Blenheim Estate, nestled in the heart of Europe, is nurturing a legacy of green growth by gathering acorns and cultivating seedlings, setting an inspiring example of sustainable forestry for the world to follow. Home to Europe’s largest number of ancient oak trees, including some dating back to around 1000 AD, the estate is determined to ensure these majestic oaks thrive for generations to come.
Blenheim Estate’s dedicated Forestry team has been diligently collecting acorns since 2016 as part of an ambitious in-house tree growing program. Their mission is twofold: safeguard the centuries-old oaks and reduce the risk of external infections and diseases by using their own carefully nurtured stock.
Forester Rob Burgess embarked on this journey by collecting 1,000 acorns in 2016. He began the meticulous process of nurturing them, ensuring they would flourish in the spring. In 2020, the team collected 11,400 acorns, resulting in 10,200 healthy oak trees. This year, Rob gathered a staggering 20,000 acorns, along with 50,000 seedlings from a diverse range of tree species, including beech, sycamore, hornbeam, horse chestnut, and cherry bark.
The collection season for acorns starts in late August and September, when they naturally fall from the trees. Acorns are carefully selected; if they float when placed in water for 24 hours, they are deemed unsuitable for planting. The ones that pass this test are skinned, dried, and mixed with a combination of grit and compost. This mixture is turned weekly until they are ready to be seeded in December. The seedlings are then nurtured in a greenhouse, with the first signs of sprouting usually visible in early spring.
The success of this program is now evident, with seedlings from 2016 proudly emerging from their tubes in Blenheim’s Parkland, standing at an impressive one to two feet in height. Planting tree saplings is one of the most effective ways to support the environment. When mature, a single large tree provides daily oxygen for four people. Consequently, the 20,000 trees that Blenheim Estate plans to plant in 2024 alone will supply the daily oxygen needs of an astounding 80,000 people.
Head Forester Nick Baimbridge shared his perspective: “We’re extremely fortunate that so many of these venerable trees have survived together here at Blenheim,”
“By carefully propagating and protecting seedlings grown from acorns produced by the original oaks we will be able to ensure the legacy of these great survivors will live on into the future.“
Blenheim Estate’s ongoing dedication to tree cultivation is a testament to their commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of their ancient oaks. This initiative is a powerful reminder that, indeed, great oaks can grow from little acorns, ensuring a greener and healthier future for all.
About Blenheim Estate:
Blenheim Estate, home to Blenheim Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Europe. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and commitment to environmental sustainability. The estate is dedicated to preserving and nurturing the natural beauty of its grounds while contributing to the global effort to protect the environment.