A Season of Growth and Change at Balcaskie Estate

Jérémy Lesiourd, Environmental and Wildlife Development Officer

It’s been a busy few months at Balcaskie Estate, full of activity on both land and water. We’ve been hard at work on a range of projects that continue to shape the landscape and support biodiversity.

At the core of my role is a simple but vital aim: enhancing and protecting biodiversity across the estate. While traditional methods remain important, we’re always exploring new tools and ideas—working with nature, not against it.

A major milestone was the completion of the Dreel Project, including the final step: removing the ford that blocked fish migration. This small but impactful change has transformed the area. The new wetland, created last winter, now slows water runoff and provides essential refuge during dry spells. Ducklings paddle through the shallows, feasting on insects, while the entire area buzzes with life.

A rewarding winter highlight was taking part in willow spiling with the Forth Rivers Trust—a traditional technique using living willow to stabilise riverbanks. It improves water quality and provides habitat for aquatic species. It was inspiring to work with a wider network of conservationists and see similar nature-based solutions applied regionally.

Elsewhere, Jim and Poul have been busy constructing a new pond at Balcormo. Soon I’ll be planting bulrush (Typha latifolia) and yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus). These species help filter nutrients and create habitat for frogs and birds like the reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus).

Remarkably, it’s been ten years since I joined Balcaskie. In that time, we’ve transitioned from conventional to fully organic farming. One way I track our progress is through soil health monitoring—looking at worm counts, structure, root depth, and stability.

This year, we’re trialling new technology from PES Technologies. Their testing equipment delivers detailed soil health results in minutes, a major improvement over traditional lab test. (More info: https://www.pestechnologies.com/home/what-we-do/)

We’ve also introduced bird monitoring using new acoustic sensors. This spring, we deployed several across the estate, including one for the University of East Anglia’s Soundscape Project. These devices record natural soundscapes and help us identify which species are present—and when. (Learn more: https://www.scienvy.co.uk/post/from-landscape-to-soundscape-exploring-spatial-temporal-variation-in-natural-soundscape-character/)

A personal highlight was hedge laying. The hedges I planted a decade ago are now mature enough to lay properly. With help from Reuben and Patrick, I gave it a go myself. While not quite up to the standard of Torquil and his team at Angus Boundaries, the experience was deeply satisfying. The hedge is bouncing back, full of blooms and already sheltering nesting birds.

Now, as days grow longer, I’m once again scanning the fields and hedgerows—watching for the first partridge or pheasant chicks of the season. It’s a small but powerful reminder of why I do this work.