On This Day: Tatton Estate publishes first annual review

Annette McDonald, Tatton Estate strategic and sustainability director working on a wetland project <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
Annette McDonald, Tatton Estate strategic and sustainability director working on a wetland project (Image: Supplied)
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ON THIS DAY in 2025, the Tatton Estate marked a significant milestone by publishing its first-ever public annual review, showcasing a year filled with environmental advancements, community support, and economic contributions across Cheshire.

The report highlighted the extensive range of activities occurring daily on the estate, which included food production, farming, habitat restoration, residential development, and business growth.

Tatton Estate continued its pioneering efforts in nature recovery, collaborating with Chester Zoo to protect the endangered black poplar, one of Britain’s rarest native trees.

The review placed a strong emphasis on community commitment, detailing how Tatton Estate worked alongside Natural England on a project at Rostherne Mere.

The estate also supported various local organisations through low rent initiatives, benefiting the Knutsford Heritage Centre, Knutsford sports, football and bowling clubs, Ashley and Rostherne cricket clubs, Egerton Youth Club, as well as Knutsford Royal May Day and Knutsford Lions.

New independent businesses, such as Jessica Stone Salons, Girl Boss HQ, Satya Sanctuary, Linden Stores, and The Blind Pig, became tenants on the estate, contributing to the local economy.

Annette McDonald, the strategic and sustainability director of Tatton Estate, was actively involved in planting a black poplar, further demonstrating the estate’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The review also celebrated a milestone in residential development, marking the anniversary of Park Gate Village and the approval of a second sustainable neighbourhood, Bluebell Village, also located in Knutsford.

A spokesman for the Tatton Estate said: “This is the first time we’ve drawn together the full picture of what happens across the estate.

“We hope people will be surprised and proud of the work our teams put into protecting and enhancing the estate’s legacy.

“Whether it’s enabling new infrastructure and homes, supporting local jobs or championing the natural environment, our work reflects a deep belief in place-making and long-term stewardship.”

Looking ahead, the estate announced the launch of a new charitable initiative, the Tatton Estate Foundation, aimed at formalising and expanding support for local community projects.

Tatton Estates also pledged to continue progress on several key developments, including Bluebell Village, the proposed Tatton Services on the M56 in partnership with the Westmorland Family, and ongoing improvements to Rostherne village.

These initiatives are designed to enhance housing quality, support community wellbeing, and protect the local environment, ensuring lasting benefits for Cheshire.

This article was originally published in the Chester Standard on April 20, 2025.

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