Did you know the tiny Wren is now Amber-listed, while the once-abundant Skylark is on the Red List?
Anyone who’s taken a tour at the distillery will know that Hugh’s passion for nature runs deep. He weaves flora and fauna into every visit, showcasing not only the wildlife around the distillery but also what he’s nurtured through the creation of his distillery garden—a haven for biodiversity and botanical curiosity.
Behind the scenes, the latest Birds of Conservation Concern report—often referred to as the UK’s “Red List for birds”—has raised fresh alarms. Using seven criteria including population trends, rarity, and international importance, experts have assessed 246 species, assigning them to Red, Amber, or Green conservation status.
Tragically, 70 species are now Red-listed (up from 67 in 2015), and 126 are Amber-listed, revealing a troubling decline in UK bird populations. Once-familiar birds like the Corn Bunting and Greenfinch are slipping from our skies, casualties of habitat loss, disease, and environmental change.
At the distillery, we’re proud to welcome five red-listed and seven amber-listed bird species throughout the year, each visiting with the changing seasons—a testament to the thriving habitat created through our rewilding efforts.
Below is a list of red and amber-listed bird species that regularly visit the distillery—each one offering insight into the health of our local ecosystem.
| Red List | Amber List |
| Corn Bunting | Bull Finch |
| Green Finch | Dunnock |
| Linnet | Kestrel |
| Sky Lark | Quail |
| Yellow Hammer | White Throat |
| Wood pigeon | |
| Wren |
