Our Farm Life Skills Students enjoyed attending and showing at the Kent County Show last weekend.

They participated in 5 sheep shows. After weeks of training and prepping the sheep we were so proud to show them off.

The students were delighted to win some rosettes after all their hard work.

The life skills teams also entered the decorative pot and planters in the Garden Life exhibition and won 1st, 3rd and highly commended.

Over the weekend 15 students enjoyed the show, with additional tickets being funded by the Friends of COT.

Big thanks to John Page Trailers Ltd for lending us a sparkling new trailer to transport our sheep in!

Well done everyone, we are so proud of all your hard work!

We celebrated an exciting milestone on Tuesday 7 July with the official opening of the new Inclusion Conference Centre at the Rare Breeds Centre.

Trustees, supporters, funders, invited guests, staff and students came together to mark the launch of a venue that will create paid employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

The event showcased the potential of the new venue, with our culinary Life Skills students preparing and serving a delicious buffet, demonstrating the skills they have developed and providing a glimpse of the opportunities the centre will create in the future.

Designed for meetings, training sessions and events, the Inclusion Conference Centre will offer local organisations a professional venue with real social impact. Every booking will help provide training, work experience and supported pathways into employment.

Sarah Edwards, CEO, said the centre would help break down barriers and create opportunities for people who may never previously have had the chance to earn a real wage.

The centre was officially opened by service-user Thomas and Councillor Winston Michael, Mayor of Ashford, who praised the project and its wider benefit to the local community.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life, including funders, donors, supporters, trustees, staff and students. Their commitment has helped turn an ambitious idea into a practical opportunity for people to build confidence, develop workplace skills and take steps towards paid employment.

We’re delighted to announce that we have been named a finalist in the Kent Charity Awards’ Animals & the Environment for Wellbeing category.

Sarah, Hannah K, Mel and Jess, one of the people we support, met with the Kent Charity Awards judges to share an overview of our charity and our work in this new category. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in September. We’ll keep you updated!

Congratulations to everyone who has helped make this possible.

World Environment Day is a great opportunity to share an update on the conservation work at the Rare Breeds Centre, where we’re continuing to strengthen and enhance the wide range of habitats and biodiversity across the site. Summer often feels like it should offer a chance to pause and reflect after the intensity of winter woodland work—but in reality, it quickly brings its own busy rhythm. 

One of our biggest projects is the new 10-year woodland management plan, which is nearing submission to the Forestry Commission. Once approved, this will allow us to begin important coppicing and thinning work, helping to secure a healthy, resilient woodland for the future. In the meantime, we’ve already begun maintaining paths and rides, clearing small sections of fallen and dead trees. You may have noticed some of the small dead hedges we make along woodland paths as a means to organise the arisings (small logs and branches, to you and me) from this work. These hedges will slowly decay, releasing their carbon over a long period of time, and provide homes for all manner of bugs and creepy crawlies along the way. Birds love to make their nests in them, too. With bird nesting season underway, work is necessarily careful and limited, but these early steps will allow us to move quickly when full operations begin this winter. 

When that work does get underway, please don’t be alarmed. Tree felling, when done correctly, is essential for woodland health. Without intervention, certain species can dominate, leading to reduced biodiversity. Managed work ensures a more balanced and diverse environment. If you notice areas that have been cleared, it’s worth revisiting them the following summer—you’ll often see a remarkable burst of new growth and a wider range of species emerging. 

We’re also making progress on plans for pond restoration this winter, following a recent visit with the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership. For now, smaller maintenance tasks are ongoing, like removing dead wood and branches from the pond edges, and during this work we ponder our thoughts and plan for the bigger tasks ahead. The top pond in Tinkers Wood, for example, is currently covered in duckweed—a sign of low oxygen levels caused by a build-up of organic matter, reduced sunlight, and limited plant diversity. Whereas there’s very little we can do about that in the short term, by selectively thinning the surrounding trees and removing some of the accumulated silt and leaf matter this winter, we’ll improve conditions and encourage a more balanced and thriving pond ecosystem in the coming years. 

