The Rural Estate manages approximately 2,000 acres of mixed broadleaf and coniferous woodland which are subject to a detailed Forestry Commission 20 year Woodland Management Plan (WMP) which sets out a long term and sustainable strategy. This also complies with the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS), which is externally monitored.
The vast majority of the woodland sits within the Nidderdale AONB. Some of the woodland areas have been continually wooded since the 1600s and are registered on the Ancient Woodland Inventory. These sites are managed predominantly for long term retention, biodiversity and conservation. Within the woodland are a number of Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) – such as the Druid’s Temple – which also include prehistoric rock carving of national importance.
The Estate runs a continuous thinning, felling and replanting programme which is manged through the WMP. Annually the Estate harvest 3,000 to 5,000 tonnes with the majority sold on the open market to sawmills and wood processors predominantly in the North of England. The higher-grade timber is used for construction, carcassing (internal joinery), pallets, garden and fencing materials. The lower grade timber is retained by the Estate, air-dried for up to two years and then chipped on site to feed the Estate’s carbon biomass boilers which provide sustainable carbon neutral energy for heating and hot water for Swinton Park, Swinton Cookery School and the Country Club & Spa.
Work in our woodland may occasionally cause delays or diversions on certain Public Rights of Way and Permissive Routes, please follow signage as appropriate.
Tel: 01765 689224
Email: RuralOffice@swintonestate.com
Swinton Estate Office, Swinton, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 4JH
Following the Government announcement on the 30th December 2020 the Harrogate District will be placed into Tier 3 and therefore Swinton Park Hotel, Swinton Bivouac, Swinton Cookery School, and The Terrace Restaurant & Bar will be closed until further notice and pending the next Covid assessment tier review.
As permitted under tier 3 guidance the parkland, spa and leisure areas will remain open but with limited opening 8am-4pm for members and spa customers.
Exercise classes for members will not be available.
We would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all our guests and members who have supported us during these difficult times and look forward to seeing you again so very soon!
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