittern showed well roosting in the Reedbed in various places, trying to find somewhere relatively sheltered from the strong wind.

22nd February 2014

– Mostly sunny, west, south-westerly wind.

Early on the pair of Oystercatchers and a Shelduck were present on Car Park Pool along with a first winter Herring Gull. A little later, an adult Great Black-backed Gull went over with two further Herring Gulls and six Lesser Black-backs.

To the east of the A452 there were at least 50 Redwings and 50 Fieldfares feeding around or bathing in the flashes there, and there were a further four Fieldfares and six Redwings along the Old Road. Two Pied Wagtails and eight Meadow Pipits commuted between the tip field and the Aeromodellers or east of the A452.

Later in the morning the Ringed Plover reappeared briefly on Railway Pool and the adultPeregrine showed on the flood plain, being joined by an immature later in the afternoon. The female Goosander of the pair came in to preen and roost on Railway Pool in the afternoon, and the male Kestrel showed well over the crop field having spent some of the day roosting in the box by the car park.

Other counts today, courtesy of Graham and Dave, were one Great Crested Grebe, two Little Grebes, 31 Cormorants, seven Mutes, a Black Swan, three Greylags, 14 Canadas, aShelduck, 183 Wigeon, 37 Gadwall, 61 Teal, 15 Mallard, 28 Shoveler, 14 Pochard, 38Tufteds (a noticeable increase), four Moorhens, 40 Coot, 287 Lapwing, 15 Snipe, 240Black-headed Gulls, eight Common Gulls, three Lesser Black-backs and a first winterHerring Gull.

21st February 2014

– Sunny and occasional showers.

Today’s best bird was an adult Mediterranean Gull which joined 11 Common Gulls and threeLesser Black-backs on Car Park Pool in the morning, but could not be found later. The bird was in winter plumage.

There were also a pair of Goosander on the pools and ten Linnets and a Yellowhammer in the crop field.

20th February 2014

– Mostly cloudy, west, south-westerly wind.

No records.

19th February 2014

– Sunny intervals, light south-westerly wind.

The first Ringed Plover of the year put in a brief appearance in the afternoon and as is often the case at this time of year, the birds prospect and then disappear for some days before reappearing.

The Peregrine was in the tree opposite the car park and pairs of Goosander and Shelduck, Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebe were spread across the pools.

12 Common Snipe were in the Marsh, an Oystercatcher was on Car Park Pool and there was a Bullfinch on the Old Road.

18th February 2014

– Early morning rain, subsequent sunny intervals, mild and light south-westerly wind.

The more noteworthy birds today included a showy Little Egret and a pair of Goosanders on Car Park Pool where a pair of Oystercatchers were also present and subsequently mated.

On the tip field there were five Pied Wagtails and about 60 Redwings and other birds of interest included a pair of Great Crested Grebe and a Little Grebe on Car Park Pool, a pair ofBullfinches by the car park gates and a Green Woodpecker by Railway Hide.

A Sparrowhawk again went into the Marsh after Snipe and flushed 30.

The Bittern showed well at dusk in the Reedbed, firstly on the stream side before flying to the east side to roost.

17th February 2014

– Regular rain, overcast.

Sadly yesterday’s Kittiwake died during the day. The pair of Goosander reappeared and today’s Cormorant count reached 57. The Peregrine was again opposite Car Park Hide perched in the trees on the flood pain and otherwise there were a pair of Oystercatchers, 12Goldfinches and a pair of Ravens went over.

16th February 2014

– Light frost, sunny, light south-westerly wind, mild.

On an altogether spring like day, the quality birds left it until the end of the day when at 5 p.m., an adult winter Kittiwake appeared on Railway Pool and at 5.50 p.m., the Bittern flew from the west to the east side of the Reedbed to roost.

The Kittiwake looked pretty tired and was presumably a wind swept bird re-locating.

Other birds of interest included two Grey Wagtails by the cattle pen and one of those or another over the pools in the late afternoon, a Green Woodpecker in the crop field, a singleShelduck, 45 Gadwall, two Mistle Thrush and two Rooks on the flood plain, 300 plusBlack-headed Gulls, up to five Common Gulls, a Little Grebe, about 100 Starlings in the Reedbed roost, 75 Redwings roosting in the blackthorn by the top gate.

15th February 2014

– Very windy (west, north-westerly), sunny intervals with occasional showers.

An altogether better weekend, weather wise, with the Bittern appearing on both evenings at dusk and further quality in the shape of two Woodcock, flushed from the back gate copse on the 15th and an adult Kittiwake at dusk on the 16th.

Early on the tip field was lively just before Tom, the farmer, took in the sheep for lambing. There were 13 Pied Wagtails, six Meadow Pipits, 35 Redwings and four Fieldfare and about 50 Starlings, with six Skylarks going backwards and forwards, (some in song) from the east side of the A452. There as a further flock of 60 to 70 Redwings and two Fieldfares east of the road.

