Into the Woods

21st March 2024

21 March is the International Day of Forests, which is the perfect time to celebrate the wonderful ancient woodland sites across the Goodwood Estate.

In the United Kingdom, ancient woodlands cover just 2% of the land area. This scarcity highlights the crucial need to protect and preserve the woodland we do have. Ancient woodlands are defined by the existence of sustained tree cover and therefore, by the soils that have remained undisturbed by human activity for centuries. It is this untouched soil that has nurtured the development of complex ecosystems, making ancient woodlands irreplaceable sources of biodiversity and ecological abundance.

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One of the most remarkable woodland areas on the estate is the Valdoe, an ancient and semi-natural woodland spanning approximately 40 hectares. Its history can be traced back to the 13th century, and its current layout reflects its former use by the Charlton hunt, with segments arranged in an eight-pointed star pattern, giving the Master of the Hunt a line of sight in all directions.

Today, the eight-pointed star shape remains and is used as a ride system for forestry operations. The northern section of the Valdoe comprises of hazel coppice with oak standards, and the south consists of chestnut coppice with oak standards. The majestic oaks are left untouched to provide food and shelter to everything from bats to beetles, whilst the chestnut coppice is rotated on a 20-year cycle, ensuring a balance between a commercial supply but also providing different ages of woodland which is fundamental to many smaller mammals such as the dormouse and invertebrates.  It is because of this that the Valdoe is a haven for biodiversity, including many plant species of ancient woodland indicators such as bluebells, dogs mercury, woodruff, butchers broom and wood sorrel.

At Goodwood, we take great pride in our woodland heritage, which dates back centuries. The estates historic parkland in particular, exhibits some very impressive and historic trees. Among the oldest inhabitants are the cork oaks planted outside the house, which were planted by 3rd Duke in 1740 who was interested in plants as well as animals. The forestry team have started to grow cork oak saplings from the tree seeds in the park and by mirroring the placement of these saplings opposite the original trees, ensures future generation can enjoy the benefits of these extraordinary trees.

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A couple of decades later, the cedars of Lebanon (which feature in the book ‘Meetings with Remarkable Trees’ by Thomas Pakenham) were planted in 1761, at the request of the 3rd Duke of Richmond, who introduced species from many parts of the world. Of the original c. 1000 planted, only a few of these trees remain today.

There are also multiple striking sweet chestnuts planted near the Icehouse which were planted during the 16th and 17th centuries, the circumferences measuring between 6 to 7 meters. Amongst these, a beautiful old oak tree stands, possibly dating back 400 to 600 years.

The estate without trees would be a very different place and we're looking forward to celebrating some of our majestic trees throughout 2024. 

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