Rewilding Calcot with Groundsman Steve Farthing

It really began over 25 years ago when Calcot acquired part of a field (now called Strawberry Field) – the grounds team at the time along with Richard Ball decided to create this area into a wildflower meadow under the direction and guidance of Charles Flower. It was inspired and forward thinking at the time which began the journey of looking at more ways to rewild and let nature flourish…

Once the wildflower meadow established we then went on to purchase more acreage alongside the hotel – this land had been intensively farmed as arable.  We planted native Cotswold grass seed mixes and began to rewild the area – after 7 years it became certified organic land, and the story continues today. We’re always looking at ways to improve what we’re doing further and enjoy getting advice and working alongside experts at National Trust, Stroud Landscape Project, and Woodland Trust, as well as the Orchard Trust and the BTO.  It’s a work in progress and something we are extremely proud of.

The biggest change is the light – it’s quite incredible how the light changes the look of the landscape. We’re in a rather exposed site which creates it’s own micro-climate, and so the seasons sometimes seem slightly behind… but spring brings the dark green of the beech and the emergence of the vast amounts of dandelions, which are a vital source of food for our bees.  Our beautiful hares are a wonderful sight in spring.

In summer we enjoy early summer orchids, at least 4 different varieties, and the Ox Eye daisies and wild flowers put on a stunning natural display. Our ground nesting birds create a cacophony of sounds which reverberates around the grounds – the skylarks in particular are busy at this time and very vocal! We also have corn buntings, yellow hammers, white throats as well as many other farmland birds - and excitingly this summer we have owlets!

Autumn is a real jewel for the landscape scene, the light changes as the days get shorter and the golden glow on the Cotswold stone walls is quite magical. Our orchard featuring our native apple, pear and plum varieties are at their best now.

Winter –although sometimes considered bleak and “not much happening” it is a wonderful time to walk in our grounds and listen to the native birds busy in and out of our hedgerows which provide such a rich larder for them at this time of year.  Deer are a regular sight as well as foxes criss crossing the land, and our beautiful barn owl makes an appearance at dusk regular as clockwork….

 It’s hard to pick a favourite season as they all offer something interesting and inspiring but spring is always special with new beginnings - trees bursting forth and seeing the saplings develop year on year, and the bird song is at it’s best!

Bringing back native species of bugs and wildlife is integral to the rewilding process – and restoring ecosystems and allowing them to become more resilient.  It’s all a natural cycle….slowly our wildflowers have provided food for all types of insects and pollinators which in turn provide food for the birds and other mammals. For example we allow our gorgeous dandelions to thrive – these support up to 50 insect species and our bees love them!

Walk our rewilding trail and just listen to the sounds of nature – the birds, the wind in the trees, the buzz of our bees. We have five hives, so spend some time with our beekeeper, Martin (we can organise bee talks for guests on request). Each season the landscape and light changes, but there is always something to see and hear. Just breathe…

Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea sitting outside The Brasserie restaurant on the terrace, looking out at the 220 acres of meadowland. Our resident robin very often joins guests for a crumb or two…

If you’re looking to venture further afield from us – we’re close to Westonbirt Arboretum which is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. Home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe, and five national tree collections.