In Parsley Meadow, a new gate will soon reopen access, allowing visitors to once again walk through and enjoy the wildflowers, which are now coming into full bloom. As this is my first full summer managing the meadow, the current approach is to observe how it develops following light grazing introduced for a short time last autumn. Already, species such as oxeye daisies, bird’s-foot trefoil, and buttercups are flourishing, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Watching how the meadow evolves through the season will help shape a longer-term management plan that supports a rich and varied habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. 

Finally, you may have noticed that some of the litter bins in the woods have been removed. While it might seem counterintuitive, this helps reduce litter, as bins in natural areas are often disturbed by animals, spreading rubbish into the surrounding environment. So far, the results have been very positive, with noticeably less litter in the woodland. It also makes for a much nicer experience; after all, it’s far better to focus on the common spotted orchids you may spot in the woods than a little bin, wouldn’t you agree? You can help us continue this positive change by taking any rubbish home with you and encouraging others to do the same. 

Thank you, as always, for your support in helping us care for and protect this special place. Find out more about our conservations efforts. There are also opportunities to volunteer if you’d like to help!

This Earth Day, we reflect on a year of meaningful progress, as Canterbury Oast Trust has taken important, practical steps to turn sustainability ambition into action.

We have begun strengthening our environmental governance, ensuring that responsibility for sustainability and carbon reduction is embedded within leadership decision‑making rather than treated as a standalone initiative. This has given us clearer oversight of where our impacts sit across operations, estates, and the supply chain.

We have also made progress in understanding and measuring our environmental footprint, developing a more structured approach to gathering greenhouse gas emissions data across Scopes 1, 2 and 3. While this is an evolving process, it provides the foundations needed to set meaningful targets and track progress over time.

Across our estates and operations, we are taking practical, evidence‑based steps to reduce energy use and improve efficiency. Reviewing how buildings are managed, how utilities are procured, and where smarter operational choices can reduce waste and emissions while supporting financial sustainability.

Importantly, sustainability is now being considered alongside commercial, operational and social outcomes. Environmental responsibility is increasingly factored into planning conversations, whether that’s estate investment, supplier relationships, or longer‑term business planning, ensuring that decisions made today remain resilient and responsible in the future.

Howard Clark, Director of Commercial Operations said “This work is ongoing, and there is still more to do. But these early actions represent a clear shift from intention to delivery and provide a solid platform as we work towards a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and Net Zero no later than 2050.”

At this time of year, Parsley Meadow at Rare Breeds Centre begins to offer a glimpse of what nature can achieve when we simply step back. Its swaying grasses, flowering patches, and quiet hum of pollinators are a prime example of “less is more”. Want to join in? You can, by taking part in No-Mow May. By pausing our mowers and allowing wild plants to thrive, we create vital habitat for bees, butterflies, and countless other species that depend on early‑season blooms. Parsley Meadow demonstrates that when we let nature lead, biodiversity returns, resilience grows, and our landscapes become richer for everyone.

Letting nature breathe: Why No‑Mow May is worth a try

As soon as spring arrives, most of us feel that familiar twitch to get the lawnmower out and tidy things up. But what if, just for one month, we held off a bit? What if we let the grass grow, let the flowers appear, and actually enjoyed a little natural freedom in the garden?

That’s what No‑Mow May is all about — a simple pause that gives bees, butterflies, and all sorts of tiny garden visitors a much‑needed boost after winter.

It’s a small change with a big impact

Skipping the mow for a few weeks might feel a bit rebellious, especially if you’re used to keeping things neat and tidy. But here’s the thing: those “weeds” that pop up — clover, daisies, dandelions — are basically a five‑star buffet for pollinators just waking up after the colder months.

You’re not ignoring your garden.
You’re helping it help wildlife.

And it honestly feels good to know that doing less can do so much more for the creatures that keep our ecosystems ticking.

Rewilding doesn’t mean letting Eeverything go wild

A common worry is that skipping the mow will leave your garden looking messy. But it doesn’t have to! If you approach it with a tiny bit of intention, a wilder lawn can still look cared‑for — even stylish.

