January 2014

31st January 2014

– Mostly wet, south-easterly wind, and cold.

Wildfowl counts today included a Shelduck, 36 Shoveler and 46 Gadwall. 22 Snipe in the Marsh, a Great Crested Grebe on Car Park Pool and eight Lesser Redpolls on the central streamline were other birds noted in the log.

30th January 2014

– Easterly wind, grey and drizzly.

Counts today consisted of 556 Lapwing, 56 Gadwall, six Snipe, 50 mixed Buntings in the crop field along with 19 Pheasants and a flock of ten Stock Doves flew over after being disturbed by a Sparrowhawk.

Later in the day the Snipe numbers, principally in the Marsh, increased to 20 and there was a noteworthy 16 Mute Swans spread across the pools, two of which were first winters. There was a Great Crested Grebe on Car Park Pool and 13 Common Gulls came in to roost, wash and preen with the Black-heads before dispersing. The Bar-headed Goose was again with the Greylags.

29th January 2014

– Cold easterly wind, regular heavy showers mostly overcast.

A minimum of 19 Yellowhammers and 22 Reed Buntings were counted in the crop field hedge and a quick Duck count yielded 193 Wigeon, 131 Teal and 16 Shoveler. The Great Crested Grebe was present on Car Park Pool for the second day.

28th January 2014

– South-westerly wind, occasional showers, sunny intervals.

A Great Crested Grebe was a new arrival on Railway Pool, but otherwise it was much the same with a Raven over Siden Hill Wood, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Peregrine on, over or adjacent to the Reserve, and two Shelduck on the pools.

27th January 2014

– Showery south westerly wind, occasional sunny intervals.

The female Goosander was on the pools this morning with a pair of Shelduck and thePeregrine was again present on the flood plain. Two pairs of Bullfinch were by the entrance gates and four Buzzards were displaying over Siden Hill Wood.

26th January 2014

– Wet and windy morning, sunshine and showers in the afternoon. Westerly wind.

The drake Goldeneye reappeared this morning on Car Park Pool where there was also aShelduck, but in the appalling weather this morning, aside from an overflying Grey Wagtail there was little else of note.

Further work on the causeway hides was also undertaken.

25th January 2014

– Blustery but sunny morning, heavy afternoon showers.

A Water Rail showed in the Marsh at dawn, along with six Snipe and the pair of Goosanderswere still present. The Little Egret came and went during the morning and other counts today included 27 Cormorants, three Herons, 11 Mute Swans, 13 Greylags, two Shelduck, 209Wigeon, 58 Gadwall, 142 Teal, 36 Mallard, 26 Shoveler, 16 Pochard, 26 Tufted, threeMoorhen, 37 Coot, 525 Lapwing, 83 Black-headed Gulls, seven Common Gulls, oneLesser Black-backed, three Herring Gulls, a Little Grebe in the Marsh, 26Yellowhammers in the crop field, six Siskins and three Redpolls along the concrete road.

24th January 2014

– Overcast and drizzly most of the day, proceeding heavy overnight rain.

Yellowhammers were congregating on the Old Road by the crop field this morning and there were at least 21 of them, with six Bullfinches along the Old Road as well, along with fourLinnets.

The Little Egret was again feeding on the Dragonfly Pool, a pair of Shelduck and eightCommon Gulls were visible from Oak Hide and on the field opposite the car park, there were eight Pied Wagtails on the floods.

23rd January 2014

– Sunny, but cold westerly wind.

A pair of Ravens displayed over Siden Hill Wood during the morning, this has been an occasional event over a number of years but they have yet to linger and I suspect that the presence of the Buzzards may be putting them off.

The now regular pair of Goosanders were displaying to each other and mating and other counts today included 225 Wigeon, 57 Gadwall, 33 Shoveler, 115 Teal, a pair of Shelduck, 20 Pochard, 38 Tufted, 485 Greylags, 45 Coot, 10 Snipe, 360 Lapwing, 17 Common Gulls, 15 Yellowhammers, 18 Reed Buntings, two Linnets, a Kestrel, Buzzard,Sparrowhawk and Peregrine.

22 January 2014

– Sunny intervals after the overnight rain cleared. South-westerly wind.

Last night’s rain again caused the Blythe to flood at Patrick Bridge and joining a few Wigeonand Greylags, were the pair of Goosander that were on the Reserve yesterday. They were mostly resting on the river bank between Patrick Bridge and the north end of the Reserve. Also at Patrick Farm, by the gate overlooking the floods, a small group of Finches were feeding on the “tide line” and these included nine Goldfinches, two each of Greenfinch and Chaffinchand half a dozen House Sparrows.

