Forestry

Within the 800 hectares (2,000 acres) there is a wide variety of plantations including conifer-hardwood mixtures with an intended hardwood final crop (usually beech), and some pure conifer areas.

The 1987 storm had a catastrophic effect upon the Estate‘s woodlands, devastating nearly 325 hectares (800 acres) of productive woodland. In a farseeing act of faith, the Trustees agreed to replant several million trees and in certain areas broadleaf natural regeneration has been encouraged. There are also non-economic naturally occurring yew woods, and yew-ash woods.

A woodchip-fired district heating system constructed in 1981, now heats the College, its ancillary buildings, the village church, Gardens Shop and Restaurant, Auditorium, Gallery, Old Dairy, glasshouses in the Walled Garden, an outdoor swimming pool and nine Estate houses.

There is a modern sawmill which converts timber for Estate fencing and for external sales.

The woodlands produce chipwood for two other biomass heating plants, the Farbridge Wedding and Conference Centre on the Estate, and a private householder nearby. The market for chipwood and firewood continues to grow.