Visit COT’s Rare Breeds Centre part of our Life Skills programmes.
Caring for the natural habitats at the Rare Breeds Centre and Poulton Wood for future generations
Nature is at the heart of everything we do. Across our 100-acre farm, we are proud to champion the protection, restoration, and celebration of wildlife and wild places.
We are custodians of a diverse landscape rich in habitats and species, from ancient woodland to open meadow and natural ponds. Our conservation work combines practical fieldwork with environmental research to ensure that the land in our care continues to support biodiversity and resilience in a changing world.
Our approach includes regular wildlife surveys, monitoring of key species, and detailed habitat assessments. By gathering and analysing environmental data, we can track the health of our ecosystem and adapt our management practices to give nature the best possible chance to thrive.
If you’re interested in volunteering to help us on conservation projects at the Rare Breeds Centre or Poulton Wood, we’d love to hear from you! Are you a weekend birdwatcher, retired wildflower enthusiast, nature photographer or student looking for environmental activities for your DofE? Are you a corporate group looking for a fulfilling away-day community project? We have a variety of rewarding projects you can contribute to. Please get in touch with our volunteer coordinator for current opportunties.
We take a science-led, proactive approach to conservation, using research and observation to inform our decisions, from habitat restoration to species protection and infrastructure improvements on the farm. At the same time, we are passionate about sharing the importance of environmental and habitat protection through engaging educational sessions and hands-on activities for school groups. We aim to inspire others to value and protect the natural world around them.
Our conservation work isn’t just about preserving what we have – it’s about creating a living, learning landscape that connects people with nature and nurtures a sense of shared stewardship. And crucially, it doesn’t happen in isolation. We actively collaborate with a range of external organisations and local conservation bodies. These partnerships are vital to ensuring a joined-up, approach to habitat and species management that benefits both the land in our care and the wider region.
Poulton Wood is an ancient woodland; a magical place for visitors and everyone who works to conserve it. Our conservation work here is undertaken as part of the Poulton Wood life skills programme. Our students (the self-named rangers) have a deep understanding of their role in caring for this ancient space to ensure it provides a valuable habitat and peaceful community space for many generations to come. There is an awareness of working together towards a common purpose and there is always a job for everyone, regardless of their ability. The emphasis is on teamwork and our motto is “Working together in a spirit of friendship”.
Our work programme is dictated by the seasonal changes in the woodland, from coppicing and log production in the winter to conservation of species including native wildflowers, mammals, reptiles and birds. We undertake regular wildlife surveys helping our students connect with the importance of their efforts being valuable contributors to national data.
Looking for a conservation project to sponsor? Click the link below for more on sponsorship opportunities.