Conservation & Stewardship

The Windsor Estate is home to a vast array of habitats, flora and fauna. It’s long-term stewardship by The Crown Estate has made it an internationally recognised example of biodiversity, sustainability and conservation.

Indeed, our 1,000-year history makes Windsor Great Park the top site in Britain’s ‘Index of Ecological Continuity’. Significant parts of The Windsor Estate are designated by Natural England as:

A photograph of Virginia Water, seen through trees and shrubs.

Balancing our responsibilities

In addition to our conservation work, The Windsor Estate provides many environmental, social and health benefits, including:

Outdoor recreation (5.5 million visitors/year)
Carbon capture and storage
Timber and woodland products
Food production
Water storage and irrigation
Pollination and improved air quality
Improved air quality
Energy
A buffer to noise pollution

We work hard to ensure these benefits are balanced with our environmental and sustainability responsibilities, while providing a safe experience for everyone to enjoy.

But we cannot do it alone.

How you can help

It’s easy. We ask that all visitors follow the Countryside Code and a few simple rules:

A fire starting from a discarded cigarette butt.

Guard against all risks of fire

Fires destroy habitats and wildlife. They can spread without warning, especially in dry conditions. Help us to prevent this by not lighting campfires or BBQ’s and ensure any cigarettes are put out and disposed of properly.

Protect and respect wildlife, plants and trees

Windsor Great Park is home to an impressive collection of plants and flowers from around the world which offer astounding displays to admire throughout the year.

A dog on a lead, looking up at its owner.

Walk your dog responsibly

The Windsor Estate welcomes well-behaved dogs. It is important that your dog is under control at all times, for your dog’s safety, yourself and the safety of others. Find out more about walking your dog here.

Take your litter home

Litter is unpleasant for us all but can also cause damage to the landscape and wildlife. Please come prepared to take your litter home with you.

Keep to the paths and tracks

We’ve created the paths and tracks to avoid disturbing ground nesting birds and other wildlife.

Take only memories away

Anything that belongs on the Estate should stay on the Estate. Respect the flora and fauna that lives here by leaving their home intact.

Explore our habitats and wildlife

Dig deeper into the habitats, the wildlife they support and the work we do to preserve them for the benefit of the nation.