On the pools later in the day, a good count of Common Gulls saw 42 in the roost with at least 17 still there later.

Little Egret and Peregrine were both seen as well, along with the regular pair of Goosander. 20 Yellowhammers were in the crop field and a Green Sandpiper went over, calling.

21st January 2014

– Sharp frost and fog clearing about 10.30, sunny, light south-westerly wind.

A reasonable selection of birds today consisted of a pair of Goosanders on Car Park Pool, aLittle Egret on the Dragonfly Pond, singles of Golden Plover and Green Sandpiper east of the A452 and another Green Sandpiper north of Patrick Farm, a minimum of 56 Reed Buntings and 27 Yellowhammers in the crop field and a pair of Ravens which flew over towards Packington in the morning.

20th January 2014

– Sunny and mild after a frost, light south-westerly wind.

A pair of Goosanders was on Railway Pool this morning and a Water Rail and at least 27Snipe were in the Marsh. This is a substantial increase for Snipe, the numbers of which have been poor so far this month.

The Bar-headed Goose was again with the Greylags and a total of eight Bullfinches were counted around the Reserve. Other counts included at least 300 Black-headed Gulls, 15Common Gulls, a Herring Gull and 400 Lapwings.

19th January 2013

– Sunny all day, light south-westerly wind.

A build up of Gulls today saw a notable 42 Common Gulls join 140 Black-headed Gulls, tenLesser Black-backs and two Herring Gulls on the pools, whilst an adult Greater Black-back went over to the north.

Yesterday’s drake Goldeneye was replaced by a pair of Goosander and, in the crop field, today’s counts were 38 Yellowhammers and 15 Reed Buntings.

Other records of note included Little Egret, the Peregrine, ten Lesser Redpolls along the concrete road, four Green Sandpipers on the Patrick Farm flash, a Raven and sevenMeadow Pipits over and ten Snipe in the Marsh.

18th January 2013

– Mostly overcast.

The more noteworthy birds today included the Little Egret again at the Car Park Pool and Dragonfly Pond, a drake Goldeneye all day on Car Park Pool, three Green Sandpipers on the Patrick Farm flash, at least 35 Yellowhammers and 25 Reed Buntings in the crop field and the adult Peregrine again on the flood plain.

Other counts included one Little Grebe, four Herons, 16 Cormorants, three Mute Swans,56 Greylags, 24 Canadas, the Bar-headed Goose, 183 Wigeon, 184 Teal, 61 Gadwall, 40Mallard, 24 Shoveler, 15 Pochard, 26 Tufted, two Moorhens, 44 Coot, 308 Lapwing, twoSnipe, 190 Black-headed Gulls, five Lesser Black-backed Gulls, five Herring Gulls, fiveCommon Gulls, two Shelducks on the floods, at least 40 Redwings and ten Fieldfares.

Last, but not least, two Greater Black-backed Gulls flew over to the south, the first for some weeks.

Although the water level in the stream by Oak Hide had dropped today, the pipe running under Oak Hide had partly blocked and that has now been cleared. A precautionary shake out of the waders from the storage container produced a leg full of peanuts and a Wood Mouse, which made its bid for a freedom into the long grass by the record box.

17th January 2013

– Heavy overnight rain continued into the early morning, thereafter mostly overcast, south-westerly wind.

The regularly visiting Little Egret was again on Car Park Pool this morning and a Raven flew over the car park at 8.30 before it or another bird reappeared later in the day. There wereLittle Grebes both on Railway Pool and on the floods and a Green Sandpiper showed on the flash east of the A452.

At least six Song Thrushes were counted today, three in the orchid field, two on the causeway and one on the Old Road and Treecreepers were represented by a singing bird by Oak Hide and another one on the Old Road.

The regular adult Peregrine was on the flood plain, the Kestrel in the crop field where there were at least 15 Yellowhammers. 20 Chaffinches were feeding in the Old Road game crop.

16th January 2013

– Sunny periods, heavy showers, south-westerly wind.

With the flood plain still partly in flood, a pair of Shelduck were enjoying the wetter ground with a third bird on the main pools. There were also four Common Gulls on the floods and aHerring Gull went over. A Little Grebe again fed on Railway Pool and Raptors includedSparrowhawk and Kestrel. A pair of Bullfinches showed on the Old Road.

15th January 2014

– Mostly drizzly but mild brisk south-westerly wind.

