Iford Biodiversity Project

05/06/2026

Wildlife on the estate 🐝🌳🦢🌸. During the recent heatwave we went out onto the Biodiversity Project to see what we could find!

10/03/2026

19/02/2026

An update from Ben Taylor of Iford Estate on how we are managing our land in line with biodiversity and how our herd of sussex cattle play an intricate part of this.

25/12/2025

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Iford gave to me… a magical Barn Owl!

Silent nocturnal hunter of rough grass margins and old barns, thriving where prey-rich field edges and nest sites are cared for. Why it matters: Nature-friendly farming keeps this icon in our skies.

24/12/2025

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Iford gave to me… a ghosting Hen Harrier!

While famed in uplands, Hen Harriers also winter on lowland wetlands where prey and cover align. Why it matters: Rich mosaic landscapes support raptors and their prey.

23/12/2025

On the tenth day of Christmas, Iford gave to me… a rare Stone Curlew!

A southern England specialist of open, sparsely vegetated chalky ground. Why it matters: Restoring open grassland mosaics alongside farming provides breeding space for this protected species.

*Held here by licensed personnel for ringing.

22/12/2025

On the ninth day of Christmas, Iford gave to me… a jangling Corn Bunting!

A Red-List farmland specialist that needs seed through winter and insect-rich margins for chicks. Why it matters: Wildlife-friendly cropping and late cutting can turn the tide.

21/12/2025

On the eighth day of Christmas, Iford gave to me… a soaring White-tailed Eagle!

Britain’s largest raptor is being reintroduced along the south coast—top predators signal healthy ecosystems. Why it matters: Connected wetlands and farmland support food webs.

20/12/2025

On the seventh day of Christmas, Iford gave to me… a comeback Spoonbill!

Once extinct as a UK breeder, Spoonbills are returning thanks to wetland restoration. Why it matters: Creating shallow, invertebrate-rich waters helps iconic species recover.

19/12/2025

On the sixth day of Christmas, Iford gave to me… a globe-trotting Ruff!

Breeding in northern Europe, ruffs rely on wet grasslands and grazed meadows on migration. Why it matters: Low-intensity grazing and seasonal pools offer vital refuelling habitat.