With our Estate spanning a diverse terrain of agricultural land and woodland, we look to manage the land in a way that will sustain it for future generations. By encouraging and embracing responsible land management practices, both tenanted agricultural land and award-winning sustainable forestry are central to our business.
As the custodians of several Sites of Special Scientific Interest within Montgomeryshire and an area of the South Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), we have a responsibility to safeguard our landscape and its rich biodiversity. Together with local wildlife trusts, we are working to safeguard key species such as the pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly.
With over 10,000 acres of agricultural land under our care, the Estate features more than 60 agricultural tenants whose farming businesses range from less than 50 acres to over 800 acres. They operate a range of mixed farming enterprises including dairy, livestock and arable, and some of our land has been farmed for many years by successive generations.
We work closely with our tenant farmers to help them develop viable businesses through diversification projects, while also encouraging environmental stewardship. We’re working to build a more sustainable future that balances the needs of our farming community, our people and our local environment.
With over 1,700 acres of forestry under our care, we take a sustainable approach to our woodland management and the production of commercial timber. Over the years, this commitment has helped us develop award-winning commercial forestry practices designed to safeguard the longevity of our Estate’s woodlands for future generations.
Proud to be certified through the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) Scheme, this internationally recognised scheme for sustainable forestry management acknowledges our responsible practices. By respecting the delicate balance between humans and the local biodiversity, our sustainable timber production has also gained recognition from the Royal Forestry Society.
Together with deer management practices that further protect the balance of our local ecosystems, we are committed to managing our forestry and woodlands responsibly.
The deer that live on our land have become symbolic of Powis Estates, from those found within the deer park at Powis Castle to the wild deer that roam the wider estate. However, the wild deer populations can cause significant damage to the delicate balance of our woodland ecosystems.
Larger deer populations lead to more intense grazing on shrubs and young trees, ultimately preventing our woodlands from regenerating. As the variety of plants reduces, this can have severe consequences for certain animals within the local ecosystem, which is why we have adopted a deer management plan.
By working to reduce the wild deer populations, we can help to regain the essential balance in our woodlands while at the same time producing a sustainable source of venison. This allows the woodlands to regenerate, protecting our ecosystems and allowing all flora and fauna within Powis Estates to thrive.
In partnership with The Wildlife Trusts, we have been working on a number of environmental projects to protect, maintain and manage the natural world within our Estate. From rare butterfly species and bats to Sites of Special Scientific Interest filled with natural heritage, we are also proud to be the custodians of land within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It is our responsibility to protect the natural environment within our Estate, and you can help us. While many areas of the Estate have restricted access to minimise human impact on the land and allow local wildlife to flourish, some areas are open to the public. If you wish to visit us, please head to our What to Do page for more information about access.
Following a lack of forest management throughout Wales, the Pearl-bordered Fritillary Butterfly has seen a rapid population decline of 95% since the 1970s. But through sustainable land management practices, our Estate has continued to provide a safe haven for this rare butterfly to thrive.
Working in partnership with Montgomery Wildlife Trust to preserve its habitat, we have set aside 75 acres of common land for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary. This is now one of only six locations in Wales where populations are currently recorded and thanks to their efforts, its numbers are steadily increasing year on year as we move towards the recovery of our area’s natural biodiversity.
For more information about the conservation work being carried out by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust to protect this rare species, click the link below.
Featuring a wide variety of woodlands and hills along the Shropshire-Powys border, Powis Estates has long been the choice for many to enjoy a variety of outdoor sports.
While the hilly landscapes and extensive forestry provide both thrilling drives, our shooting tenants work with our forestry department towards biodiversity conservation. We also play host to both the Black Pools Fly Fishing Club and the Chirbury Anglers Club, who use an extensive length of our river.
For more information about sporting on our estate, please contact us. By enjoying the natural environment within the Estate responsibly, together we can help maintain it for future generations.