The minimum Cormorant count this morning was 64, but birds were coming and going all the time and there were undoubtedly more than this. Early on, the Wigeon flock exceeded 250 but had dropped off later in the day as birds dispersed to feed. Two Oystercatchers roosted on Car Park Pool in the morning, but they also dispersed to feed off-site. There was also a third on Railway Pool.

The presence of a Buzzard in the early morning was counter productive to the presence of theGreen Sandpiper, but after that left, sure enough the Green Sandpiper appeared.

Other counts today, courtesy of Graham and Dave, were: one Heron, one Great Crested Grebe, four Mute Swans, the Black Swan, 13 Greylags, 20 Canadas, one Shelduck, 35Gadwall, 52 Teal, six Mallard, 35 Shoveler, nine Pochard, 15 Tufted, five Moorhen, 57Coot, at least 700 Lapwing, 14 Snipe, 14 Black-headed Gulls, 36 Common Gulls, twoLesser Black-backed Gulls, the Peregrine and two Lesser Redpolls by the causeway.

The adult Peregrine was perched on the flood plain in the morning and a juvenile also came through and flew over the hides. The adult did not react at all.

14th February 2013

– Overcast start, rain from 11.30 and increasing south-westerly wind.

The Bittern showed well, but briefly, in the Reedbed Pool, at 8.15 am., perched in the reeds opposite the stream and by the lifebuoy. Later in the morning, it again showed well to the right, against the screen. There were 12 Snipe in the Marsh, a pair of Oystercatchers on Car Park Pool, along with 45 Cormorants and 12 each of Chaffinch and Reed Bunting in the crop field.

13 February 2014

– Cold, westerly wind, light frost, mostly sunny with occasional showers

A Bittern was seen by Max Silverman to land between Oak Hide and River Hide on Railway Pool at about 12.30. It worked its way towards River Hide before then flying back to the Reedbed and was being looked for. Earlier, a Sparrowhawk went into the Marsh in pursuit ofSnipe and at least 120 Snipe were estimated to be flushed by the bird.

There were also two Oystercatchers, a Shelduck and for the first time this year two Skylarkssinging from the tip field. There were 15 Cormorants on Car Park Pool and five Pied Wagtailsin the tip field by the Dragonfly Pond.

12th February 2014

– Wet all day, strong south, south-westerly wind.

A similar selection of birds to the previous days with two Oystercatchers, a mobile Shelduck, one Great Crested and one Little Grebe, and two Song Thrush, one on the causeway and one by Oak Hide. A flock of 15 Goldfinches were mobile around the Railway Pool.

11th February 2014

– Rain and snow a.m., sunny p.m., westerly wind.

A Little Egret, Shelduck and two Oystercatchers were again present, as was the Kestrelover the crop field.

18 Pied Wagtails in the tip field was a noteworthy count and would suggest that some return migration may now be underway. There were also 30 Linnets to the east of the A452.

In the evening, the pair of Goosanders were roosting on Railway Pool but took off at dusk and flew up river. There were also 43 Shoveler and about 60 Starlings came in to roost. Two male Shelducks occasionally tolerated each other but spent much of the late evening chasing each other around Railway Pool.

10th February 2014

– Mostly wet, cloudy, north-westerly wind.

The more noteworthy birds today came in the form of the regular Little Egret, twoOystercatchers, three Shelduck, 26 Snipe (of which 23 were in the Marsh) and a Herring Gull over.

9th February 2014

– Cloudy, breezy, westerly wind

Today’s birds included the Little Egret, two Shelduck, 47 Gadwall, 33 Shoveler, 91 Teal, aLittle Grebe, 14 Common Gulls, 14 Pochard, 33 Cormorants and 150 Wigeon. Along the Old Road Thrushes included 40 Redwing, two Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush plus threeTreecreepers and two Lesser Redpolls and there was a Green Sandpiper on the flash north of Patrick Farm Barns.

8th February 2014

– Windy, mostly overcast, squally showers.

Possibly because of the flooding, wildfowl numbers were slightly disappointing though it is possible, of course, that with the mild weather some return movements of the migrant ducks is already under way. Full counts are below.

The adult Peregrine was found roosting at dawn on the railway arches and lingered there into the morning. The Little Egret appeared on and off and a Great Black-backed Gull flew south prior to 9 a.m.

There were again good numbers of Lapwings with at least 575 counted and three Green Sandpipers this morning were split two on the Patrick Farm flash and one east of the A452.

