SUSTAINABILITY

At Hedingham Castle, we are committed to sustainability and preserving the environment while maintaining the unique heritage of our estate. The goal is to create a harmonious balance between the past, the present and the future, ensuring that our ecological impact is minimal and that we support the local community wherever possible. Here are the key sustainability initiatives we have in place:

Biomass Heating System

Our biomass boiler, which was installed in 2014 and is fueled by sustainably sourced local woodchip — including from trees felled within our own estate as part of our sustainable tree management plan — provides heating and hot water for both the Georgian House and the historic castle itself. This renewable energy source ensures we are using a low-carbon alternative to traditional heating methods, further contributing to our sustainability efforts. By utilising locally sourced materials, we are also reducing transportation emissions and supporting sustainable forest management in the region. From the biomass boiler alone, we have reduced our gas use by 90% in the last 10 years.

Woodland Management

There are 60 acres of woodland on the Hedingham estate which is managed using a forestry management plan, including a planned felling and planting programme. As mentioned above, many of the trees nearing the end of their lives are then made into woodchip that is used to fuel the biomass boiler.

Renewable Energy: Solar Power

To further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, in 2011 we installed photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of the Georgian House. These panels harness clean, renewable solar energy, generating 7,500 kilowatts of electricity every year, contributing significantly to the estate’s energy requirements.

Recycling

Nothing at Hedingham goes to waste! As well as recycling all paper/cardboard, cans, plastic and glass, we are also a dab hand at upcycling and repurposing. For example, the floorboards in the Tapestry Room and Garrison Floor of the castle, and the plinth of the bed and bath in the Royal Chamber, were once the planks of Southend Pier. After a tip off from the lovely Jamie Oliver that they were going spare after a refurbishment, we snapped them up and they have been rehomed to become part of the castle’s rich heritage.

Supporting Local Suppliers

Hedingham Castle is proud to work closely with the local community, with the vast majority of our suppliers being based within the Essex and Suffolk area. This includes two exceptional local caterers, who craft menus using seasonal and locally sourced produce, ensuring the freshest ingredients while reducing the environmental impact of food transport.

Commitment to Local Employment

More than 95% of our staff live within 10 miles of the estate, and around 70% of those live within 5 miles, the majority residing in the village of Castle Hedingham or neighbouring Sible Hedingham. By employing a local team, this not only provides investment in the community but also helps to minimise travel-related emissions.

Wildlife

The 160 acres of countryside surrounding Hedingham Castle is a complete haven for wildlife including many birds of prey. The castle’s incredibly thick walls and ancient drainage holes act as the perfect shelter for nesting birds and over the years we have welcomed many young feathered parents including kestrels, ravens and peregrin falcons. Our miniature ‘castle on the lake’ provides a welcome home for nesting birds and there are also deer, hares, badgers and many other animals in adbundance who call Hedingham home.

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Looking to the future

At Hedingham Castle, we believe in taking meaningful steps towards sustainability while honouring our heritage. We are always looking for ways on how we can make a positive impact on the enviroment as well as finding ways to reduce negative impact.

There are at least three wells on the estate and work has already begun to become self-sufficient in this resource. Pumps will extract the water which is then exposed to UV light to make it safe for drinking.

Demetra has recently completed the Heritage Carbon Literacy programme and is working on a plan to work her learnings into daily life at the castle as well as a series of events encouraging the local community to get involved.