A couple of simple tricks can make a world of difference:

• Keep a clean edge trim around paths or borders
• Put a small sign or marker saying you’re taking part in No‑Mow May
• Let one section grow, not the whole lawn
• Mow paths through the long grass to make it look purposeful

When you do these things, it stops looking like neglect and starts looking like a deliberate choice — which it is. A “managed messy” garden can actually look really charming.

A chance to slow down and notice more

One lovely thing about No‑Mow May is how it changes the way you interact with your garden. You start noticing things — tiny beetles, hoverflies, bees drifting from flower to flower, new birds popping in to check out the buffet.

When the lawn isn’t a perfectly trimmed carpet, it becomes a stage for all sorts of little wonders.

Why not keep a small wild corner all year?

If you find the wild look surprisingly beautiful in May, consider keeping a small patch like that all year round.

It doesn’t have to be huge — even a little corner behind the shed or a strip by the fence can become a permanent safe space for insects and other wildlife. It’s amazing how much life can fit into such a small area.

And because it’s just one patch, with tidy edges or paths around it, it still looks intentional — like you’re balancing order and nature, which is exactly what you’re doing.

Your garden, your choice — and your legacy

Taking part in No‑Mow May is a gentle way of saying:

“I want my garden to make a difference.”

It’s incredible how one small month-long decision can create space for so much life — and how good it feels to be part of that.

And when may ends…

You can mow again if you want. Or keep a wild patch. Or plant a few more pollinator‑friendly flowers. No‑Mow May isn’t a rulebook — it’s more like a friendly suggestion.

A reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do is simply step back… and let nature do her thing.

Tune in to Blue Peter on Friday 20th February to see the Rare Breeds Centre in the spotlight! Special guest JB Gill from JLS will be joining us with his family as they try their hand at being farmers on our farm, alongside Blue Peter’s very own Abby Cook!

How did you find the process of becoming an apprentice here at COT?

I found the process of becoming an apprentice at COT to be clear and supportive. Throughout the application and interview stages, my line manager and HR took the time to explain the different options and training providers available to me. Once I was successful, I was given a shortlist of both in-person and online providers with different start dates, which allowed me to choose what suited me best. Everyone I spoke to during the process was friendly, approachable, and happy to help.

How do you feel now you have started?

Since starting my apprenticeship, I feel much more confident. Spending a few weeks working within the finance department before beginning my AAT qualification really helped me settle in. It allowed me to understand my role better and made me feel more comfortable when I started my first online classroom sessions.

What kind of support have you found most helpful since joining?

The support from my line manager and colleagues has been extremely helpful. Knowing that I can ask questions at any time and have things explained clearly has made a big difference. Being surrounded by people with a wide range of experience has helped me learn and develop my understanding much faster.

What skills are you hoping to develop as part of this apprenticeship?

Through this apprenticeship, I hope to build my knowledge of finance and gain a better understanding of financial terminology. I also want to improve my confidence in the workplace, gain practical experience, and develop professional skills that will support me in my future career in finance.

What motivated you to choose an apprenticeship here at COT?

I chose an apprenticeship at COT because it offered the opportunity to learn while working towards a qualification. I was also drawn to the supportive environment and the chance to gain real, hands-on experience while developing both personally and professionally.

Having now settled into his new role, we have been chatting with Mark, our Environmental Conservation Officer, who has been busy exploring the farm and woodland. Here are some updates on his work focused on sustainable practices that work in harmony with the landscape at the Rare Breeds Centre.

Meadow restoration with the help of our rare breed sheep

As a first step in addressing the issue, Mark decided to let the farm’s rare breed sheep graze the meadow for a month over late summer. The sheep, with their natural preferences, expertly avoided the knapweed but they did consume a lot of grass. As a result, by late summer, there was far less grass to cut – just 7 bales compared to the usual 35!

This change made the cutting and baling faster, cheaper, and better for the environment. A traditional summer hay cut is essentially mimicking what grazing animals do naturally, and since we already have animals on the farm (which need to eat) this approach allows for a much more natural and sustainable way to care for the land and help it thrive.

