The Natural Environment
Combermere Abbey and its surrounding lands comprise approximately 1000 acres of sensational wildlife habitat, which has been home to a myriad of different species of animals, birds and flora since the first monastery was established here in 1133.
The large glacially formed mere is one of the largest in private hands, and would in earlier times have been predominantly surrounded by woodland. In the ensuing centuries the estate and its historic buildings have undergone various changes as ownership and fashion has changed. In the 19th century the estate underwent an ambitious redesign with an extension of the original main water and a redesign of the parkland in a style reminiscent of Capability Brown but carried out by John Webb.
Combermere is particularly well-recognised for its wealth of wetland birds, which include herons, grebes, cormorant, egrets, swans, Canada, greylag and pinkfoot geese, many different types of duck - mallard, teal, gadwall, wigeon, pintal, shelduck, coot, moorhen and various gull species. The garden species - wagtail, tits, robins, woodpeckers, nuthatch, finches are also very much in evidence. Wild animals observed range from badgers and foxes to mink, moles, rabbits, hares, voles, dormice and squirrels.
The woodland surrounding the lake offers a glimpse into the remarkable variety of species in Englands's ancient woods. We have oak, sweet and Spanish chestnut, yew, wellingtonia, sycamore, ash, hornbeam, copper and green beech, hazel and a variety of conifers. During the year, they are home to a variety of seasonal wildflowers. We have established a 2 mile walk through the park and woodlands for our holiday cottage visitors along the old rides which have existed here for many years.
Guests staying in our holiday cottages have a wonderful opportunity to see many of these birds during their stay here, and we regularly have comments in the visitor books. During the year, access to the lake is given to members of the local Wetland survey team for regular bird counts and Natural England and many universities come here to do a myriad of surveys on the Mere itself. On occasion, when requested we will permit more general public access, but this is monitored closely as there is a patchwork of enterprises here and it is important that a balance is maintained that does not interrupt their function and jeopardise the safety of all.
We actively promote the peace and tranquillity of the environment at Combermere, and find that our guests are often remarking on how much better and more relaxed they feel after a visit, even just a short break. Achieving this balance takes good management mixed with commercial focus and a team who feel part of the place. The long-term vision for Combermere is to protect its unique environment both from the historic buildings and natural environment perspective, and to continue to encourage people to come and enjoy such a wonderful gift.
Sarah Callander Beckett