The other counts were as follows: one Great Crested Grebe, five Herons, 35 Cormorants, 13 Mute Swans, the Black Swan, seven Greylags, 33 Canadas, 158 Wigeon, 47 Gadwall, 73 Teal, nine Mallard, 33 Shoveler, nine Pochard, 24 Tufted, two Moorhens, 33 Coot, nine Snipe, 575 plus Lapwing, 25 Black-headed Gulls, 11 Common Gulls, five Lesser Black-backed Gulls and for Yellowhammers in the crop field. A Kingfisher was seen on the Reedbed and was the first for some time.

The afternoon work party of ten enjoyed better weather than the forecast suggested and a variety of useful jobs were undertaken, including some cutting back of the “leggy” gorse on the causeway and the coppicing of the willows in the back gate compounds. Two fallen trees in the back gate copse were also cut and the paths improved in this area with more tree guards also being removed. Many thanks to all those who attended.

7th February 2014

– Wet and windy start, sunny later.

A pair of Goosander were back on Railway Pool this morning, along with a drake Shelduckand Little Egret, with the adult Peregrine again on the flood plain. The Great Crested Grebe was on Car Park Pool and there were three Bullfinches feeding along the causeway. Eight Redwing and a Song Thrush were feeding together along the Old Road.

6th February 2014

– Mostly wet, south-westerly wind.

The Peregrine was again on the flood plain and the Bar-headed Goose with the Greylags. Seven Common Snipe showed in the Marsh and there were 11 Mute Swans spread across the Reserve.

Yesterday’s Oystercatcher was again present and 47 Cormorants, all on Car Park Pool, was the highest count of the year so far. There were also over 500 Lapwings present.

5th February 2014

– Blustery, southerly wind, periodic heavy showers, occasional sunny intervals.

The “spring’s” first returning Oystercatcher stood rather forlornly amongst the Lapwings on the main island on Car Park Pool this morning. There were 26 Tufted Ducks and 33Cormorants spread across the pools, along with the usual other wildfowl.

A sub-adult male Sparrowhawk caused consternation amongst the small birds, particularly the Blue Tits, down by the cottages where there was a singing Treecreeper and, nearby, a singing Song Thrush.

The male Kestrel was again present, initially around the car park and subsequently along the Old Road where it was calling repeatedly, for reasons that could not be ascertained.

There were at least ten each of Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting in the crop field together with a flock of 50 Jackdaws and three Stock Doves. 13 Snipe were counted between the Marsh and Car Park Hide.

4th February 2014

– Mostly sunny, but increasingly windy from the south, south-west, leading to overnight rain and very strong winds.

The pair of Goosander reappeared today on the pools, for the first time this month, and theLittle Egret spent part of the morning on the far side of Car Park Pool. In the meantime thePeregrine, when not disturbing the birds on the pools and the flood plain, was perched in Siden Hill Wood.

3rd February 2014

– Mostly sunny, south-westerly wind.

The first Jack Snipe of the year was in the Marsh this afternoon, and was the highlight of the day. Other birds of note included eight Pied Wagtails on the tip field, four Bullfinches on the Old Road, three Goldcrests (two on the causeway central streamline and one on the Old Road), the Little Egret on the Dragonfly Pond and the now regular Great Crested Grebe on Car Park Pool.

On the Old Road there were ten Yellowhammers, ten Redwings and five Fieldfares.

2nd February 2014

– Sunny, mild, light south-westerly wind.

At last, some sunshine and altogether a pleasant day. Thankfully no rain and mild conditions.

Aside from the weather, today’s highlight was two pairs of Pintail which showed really well from Oak and River Hide during the morning. They joined plentiful wildfowl on both pools and a steady turnover of Gulls included at least 16 Common Gulls, three Herrings (plus two further ones over) and three Lesser Black-backs (with six over). Today’s Cormorant counts reached 31, mostly adults and the majority of adults sporting full breeding plumage.

1st February 2014

– Mostly showery, overcast, south-westerly wind.

The most noteworthy bird today was a Mealy Redpoll which was found about mid-day with three Lesser Redpolls and 15 Siskins in the Alders at the junction between the concrete road and the Old Road. The bird was probably present exactly a week ago but was not at that stage clinched. Other good counts consisted of over 700 Lapwings, 29

Yellowhammers

and over 30 Reed Buntings in the crop field. Two Green Sandpipers were on the flash north of Patrick Farm with other records as follows: singles of Great Crested and Little Grebe on Railway Pool, 42 Canadas, 45 Greylags, eight Mute Swans, a Black Swan, 32 Cormorants, threeHerons, 122 Wigeon, 73 Teal, 12 Gadwall, two Mallard, 11 Shoveler, 14 Pochard, 18Tufteds, two Moorhens, 27 Coot, seven Snipe, 20 Black-headed Gulls, seven Common Gulls, eight Lesser Black-backed Gulls, one Herring Gull, 20 Fieldfares and 20Redwings.

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.