Castle Howard Estate

Most people in the area have visited Castle Howard, but the estate's commercial arm is less well known.

The business is tasked with conserving and restoring Castle Howard for the benefit of future generations and securing continuity of ownership within the Howard family.

It is Castle Howard Estate's policy to source goods and services locally, thereby supporting the local community.

It employs 80 full-time staff and 120 seasonal workers, making it an important employer and ensuring that rural skills like stone masonry, farming and forestry are retained nearby.

A project started in 2000 and supported by Yorkshire Forward has created modern office space in farm buildings while conserving the traditional character of the property.

Castle Howard, in partnership with Langreen Ltd, is working to install broadband services for the benefit of the estate and the wider community.

The Estate's 200,000 annual visitors bring in valuable revenue to many of the surrounding businesses, such as guesthouses and cafs.

A herd of organically-reared Aberdeen Angus cattle, introduced in the summer of 2002, forms an important part of the estate's 200 hectare organic unit.

A farm shop will open in October which will sell locally and regionally sourced produce alongside a refurbished caf, which will serve a menu of farm shop food.

With assistance from London's Kew Gardens and the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust, Castle Howard has reintroduced native and world species into Ray Wood and the Arboretum.

Updated: 09:54 Thursday, August 19, 2004