January on the Tatton Estate has been a month of stark contrasts. A dusting of snow transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland, while persistent rainfall left fields waterlogged and challenged even the best-prepared landowners. Against this backdrop, we also took the first steps towards an exciting new woodland project – one that will leave a lasting legacy for the estate and its surrounding environment.
Snowfall: Beauty and Burden
There is something undeniably magical about seeing the estate blanketed in snow. The crisp, white frost highlights the contours of the land, and the familiar sights of our farms, parklands, and woodlands take on an entirely new character. Just look at the images of Rostherne and Peover Hall, where the snow-covered landscapes create a striking contrast between nature and the historic architecture that has stood the test of time.
Yet, for those working the land, snow is more than just a picturesque scene, it brings both challenges and opportunities. Cold snaps help to deter crop pests and can be beneficial to soil structure. However, the beauty of snow quickly fades when it melts into already saturated ground, worsening flooding and leaving fields waterlogged. For our farming teams, it also makes the daily task of tending livestock even harder, with frozen water supplies and treacherous conditions adding to the workload.
Flooding: The New Normal?
Flooding has become an increasing reality in recent years, and January was no exception. The sheer volume and persistence of rainfall meant that even well-maintained drainage systems struggled to cope. Fields that were frozen one week were submerged the next, raising questions about how we adapt to these ongoing weather extremes.
At the Tatton Estate, we are doing our part. By improving soil health through regenerative farming practices and ensuring our field drainage systems are fully maintained, we make our land more resilient, better able to store water where it’s needed and drain away excess where it’s not. But this is not a challenge that any one landowner or farm can solve alone.
Sustainable flood management requires a joined-up approach. We need all landowners to commit to good soil and drainage practices, and beyond that, we need multi-stakeholder collaboration. Local authorities, government bodies, and infrastructure planners all have a role to play in developing long-term solutions that mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
Woodland Creation: Investing in the Future
Amidst the unpredictability of winter, January has also marked the start of something new. January saw the start of a 16.28 hectare new woodland and 440 metre hedgerow planting project. A total of 19,540 trees of mixed species will be planted to contribute to the estate’s long-term commitment to conservation, carbon capture and biodiversity.
All tree guards are biodegradable and we are looking to do some innovation trials using other natural materials such as sheeps wools. Working with local contractors and experts. Environmental Land Management Associates, Robinsons Forestry, Cleco and Stockdale Fencing contractors.
While details are still taking shape, the vision is clear: to create a woodland that not only enhances the landscape but also plays a vital role in sustainability, providing new habitats for wildlife and helping to combat climate change.
The images of Rostherne under snowfall serve as a reminder of how our landscapes shift through the seasons—how they endure and evolve. The new woodland will be part of that future, adding to the estate’s legacy of responsible land stewardship.
A Landscape That Never Stands Still
January is often seen as a time of dormancy, a month where the land rests before the arrival of spring. But on the Tatton Estate, nature never truly stands still. Snow, floods, and new beginnings remind us that every season brings its own challenges and opportunities.
As we move into February, we remain focused on working with the land, not against it. Whether through responsible farming, environmental stewardship, or future-proofing our landscapes, we are committed to ensuring that Tatton Estate continues to thrive whatever the weather may bring.
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