Representing all that is loved about British heritage, history, and the great outdoors, The Goodwood Estate, perched on the outskirts of the South Downs National Park, has been a symbol of natural beauty and sustainability for decades. With its world-famous sporting legacy, unspoilt landscape interwoven with farmland, woodland, parkland and Sussex chalkland, the estate’s very existence is rooted in centuries of environmental stewardship. This pioneering spirit and consistent pursuit of best practise methods has been acknowledged and celebrated in its latest Sustainability Report, with a focus on its incredible natural capital, encompassing the resources and natural environmental assets of the estate, including plant and animal life.
Operating a diverse portfolio of more than 25 businesses over 11,000 acres of land, including one of the largest organic lowland farms in Europe, Goodwood has nurtured its natural capital this year through planting 25,000 trees, building 21 habitat boxes, relocating 228 reptiles from its Rolls Royce development site to its rewilding area, releasing 25 birds through Brent Wildlife’s Hospital programme, fostering 29 different species of fungi at Newhouse Farm and restoring a local pond, to name but a few initiatives.
Other areas of focus within the report include Goodwood’s carbon footprint, including its use of green energy and alternative sustainable fuels which were recognised in Motorsport UK’s Environmental Sustainability Award in January this year. The estate’s management of natural and manmade water sources is also a focus, as well as best business practises, partnerships, strategies and improvements from an ecological standpoint; its strong sense of social responsibility with regards the local area; and its creative usage and disposal of resources and waste.
Having already achieved an impressive outcome, the report goes on to outline a new series of established projects for 2025, driven by an overarching sustainability strategy.
Stephanie Keay, Head of Sustainability at Goodwood Estate said “the Sustainability Report truly highlights how much the Estate has achieved in the last year, from furthering our investment in renewable energy, mandating sustainable fuels during Revival and the numerous natural capital and biodiversity projects completed – it is great to see the dedication and commitment to preserve our natural estate. 2025 is shaping up to be another exciting year, with a strong focus on carbon reduction, climate resilience and continuing to enhance the natural Estate”.
The Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon say: “This year’s edition of the Goodwood Sustainability Report provides a rare moment to acknowledge the difficulties and celebrate the successes in striving to become as sustainable as we possibly can. By pursuing bold ambitions around sustainability and eco-friendly processes, the estate will continue to meet the challenges of climate change and the biodiversity crisis with creativity and innovation, ensuring that future generations can cherish Goodwood as we all do today”.
