Major conservation project brings birds and wildlife to Cumbrian estate

The current owners of Hayton Holme Hall, near Great Asby in the Eden Valley, have recently planted more than 3,000 bulbs, including daffodils, anemones, snowdrops, bluebells and snake’s head fritillary.

These are set to bring an explosion of colour to both sides of the gravel driveway which leads to the six-bedroom family house and to an area of lawn which lies between the house and the property’s stables.

LARGE AREA: The view from the stone terrace at Hayton Hall

In addition, about 1,000 trees have been planted during the past four years, including a couple of hundred in the past 12 months, so new owners will be able to enjoy belts of woodland throughout the estate’s 21-acres. Trees planted include birch, oak, scots pine and alder.

Hundreds of metres of hedgerows have been planted. Farmland surrounds the house and some of the fields have been the subject of a hay meadow restoration scheme, which is paying dividends with 14 different species of grass now growing.

It has all been part of a major managed conservation and environmental landscape project, designed to encourage birds, wildlife and insects.

“The increase in birdlife on the estate has been dramatic over the past four years – really staggering,” said Nick Elgey, Manager at the Penrith office of estate agents Hackney Leigh, who are jointly marketing Hayton Holme Hall with Jackson-Stops.

“There are dippers in the becks that run through the estate and lapwings, curlews, snipe, woodcock and a kingfisher have been spotted. Owls are also being seen because of the number of voles. A few years ago, there was no sign of hedgehogs on the estate – now you see them all the time. Hares have moved in and red squirrels are thriving.”

The conservation project has been carried out with help from the Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust and the squirrels are managed by the Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group.

Wildlife: A red squirrel in the grounds

The property enjoys amazing views of the Pennine fells and High Cup Nick. “There are big views which, arguably, were almost overpowering before the planting scheme,” said Mr Elgey. “By planting all the trees, the views have been framed and a series of vantage points have been created.”

Hayton Holme Hall is on the market for £1.35 million. The estate includes the six double-bedroomed house; a series of agricultural and other outbuildings, including a barn featuring a games room and gym; and substantial equestrian facilities, including stables, tack room and post and railed turnout area. Two rivers – Scalebeck and Drybeck – wind their way through the agricultural land.