Discover the Wilder Side of Heritage: Conservation and Preservation at Four Iconic Historic Houses
This week, we’re diving into the groundbreaking conservation initiatives at four of our most revered member estates - Blair Castle, Carlton Towers, Doddington Hall, and Mapperton. Each of these historic houses is playing a pivotal role in reimagining the relationship between heritage, nature, and sustainability. From the ancient woodlands of Blair Castle, where rewilding efforts are breathing new life into the landscape, to the thriving biodiversity at Mapperton Wildlands, these estates are not only safeguarding the past but actively shaping a sustainable future. Join us as we explore how these remarkable places are offering visitors unique opportunities to connect with both history and the environment, all while championing the importance of ecological stewardship for generations to come.
Blair Castle: Foraging Through Time
At Blair Castle, the ancient woodlands surrounding the estate offer a treasure trove of wild edibles. From mushrooms to herbs, berries to edible flowers, foraging has been an integral part of the estate's history for centuries. This summer, visitors can join expert guides for a 2.5-hour foraging walk through the lush grounds, which have nourished generations of the castle’s inhabitants. The walk takes you through a variety of habitats - woodland, meadow, hedgerow, and garden - allowing you to connect with each environment and witness the changing flora in its summer bloom.
As you explore, you'll learn sustainable foraging skills, including identification techniques that will last a lifetime, and discover a range of wild edibles. From the last of the season’s flowers to nutritious seeds and ripening berries, the experience is enriched by inspiring recipe ideas and captivating ethnobotanical stories that reveal the deep culinary traditions tied to these plants. The journey offers more than just a walk- it’s a chance to reconnect with nature and the culinary practices that have shaped Blair's history.
The experience concludes with a refreshing wild tea in the beautiful Hercules Garden, where you can revise your newly learned plants and discover how best to store them for future use. To help you remember the plants and their properties, each participant will also receive a personalized PDF guide with detailed information about all the plants encountered on the walk. This foraging adventure at Blair Castle offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, all while connecting to the rich culinary heritage of the past.
👉 Book a spot on Blair Castle's next Foraging Tour: 2-3 August
👉 Blair Castle general admission tickets
Carlton Towers: The Buzz of Beekeeping
Carlton Towers brings visitors closer to the fascinating world of beekeeping, where the estate’s hives buzz with life, producing honey that reflects the unique flora of the grounds. Beekeeping here is not only a tradition but a vital part of maintaining the estate’s biodiversity. Bees play a crucial role in pollination, benefiting approximately 75% of crops and supporting wild plants that help sustain other insects, birds, and wildlife.
Visitors can participate in hands-on beekeeping experiences, learning the delicate art of managing hives and understanding the significant role bees play in the health of ecosystems. This immersive experience offers educational insights into the life of bees, their complex social structure, and their impact on the environment.
Beyond their environmental contributions, bees provide health benefits through their products. Honey, for instance, is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Bee products like beeswax, propolis, and pollen have long been used for their medicinal purposes. Beekeeping itself is also a rewarding and calming hobby, promoting a deeper connection with nature and a sense of accomplishment.
At Carlton Towers, beekeeping ties together heritage and sustainability, offering both a sweet experience (no pun intended) and a chance to learn about the vital role of bees in maintaining a thriving ecosystem.
👉 Book a spot on Carlton Towers Beekeeping Tour: 3 August
Doddington Hall: Rewilding the Landscape
Doddington Hall is at the forefront of rewilding efforts, leading the way in restoring native species and revitalising the local Lincolnshire landscape. The estate’s ambitious Wilder Doddington project, which formally launched on 5 June 2021, is dedicated to transforming the grounds into a thriving natural haven. This 400-year initiative aims to restore natural habitats, increase biodiversity, and create an ecosystem that flourishes without human intervention.
Visitors can explore these evolving habitats, witnessing the remarkable transformation of the estate’s grounds as they become a sanctuary for wildlife. The project began by allowing the land to rest and recover, facilitating the natural regeneration of vegetation. Along the way, new ponds and wetlands have been added, and missing keystone species, such as wild ponies and pigs, are being reintroduced to support the rewilding process. Already, the soils are improving, and the flora, fauna, insects, and birdlife are beginning to thrive.
Whether it’s the return of native flora and fauna or the ongoing efforts to restore the land, Doddington Hall stands as a living testament to the power of nature and the importance of ecological stewardship. Through the Wilder Doddington project, the estate is not only rejuvenating its environment but also offering visitors the opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form. It's a journey that encourages discovery, learning, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world, inviting everyone to witness the incredible transformation that is taking place.
👉 Visit Doddington Hall on HeritageXplore
Mapperton Wildlands: A Journey into Nature's Heart
Mapperton Wildlands, located in the heart of Dorset, offers visitors the unique opportunity to witness the remarkable impact of rewilding on a grand scale. Spanning over 1,000 acres, the estate is being transformed into a thriving natural landscape. As Dorset’s most spectacular rewilding project, Mapperton is dedicated to handing over marginal farmland and woodland back to nature while promoting regenerative agriculture across the rest of the estate.
Through this ambitious rewilding effort, Mapperton is working to restore critical ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to sustainable food production. This transformation is already delivering significant benefits for the environment, and through the Wildlands Volunteering program, it’s also supporting the wellbeing of those involved in the restoration process.
Visitors can explore this wilderness up close through guided safaris or enjoy a more independent experience with a Self-Guided Wildlands Safari. For those looking to contribute directly to the ongoing restoration efforts, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, sponsor animals, or stay at Mapperton Camps. Whether it’s through social wilding, sharing the project with friends, or simply spending time in this inspiring landscape, Mapperton Wildlands invites everyone to join in and become part of the journey.
We look forward to welcoming you to Mapperton Wildlands soon - together, we can help protect and nurture this beautiful land for future generations.
A Wilder Future for Historic Houses
These historic houses are doing more than preserving the past – they are pioneering a future where nature and heritage coexist in harmony. Through foraging, beekeeping, and rewilding, they’re setting a powerful example of sustainability and the crucial need to protect our natural world. By visiting these estates, you’re not just stepping into living history but actively contributing to the preservation of heritage for future generations.
So, if you're ready to discover the wilder side of heritage this summer, these estates are eager to welcome you. From the hum of bees to the whispers of ancient woodlands, each conservation effort invites you to forge a deeper connection with the land, its legacy, and its future.
