Our Journey

Custodians of the landscape...

The Swinton Estate is the custodian of one of the largest privately owned natural landscapes in England. 20,000 acres, set within the Nidderdale National Landscape and stretching from the River Ure in Wensleydale up onto the moorland Pennines, the Estate is a mix of ancient woodland, commercial forestry, SSSI moorland and hill farms.
It has been in the ownership of the Cunliffe-Lister family for over 140 years.

The family see themselves as custodians, with an obligation to nurture and protect what is there. At the same time they value their natural capital as an asset that can help deliver positive change.

In more recent years (since 2001), with Mark and Felicity at the helm, many steps have been taken to improve biodiversity, and to minimise the environmental impact of the business by reducing consumption, waste and emissions.

Carbon-neutral biomass energy system at Nourish by Swinton Estate, supporting sustainable heating solutions

Carbon Neutral Biomass

Since 2006, our Biomass boilers have saved approximately 7500 tonnes of CO2e. Read more.
Aerial view of the woodland restoration landscape at Swinton Estate, enhancing biodiversity and carbon capture

Woodland Creation

31,000 trees planted at Sole Beck, Stonefold and Hilltop... Read more.
Peatland restoration landscape at Swinton Estate, supporting carbon sequestration and biodiversity

Peatland Restoration

Sphagnum planting and natural flood management on Colsterdale and Ilton Moors. Read more.
Restored walled garden at Swinton Estate, featuring a gravel pathway lined with wildflowers, lush greenery, and blooming shrubs under a bright blue sky.

Walled Garden Restoration

Creating a working garden from scratch with over 60 varieties of fruit, herbs and vegetables. Read more.
Aerial view of Swinton Estate showcasing the commitment to enhancing habitats and wildlife through Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity Net Gain

Enhancing habitats and wildlife... Read more.
Off-grid cabin at Swinton Bivouac, nestled in a woodland setting with a wooden deck

Off-​Grid at Swinton Bivouac

Eco off-grid tourism in the Yorkshire Dales... Read more.
Wildflower meadow with yellow buttercups at Swinton Estate

Meadows and Nature Corridors

Our first meadow was sown in 2013 and is now a donor meadow for other Dales sites. Read more.
Close up of solar panels

Cutting edge technology

Our Ozone Laundry and Eco Chef Kitchen reduce power consumption and emissions. Read more.
Mushrooms growing from used coffee grounds at Swinton Estate as part of sustainable waste recycling practices

Waste Not

From reducing waste to recycling what we have. Read more.
Hen harrier flying over Swinton Estate part of a recovery project for rare ground-nesting birds

Hen Harrier and Red Listed Bird Recovery Project

Improving the natural habitat for this bird of prey and other rare ground nesting birds, we have seen record numbers return. Read more.
Clear water flowing over riverbed stones at Swinton Estate supporting natural flood management reducing erosion and improving water quality and habitat

Natural Solutions for Water Purity

Managing flooding naturally on the Rivers Ure and Burn, reducing erosion and improving water quality and habitat. Read more.
Award-winning eco-designed Head Office at Swinton Estate built with sustainable materials and a negative carbon footprint

Award Winning Eco Design at Head Office

Recognition for ground-breaking construction techniques. Read more.
White blossom in full bloom at Swinton Estate’s Bio Hub, supporting biodiversity and sustainable living

Bio-​Hub

The launch of regenerative farming. Read more.
Apple tree blossoming in Swinton Estate's community orchard, enhancing local biodiversity and connection to nature

Community Orchard

Improving our biodiversity and our connection to nature... Read more.
Bird watcher observing wildlife from a moorland viewpoint at Swinton Estate

Leading the Research

Leading the field in innovation... Read more.
Solar panels in a field

Solar Farm

Our next green energy project... Read more.
Deer in lush greenery at Swinton Estate showcasing sustainable woodland management and thriving ecosystems

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