Forestry & Tree Nursery

Forestry is an important activity on the estate, with nearly 2,000 acres of woodland divided between coniferous and deciduous plantings.

A track improvement project is taking place at the top of Fryton Lane west into Wath Wood. There will be disruptions and delays to users of the bridleway as we carry out these essential works to improve access and conditions. Please take care when using the track and follow directions. Please keep dogs on leads at all times. 

Castle Howard's UKWAS certified woodlands are managed by our own Forestry team for commercial timber production, sporting and general amenity. Our woodlands range from commercial coniferous plantations to magnificent mature oak woods. Work in our woodland may occasionally cause delays on certain Public Rights of Way, please follow signage as appropriate.

Our timber is harvested in a sustainable way and has a wide range of uses. Environmental stewardship is at the heart of the wider management of the estate and includes schemes for regeneration of hedgerows and field margins to encourage wild birds and other wildlife. In recent years older coniferous plantations have been felled and replanted with native broadleaf species such as oak, ash and cherry.

In addition there are approximately 25 acres of Christmas trees grown for sale to wholesalers, local authorities and to the general public through our Garden Centre.

The department also undertakes forestry contracting services off the estate and manages the Castle Howard Tree Nursery.