Sustainability

Environmental stewardship

We are proud that almost 6,000 acres of the Estate are managed under of one of country's largest, most diverse Environmental Stewardship Agreements.

The ten-year Agri-Environment agreement between ourselves and Natural England delivers a Higher Level of Stewardship focusing on biodiversity, enhancing and protecting the historic landscape, maintaining traditional field boundaries, promoting public access and protecting natural resources.

We have over 20 miles of hedging under environmental management, more than 10 miles of stone walls being protected, some 150 acres of arable land set aside specifically for farmland birds, to provide food and shelter through the winter. We also have nearly 1700 acres of grassland managed with low input for wild flowers and 500 acres of historic Park woodland being restored.

The agreement has also allowed us to undertake a significant program of restoration for some of the historic structures located at some distance from the Palace itself, resulting in features such as the Ice House and South Ha-Ha being protected for the next generation to enjoy.

Our policy

Blenheim Palace is fully committed to sustaining, growing and sharing the precious resources of the Estate, the Park and the Palace.

Here’s what we are doing to achieve our goals:

• We comply with the requirements of all environmental legislation and its approved code of practice
• We continuously seek to improve our environmental and social performance
• We work to reduce pollution, emissions and waste
• We strive to reduce the use of energy, water and other resources we consume
• We raise awareness, encourage participation and train employees in sustainable business practices
• We expect similar environmental practices from all of our suppliers and contractors
• We encourage customers to use products and services in an environmentally sensitive way
• We support our local community with fundraising and practical help
• We have minimised our risk associated with social and environmental issues
• We have joined the Green Tourism Business Scheme to challenge and assess the continual improvement of our sustainable practices

As part of our commitment to sustainability, Blenheim aims to reduce our impact on the environment, stimulate the local economy and support local communities through all our activities. You can view our Sustainability Policy and Local Sourcing Policy for further details.

If you wish to do your own bit for the environment, you will find a wealth of information to help you conserve energy here.