Sustainability

Our ambition is to be Net Zero by 2050.  To reduce emissions we are decarbonising through the following actions: 

1. Data – Data improvement for all scopes and categories.  
2. Energy – Reduce energy through the Energy Reduction Hierarchy and generate renewable energy on site and in collaboration with the Waddesdon Estate LLP. 
3. Procurement – Introduce and apply the Procurement Policy and Sourcing Guide. 
4. Travel – Decarbonise travel including reviewing and upgrading our own fleet, introducing sustainable transport options, incentivising greener staff and volunteer commuting, suppliers and visitor travel. 
5. Waste – Embrace the circular economy, reduce the total volume of waste and make improvements in separation. 

To achieve our goal to be self-sufficient for all water requirements by 2050, we are reducing our reliance on mains water, whilst ensuring that our impact on the aquatic world is as small as possible. 

We commit to:

1. Completing the meter roll out, collecting and understanding the data.
2. Developing the water testing programme already under way for microbes, pollutants and quality.
3. Reducing waste through leakage and ensuring preventative maintenance programmes are prioritised.
4. Introducing water-saving and water harvesting measures where possible, such as rain and grey water use.
5. Reducing the Garden’s reliance on watering through planting programmes and mulching.
6. Working with the Waddesdon Estate LLP to minimise run-off and chemical imbalances.

We are dedicated to managing the land to support food production, the historic gardens and increase carbon capture and biodiversity indefinitely. In order to achieve this, we are:

1. Implementing a soil testing programme for microbes, pollutants and quality and analyse results.
2. Continuing to introduce practises which maximise soil health, such as no-dig.
3. Working with the Waddesdon Estate LLP to integrate regenerative farming practices where appropriate.
4. Managing our woodlands to ensure the tree population is robust and absorbing as much carbon as possible.
5. Increasing the percentage of food production in the gardens and extend the network we supply, including increasing the volume to our own catering outlets and businesses.
6. Involve local communities and interest groups in our projects.

We are working closely with local farmers and conservation groups to develop a consolidated approach to improving our biodiversity which includes introducing systematic collection of data.  

Biodiversity Action Plan:

1. Baseline testing for microbes, populations, species, pollutants and quality. 
2. Habitat improvement programmes to support biodiversity recovery. 
3. Habitat creation and buffer zones to extend biodiversity. 
4. Management of threats and predators. 
5. Manage all habitats (grassland, hedgerows, waterways, woodland, orchards) within the RF with biodiversity as an equal driver with finance. 

The engagement of people is critical to the success of the strategy. We will continue to work with sustainable networks across England including the Historic Houses Association, ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions) and the National Trust. We commit to:

1. Engagement and communication to all staff, volunteers and key stakeholders.
2. Environmental stewardship programmes though collaboration with partners.
3. Expand the Grants programme focussing on natural world recovery and support the development of the Centre for Excellence (a series of events to share, enhance and collaborate positive change.)
4. Engagement with visitors to the Manor, through the Conservation Hub and other activities and online audiences through newsletters and blogs.
5. Extend the Education, Learning and Communities programme in the environmental sphere, with a particular focus on local schools.