Moving away from food will see our timber , grown on the Estate , manufactured into chopping boards by a local social enterprise . I cannot wait to get my hands on one as they hold a unique code showing me where the tree was grown - something truly unique . Our surplus timber from the maintenance of ancient woodlands go to a local wood school where they teach vital skills , and we support local woodsmen who process firewood during the winter .
This list continues but you can see that all of these partnerships take core products we will always produce as we care for our land , and by harnessing the strengths of the local area , generate additional economic contribution right through the value chain . It is simple to put in place and easy to replicate .
As I conclude these three pieces on the purpose of a landed estate , I once again come back to this pandemic which has made us all realise how fragile the world around us is , but like when I look at the walls of the Palace built over 300 years ago or the oaks trees that were already growing when William the Conqueror set foot on our shores , we are reassured amongst all this uncertainty that Blenheim will still be here . The strategies we have in place remain stronger and more relevant than ever and the role of a landed estate today , deeply rooted in its communities , will remain an asset for all those generations who follow us .
Where Acorns and Oaks truly revitalises the economics of land is through establishing one or two significant strategic partnerships - and that is our second aim . One exciting example of this is a joint venture with a very successful rural business from Berkshire who are home to the very best of local produce , including from their own estate , which acts as a wonderful destination for all those living around them . This partnership with Blenheim – and you ’ ll realise I cannot give away their name – aims to bring the very best of their expertise in meats , bakeries , drinks , retailing and leisure from Berkshire to this area and will be the platform for those who grow , process and sell products from the Estate .
Acorns and Oaks is another example of sticking to what we are good at and enabling others to flourish . Keep an eye on our website as these partnerships begin to develop . This is also a great place to see how we are getting on in the other strands and our plans for a zero-carbon future .
20 | Rural Life