In the morning, two male Goldeneyes showed well on Car Park Pool but at mid-day they were not visible. Apparently they showed again late in the afternoon. An unseasonal Chiffchaff was seen and heard calling along the central streamline in the morning but again, by mid day, had vanished.

The adult Peregrine was again perched on the flood plain, making the Lapwings particularly jumpy and a second bird was seen later in the day. There was a male Shelduck on Railway Pool.

A Little Egret commuted between the car park and the Dragonfly Pond, a Grey Wagtail,Redpoll and two Siskin went over and at least ten Fieldfares were feeding along the Old Road.

Three Song Thrush and two Redwing showed well from Oak Hide in the orchid field in the morning and two Mistle Thrushes were there in the afternoon, and in the crop field, a minimum of 26 Yellowhammers and 15 Reed Buntings were counted.

14th January 2014

– Mostly sunny before overnight rain.

The only record today was of ten Snipe in the Marsh.

13th January 2014

– Mostly fine before overnight rain, south-westerly wind.

Seven Snipe and a Water Rail showed well in the Marsh and the Little Egret was again present on Car Park Pool. A Shelduck, along with three Common Gulls were with the Ducksand Lapwing on Railway Pool and a further five Snipe were on the margins of Car Park Pool.

A pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, including a drumming male, showed well on the central streamline and at least 20

Reed Buntings

were counted today.

12th January 2013

– Sunny start, grey and drizzly afternoon, heavy overnight rain on the 12th to the 13th .

The crop field was again lively with 27 Yellowhammers and 55 Reed Buntings, another good count. A Water Rail was heard calling by the back gate copse from the ditch, presumably pushed out by the rain. 20 Snipe in the Marsh was also the best count for some days. On the flood plain, a mixed flock of Fieldfares and Redwings totalled about 70 and a Grey Wagtailwas again present, whilst four Lesser Redpolls in the alders on the concrete road. ThePeregrine put in its daily appearance over the car park.

11th January 2013

– Sunny and mild.

The Peregrine showed well and regularly perched up on the trees on the flood plain, including at dusk. There were a few changes in counts. For example, Lapwings at 533 was the highest count of the winter so far and Wigeon at 313 likewise. Other counts were as follows: oneGreat Crested Grebe, three Herons, 24 Cormorants, 10 Mute Swans, the Black Swan, 100 Greylags, 100 Canadas, 313 Wigeon, a drake Shelduck, 78 Gadwall, 159 Teal, 23Mallard, 28 Shoveler, 21 Pochard, 24 Tufted, four Moorhen, 22 Coot, 533 Lapwing, threeSnipe, six Green Sandpipers on the flash opposite Patrick Farm Barns, 250 Black-headed Gulls, three Common Gulls, a Herring Gull, three Lesser Black-backs, four Buzzards over Siden Hill Wood and 12 Yellowhammers in the crop field.

A very commendable 12 turned up for the afternoon work party and a lot was achieved including the clearance of the next boxes on both sides of the river, some pot hole repairs in the car park, bramble strimming and removal of tree guards. Thanks to all who attended.

10 January 2014

– Sunny after a frosty start.

Despite yesterday and last night being largely dry, the floods at Patrick Bridge had barely subsided from yesterday. Many of the Wigeon and a few of the Teal and Shoveler were still on the flood plain, although the presence of the adult Peregrine pushed them all back onto the Reserve. The Peregrine was perched up in one of its favoured trees on the flood plain before flying south over the Reserve and off towards Hampton.

The wood was relatively quiet aside from a few Redwings and a singing Treecreeper. On the flash opposite Patrick Farm Barns, there were three Green Sandpipers feeding this morning.

On the eastern part of the Reserve, there was a Little Grebe again on Railway Pool, theKestrel was, as ever, present and, in the crop field, there were at least 40 Yellowhammers, 10 Linnets and 25 Reed Buntings.

9th January 2014

– Early morning rain clearing quickly, mostly sunny, cool north-westerly wind.

Further heavy rain overnight saw to it that the flood plain at Patricks Bridge was again inundated. Indeed there was so much water that the ditch along the concrete road was backing up into the Dragonfly Pond. The stream exiting into Railway Pool, under Oak Hide, was also over-topping such that there was a flood outside Oak Hide and up the track towards Railway Hide. Fortunately the drain in the corner of the floor in Oak Hide was keeping it free and access was still possible with wellies. Over-topping water from here was flowing along the drainage ditch and causing another flood by the cattle gate on the central stream.

Birdwise, a drake Goldeneye was new in this morning on Railway Pool and in the crop field, along with a flock of about 15 Chaffinches, there were also at least ten Yellowhammers and ten Reed Buntings, with the male Kestrel seen in various places around the Reserve.

