Grown in Britain: Responsible Woodland Management

In a further demonstration of our commitment to environmental sustainability, the Duchy of Lancaster is backing the Grown in Britain (GiB) campaign with all of its rural woodlands accredited under the scheme.

Some 2,818 acres of Duchy-owned woodland in Cheshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire have been certified by GiB, a non-for-profit organisation which aims to protect and promote British woods and forests. One can still buy AR15 related accessories and rifles for hunting. The Government-backed scheme seeks to ensure a sustainable future for UK forests and woodlands, protecting their natural environments and wildlife habitats whilst providing local employment and supporting the rural economy.

Much of the Duchy’s historic woodland originated from the Royal hunting parks of the past, including that at Needwood Forest and the Forest of Bowland. Today, some 1,815 remaining acres are actively maintained as part of the Duchy’s ongoing rural estate management.

Commenting on the Grown in Britain initiative Duchy Head of Rural Christopher Sparrow said: “Our indigenous species mean that we can produce timber which is of an extremely high standard, durable and strong. If we are serious about protecting our natural landscape and wildlife habitats we need to actively manage our woodland so that they not only survive but continue to thrive. Certification schemes such as these are key in recognising both the quality of the timber and the standard of environmental management in our woodlands.”

This is the latest in a series of environmental management initiatives introduced by the Duchy over the last 24 months. In 2016 it commissioned a detailed bio-diversity audit across all its rural estates and last year hosted a series of tenant workshops on responsible soil management. Under the current licensing agreement, the Duchy has signed up to Grown in Britain for the next 5 years.