Why using sheep is a much better choice

Less reliance on machinery is a good thing for many reasons, not just the most obvious ones like noise, pollution and fuel consumption. In this case, soil compaction, which is where heavy machinery “squashes” the soil. This is something we would like to avoid as much as possible as it means rainwater is more likely to just run off the soil rather than be absorbed. With our drier summers, due to climate change, it’s important we encourage what rainfall there is to be absorbed and to make good use of it.

After cutting the meadow, the sheep were brought back to graze again. Their grazing will mean we don’t have to cut the grass by machine again this year. Their gentle disturbance of the ground will also expose small patches of earth, and this will encourage some of the wildflowers that have been outcompeted by knapweed in recent years to flourish once more. A diverse pool of seeds is waiting patiently in the soil; they simply need a bit of light to be given a chance to thrive.

We can’t restore the meadow’s diversity overnight. But with a considered approach that benefits the farm in multiple ways, implemented consistently over time, we can encourage the many varied wildflowers to grow back naturally. Working in harmony with natural processes to help it do what it does best can create a wildflower meadow full of colour and life, providing food for our native species and habitats we can all enjoy.

Woodland management

We asked Mark about his approach to caring for woodland and he explained that even though our woods in the UK may look wild and natural, management of them has been an essential part of these environments for thousands of years. In many ways, we have “created” the woodlands around us over the centuries.

In the past, woodlands were managed carefully because people used the wood for things like tools, fencing, and fuel. But over the last 100–200 years, as people have stopped using these traditional products, many woodlands have been neglected. Unfortunately, without regular management to create a variety of habitats with a mixture of young and old plants, these “man-made” woodlands become overgrown and less diverse.

How we’re increasing our habitats

One of Mark’s plans is to make our main woodland paths, known as “rides”, more open. The additional space this creates with increased light reaching the woodland floor means various layers of vegetation can develop for all kinds of animals to inhabit. One of the important residents we have at the Rare Breeds Centre is the protected and elusive dormouse, shown below, who loves a bit of brambly scrub to scurry about in!

Woodland zones

The process of creating these rides starts with felling trees and cutting back vegetation to create several “zones”:

• First comes the path itself, which could be stone chip or simply a closely mown strip, that is easy to walk or drive down.
• Next comes what is called the herbaceous layer, which consists of grasses and small plants, and you may even spot the occasional wild orchid here.
• After this comes a shrub layer, small trees and, most likely, a decent amount of bramble.
• The final zone includes the taller trees that make up most of the woodland.

The woodland zone with the most biodiversity

Here’s an amazing fact: the number of species of plants and animals to be found in the first 10 metres of woodland, where there is a lot more light, is pretty much equal to the number you will find in the rest of the woodland put together! How’s that for biodiversity? It’s all down to that light and lots of different sizes and ages of plant. These sunny edges are great homes for butterflies, in particular. Although some butterflies prefer to be inside the woodland, you’ll see many more in the open spaces that surround or cut through it. By creating more of these bright, varied habitats, Mark can be sure to make the woodland an even better place for wildlife.

Woodland management is seasonal

Right now, Mark is working on something called “crown lifting,” which includes carefully removing the lower branches of some of the trees along the rides. This encourages the trees to put their energy into growing upwards into tall, healthy trees. This lets just a bit more sunlight reach the woodland floor, helping a few more flowers and smaller plants to grow. It’s like ride widening on a very small scale, but it all adds up.

Autumn and winter are the best times for this kind of work, as birds have finished nesting and the trees are resting for the season. Traditional woodland jobs, like coppicing (cutting some trees to encourage new shoots), have always been done in winter for the same reason, it keeps the wildlife safe and supports the trees’ natural cycle. By following the seasons and working with sympathy towards nature, Mark is helping the woodland be healthy, more diverse, and full of life.

How you can help and get involved

You can help us with these projects! If you would like to get involved with our conservation projects, either as an individual or part of a group, at the Rare Breeds Centre or Poulton Wood, please do get in contact with our volunteer coordinator. We’d love to hear from you!

Alternatively, if you’ve enjoyed visiting our woodland and would like to support our Accessibility Fundraiser, which helps fund improved signage across the farm and woodland, you can find out more and donate here!