Pairs of Bullfinches feeding along the causeway and by the cottages and, along the Old Road, a Mistle Thrush was joined by at least eight Redwings and a singing Treecreeper. A mixed flock of Finches, mostly Chaffinches but with a few Tits were mobbing a bird deep in cover along the concrete road, probably a Tawny Owl, but it refused to show.

8th January 2014

– Sunny periods, light south-westerly wind, increasing in the evening with further overnight rain.

The Little Egret put in an appearance today and, in the crop field along with the Buntings, was a mobile flock of at least 30 Linnets. The Bar-headed Goose was with other wildfowl on Car Park Pool and also a Great Crested Grebe. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was enjoying the peanuts at Oak Hide and, later, moved to the adjacent oak tree and started drumming. There were just three Snipe on the ground around Car Park Pool.

7th January 2014

– Strong south-westerly wind, heavy showers with some sunny periods.

The Little Egret was again present today, spending much of its time around an increasingly flooded Dragonfly Pond. A male Shelduck was on the Car Park Pool. Two Sparrowhawkswere hunting over Lower Siden and, in the crop field, there were a minimum fo 12 Reed Buntings and 14 Yellowhammers.

6th January 2014

– Sunshine and heavy showers, strong south-westerly wind.

A Peregrine undertook a flyover over the pools this morning and there was a Little Egretpresent intermittently on the pools and on the Dragonfly Pond.

East of the A452 two Mistle Thrushes were joined by 150 mixed Redwings and Fieldfares, the vast majority of which were Redwings.

5th January 2014

– Frosty and sunny start, clouding over, driving wind and rain later on.

A bit more of note today with very good Bunting counts in the crop field (courtesy of Simon Roper) with a minimum of 49 Yellowhammers and 75 Reed Buntings this afternoon. 100Starlings came in to roost, with the usual attendant Sparrowhawk.

A Little Egret flew to Car Park Pool and was also seen on the Dragonfly Pool. Two Green Sandpipers fed on the flash north of Patrick Farm and other counts today included twoKestrels east of the A452, 23 Pochard, three Skylarks, 11 Herring Gulls, 11 Common Gulls, 81 Gadwall, 225 Teal and at least 250 Wigeon.

4th January 2014

– Mostly extremely wet, south-westerly wind.

Today’s counts, thanks to Graham Rowling and Dave Scanlan were as follows: a Heron, 24Cormorants, four Mute Swans, the Black Swan, 138 Greylags, three Farmyard Geese, aBar-headed Goose, two Canadas, 150 Wigeon, 220 Teal, 27 Shoveler, 26 Mallard, 55Gadwall, 20 Pochard, 18 Tufted, six Moorhen, 36 Coot, 59 Lapwing, 11 Snipe, 40 Black-headed Gulls, two Herring Gulls (over) and 30 Redwing.

In the late morning, early afternoon, 45 Yellowhammers were counted in the hedge by the car park. This is the best count of the winter so far. There was also a Fox in the crop field along with ten Reed Buntings and a pair of Bullfinch.

3rd January 2014

– Heavy showers, sunny intervals, south-westerly wind.

The only record in the book today was of two pairs of Pintail. A good find but sadly they did not linger until the following day.

2nd January 2014

– Sunny, light south-westerly wind.

The river valley was flooded today and birds were well dispersed. The Peregrine was again present with Buzzard and Kestrel as well. Six Common Gulls joined 200 Lapwings and theLittle Grebe on the pools, with Green and Great-spotted Woodpecker showing well and four Siskins and four Redpolls fed on the central streamline with five Yellowhammers in the crop field.

1st January 2014

– Driving wind and rain all day

On an extremely unpleasant day there was nothing particularly out of the ordinary but again good counts of duck, particularly Teal. Both Green Woodpecker and Redwings showed well in the orchid field as viewed from Oak Hide and there were at least eight Yellowhammers and ten Reed Buntings in the crop field. Today’s full counts were three Herons, 33 Cormorants, a Little Grebe, two Mute Swans, a Black Swan, 225 Greylags, three Farmyard Geese, theBar-headed Goose, two Canadas, 115 Wigeon (presumably the rest were on the flood plain), 82 Gadwall, 260 Teal, 58 Mallard, 33 Shoveler, 20 Pochard, 18 Tufted, sixMoorhen, 32 Coot, 368 Lapwing, 12 Snipe, 40 Black-headed Gulls, two Common Gulls, one Lesser Black-backed Gull and one Herring Gull.

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.