Woodlands
Our woodlands represent more than a natural resource, they reflect the Estate’s long-held philosophy of responsible stewardship, where productivity and preservation go hand in hand. Across 1,250 acres of mixed woodland, we manage the landscape with care, supporting thriving wildlife and sustainable forestry.
Explore our FIREWOOD and CHRISTMAS TREE collections below.
Caring for the landscape
for over sixty years
The Balcombe Estate’s woodland extends across approximately 1,250 acres of the Estate’s 3,500 acres. Managed by the Greenwood family for over sixty years, it forms a vital part of our heritage and our work today.
Our mixed woodlands include Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) dating back to the 1600s, Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites, and more recent coniferous plantations. The balance is roughly 50% broadleaved and 50% coniferous, creating both biodiversity and sustainable resources for future generations.
The Estate and its sawmill have been recognised with numerous awards for silviculture and woodland management, as well as for their educational exhibits at the South of England Show.
Sustainable Woodland Management
We manage our woodland to ensure long-term environmental health, using techniques that balance productivity with conservation.
- Continuous cover forestry is used in many broadleaved areas, supporting natural regeneration and maintaining wildlife habitats.
- Coppice rotation (typically every 15–20 years) in our chestnut woods provides fencing materials and heating-grade wood fuel, while creating a dynamic mosaic of habitats.
- Selective thinning and replanting maintain the quality of coniferous plantations, ensuring that mature trees are harvested responsibly and the cycle of growth continues.
All harvested timber is processed either on-site in our sawmill or by trusted local mills. Wood is used for construction, building restoration, fencing, landscaping and renewable fuel.
Commitment
to Standards
Our woodland management is guided by a Forestry Commission–approved plan and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®). This ensures our operations meet the highest standards of sustainability, safety and traceability.
Forestry remains a cornerstone of the rural economy, providing local employment, supporting biodiversity, and enriching wellbeing through access to green spaces.
Firewood
Balcombe Estate is a long-established supplier of locally sourced, sustainably managed firewood in Sussex. Our seasoned logs, typically ash, oak, birch, alder and beech, are air-dried for at least twelve months to reduce moisture naturally and keep the carbon cost low.
We recommend purchasing logs well ahead of winter to allow further drying before use. Logs are supplied cut to approximately 10 inches and available for collection or free local delivery within Balcombe and Ardingly.
Available quantities:
A charming two-bedroom period cottage set within the heart of Balcombe village. Exposed beams, open fireplace and a private garden offer an authentic sense of country living within walking distance of the village shop and railway station.
| Large net sack | £7 |
| Loose boot load (approx. 0.5 m³) | £60 |
| Half truck load (approx. 0.6 m³) | £80 |
| Full truck load (approx. 1.2 m³) | £120 |
To order firewood or request a bespoke quantity, please contact the Estate Office on 01444 811 446 or use our enquiry form.
Christmas Trees
Balcombe Estate Christmas trees are available from the end of November each year. Our trees will be cut fresh and ready for selection and netting. When visiting our yard, we suggest wearing gloves whilst choosing your tree. Rest assured our trees are fresh just prior to sale and will all be of the usual high quality our customers have become accustomed to.
All Christmas Trees come freshly cut, are grown in West Sussex, and are available from approx. 4 ft small to 40 ft large.
Christmas trees will be available from our yard 7 days 9am to 4pm from the 30th of November until the 24th of December. Or earlier by special arrangement.
Phone: 01444 811446
woods@balcombeestate.co.uk
2024 Yard Price List
The yard price is inclusive of VAT.
| SIZE | NORWAY | NORDMANN |
|---|---|---|
| 5 ft | £35 | £55 |
| 6 ft | £40 | £60 |
| 7 ft | £50 | £70 |
| 8 ft | £60 | £80 |
| 9 ft | £70 | £90 |
| 10 ft | £80 | £100 |
Christmas trees will be available from our yard 7 days 9 am to 4 pm from the 30th of November until the 24th of December. Or earlier by special arrangement.
2024 Large Tree Price List
Large trees are supplied tied for installation. Haulage can be arranged with hiab crane lorry if required. Large tree prices are subject to VAT.
| SIZE | Price per foot |
|---|---|
| 10 – 11ft | £8.00 |
| 12 – 13ft | £10.00 |
| 14 – 17ft | £12.00 |
| 18 – 20ft | £16.00 |
| 21 – 23ft | £18.00 (Good availability) |
| 24 – 27ft | £20.00 (Good availability) |
| 28 – 35ft | £22.00 (Subject to availability) |
Christmas trees will be available from our yard 7 days 9 am to 4 pm from the 30th of November until the 24th of December. Or earlier by special arrangement.
We supply:
- Norway Spruce
For a classic Christmas experience, a Norway Spruce has a structured pyramid shape and that rich, fresh and unmistakable festive aroma we all know and love. - Nordmann Fir
A glossy green colour and big, non-pointy needles make this a popular tree for families. Nordmann Firs retain their needles for longer indoors. - Serbian Spruce
A close relative of the Norway Spruce, this tree has dense branches and a space-saving slim shape. Its attractive two-tone foliage is green on the top and blue underneath.
All our Christmas Trees can be netted and carried to your car. We also supply Christmas Tree Stands and Holly Wreaths, as well as logs & kindling wood for wood-burning stoves and open fires.
Cash, credit and debit card payments are accepted.
Our top 3 tips to keep your Christmas Tree from drying out
- 1 – Buy your tree freshly cut and directly from the grower. The fresher the tree, the longer it will retain its needles. If you buy a Christmas Tree that’s been cut, transported and warehoused for long periods before being offered for sale, it is unlikely to give you long-lasting pleasure.
- 2 – Treat your tree like freshly cut flowers. We recommend cutting ½ inch off the bottom of the stem, using a handsaw. Then put the tree into a Christmas Tree Stand that has been filled with water. Keep your tree watered throughout the festive period.
- 3 – Keep our trees away from heat sources. If you place your Christmas Tree near radiators, log burners or open fires, it will dry out much more quickly than if you position it in a cooler place. A Norway Spruce may lose its needles quickly while a Nordmann Fir may lose its sheen.