Burghley Launches Queen's Green Canopy Planting Programme with New Woodland Trust Initiative

This marks the beginning of our multi-year tree-planting programme with the Woodland Trust, intending to plant a further 17,500 trees on two additional sites over the next three years for the Queen's Green Canopy.

The new planting, located adjacent to Burghley Park Golf Club (Warren Road footpath to Wothorpe House), features a carefully selected mix of up to 20 species, predominantly native broadleaved trees and woody shrubs, with a few naturalised species. This diverse range has been chosen to ensure resilience against climate change and potential future diseases. The design also aims to deliver year round visual interest enhancing the local landscape, offering a variety of seasonal colours and textures as the trees establish and mature, contributing to both the beauty and biodiversity of the area.

Adjacent to the newly planted area, the existing mature tree belt, mainly consisting of ash, horse chestnut, lime, and underplanted oak, has been affected by ash dieback. As a result, 14 compromised mature ash trees have been either felled or reduced. The reduced trees have been retained as ‘eco monoliths’, which will provide essential habitats for fungi, saproxylic insects, bats, and nesting birds.

In line with our commitment to sustainable practices, we are taking steps to reduce the use of chemicals for establishing the young trees. Instead of traditional herbicide treatments, we are trialling bio-degradable wool mulch mats. These mats are pegged into place around each tree to suppress weeds, helping the young trees flourish without competition from grass and broadleaf weeds. As the mats break down, they will enrich the soil naturally.

We anticipate a strong establishment rate, with first-year success expected to be in the high 90% range. We are excited to see this woodland grow and become a lasting legacy for future generations, enhancing the natural beauty and ecological diversity of Burghley’s landscape.

This planting marks the first step in our Queen's Green Canopy programme, honouring Her Late Majesty's remarkable legacy through a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.