16 June 2026
A new woodland known as The King’s Wood is being created in Lancashire following the planting of 65,000 trees across nearly 100 acres at the Duchy of Lancaster’s tenanted Cinder Hill Farm, with the support of the Forestry Commission.
This new woodland reflects the Duchy’s commitment to responsible stewardship and sustainable farming, working with natural systems to build long-term resilience. Duchy team members rolled up their sleeves and helped with the tree planting, demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility is embedded in practice as well as strategy.
A carefully selected mix of species has been introduced, including broadleaf trees such as Oak, Beech, Rowan and Sycamore, alongside conifers including Norway Spruce, Douglas Fir, Redwoods and Scots Pine. Each sapling has been fitted with a protective sleeve to guard against deer and give it the best possible chance to establish and thrive.
As the woodland matures, it will deliver a range of environmental benefits, including absorbing carbon dioxide, improving air quality, and creating valuable habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife. Increased tree cover will also help improve water retention and reduce surface runoff, contributing to natural flood management, while enhancing the local landscape.
Cinder Hill Farm was let last year under the Duchy’s Sustainable Farming Business Tenancy framework and is already emerging as an exemplar focus farm. Working closely with the Duchy, the tenants are embedding regenerative farming practices and delivering long-term environmental improvements, demonstrating how productive agriculture and environmental ambition can go hand in hand.
His Majesty The King, Duke of Lancaster, who takes a keen interest in the Duchy’s progress on sustainable farming and environmental stewardship, recently visited Cinder Hill Farm to see first-hand the regenerative practices being implemented and the creation of The King’s Wood.
During the visit, tenants Joe Towers and Hannah Kent, joined by their son George, outlined their plans for the farm and shared their passion for farming and forestry. The opportunity to showcase the progress being made at Cinder Hill and their long-term vision for the holding was a source of great pride for the family.
Michelle Mason, Head of Sustainability at the Duchy of Lancaster, said:
“The creation of The King’s Wood represents an important step in our long-term approach to responsible stewardship.
“Planting 65,000 trees across nearly 100 acres at Cinder Hill Farm strengthens biodiversity, supports carbon capture and enhances the resilience of the landscape.
“It is particularly meaningful that members of the Duchy team joined in planting the woodland, demonstrating that our commitment to sustainability is embedded in our culture and reflected in practical action on the ground.”
The Duchy continues to support sustainable land management practices across its estates, ensuring that environmental enhancement and productive agriculture are advanced together for the benefit of future generations.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
· Cinder Hill Farm is located on the Wyreside Estate in Lancashire and was let under the Duchy’s Sustainable Farm Business Tenancy (SFBTs) framework in 2025
· Our Sustainable Farm Business Tenancy framework (SFBTs), provides farmers with the confidence to plan ahead, invest in their holdings and work with nature to create lasting value. Working closely with our tenants, we intend to introduce further SFBTs over time, helping farmers explore new ways to manage land sustainably and create long-term value.