Blenheim Palace Dorn Valley woodlands project update

The Dorn Valley woodlands (as part of Morgan Sindall Group's 25-year initiative with Blenheim Estate Land to help plant 270,000 trees of 27 different species) is transforming the local environment by creating 9 new woodlands.

As the Dorn Valley woodlands at Blenheim Palace enter their fourth year, significant progress has been made. The summer of 2024 saw substantial growth in many broadleaf trees, while slower species are establishing well.

The woodlands are proving popular with the public. Blenheim’s path team has been maintaining paths, setting up benches, and hosting study groups and regulators. This year over 6000 trees were re-planted and over 540km of mowing was undertaken to help develop biodiversity and become home to a growing number of bees, raptors, badgers and skylarks.

The woodlands passed their Woodland Carbon Code validation in late 2024 and hold 21,938 PIUs on the Markit Registry. Verification will begin in 2026, with the first conversion of PIUs into WCUs expected in 2028.

Well done to all involved, and our colleagues across the Morgan Sindall Group for helping to create a legacy for generations to come.