When Roger Tempest became the owner of Broughton Estate at just seven years old, the estate faced numerous challenges. Tadpoles flowed from the taps, and the main house was so exposed to the elements that it collected a layer of snow in the winter. The family even had to dine in hats and gloves. With a history dating back to 1097, Broughton Estate’s 3,000 acres in Yorkshire have witnessed the changing landscape of England over centuries. Today, Broughton is at the forefront of a new movement that reimagines the use of land in England.
Roger, the 32nd generation owner, understood the weight of history and the responsibility it entailed. Many English estates were facing financial difficulties and were being dissolved, but Roger was determined to save Broughton. In the late 1980s, he utilized the emerging technology of fax machines to set up offices in the estate’s crumbling barns, attracting 52 companies and over 700 employees. This rejuvenation allowed for further changes and ultimately led Rewilding Britain’s director Alastair Driver to describe Broughton as the country’s most rapidly transformative rewilding project.
Sitting in Broughton’s cafe, aptly named Utopia, Roger reflects on the journey of transformation. He acknowledges that the initial state of the fields was barren, with only sheep and two types of grass. His vision was simple: clean water, clean air, abundant trees, and thriving bee populations. Roger sees himself as an antidote to urbanization, aiming to bring nature back to the forefront.
The rewilding project at Broughton began in 2020, with the planting of 350,000 trees belonging to 15 native broadleaf species. The estate has also created wildflower meadows and has plans to reintroduce beavers. Visitors to Broughton can engage with the rapid transformation through activities such as forest bathing, wild swimming, tree planting, and species monitoring. The goal is to recreate an ancient landscape, encompassing meadows, forests, and scrub habitats that are ideal for songbirds.
In four years’ time, Broughton will reintroduce grazers like Tamworth pigs, Exmoor ponies, and shorthorn cattle. This effort aims to mimic the ancient landscape and promote biodiversity. Accommodations at Broughton include 19 cottages within the estate or rooms in the main hall. Guests can enjoy various activities during their stay.
Broughton’s transformation not only affects the land but also the well-being of its visitors. The Avalon Wellbeing Centre, which opened in 2018, offers a variety of retreats and therapies that defy the conventions of modern design. The landscape, similar to our inner landscape, has been tamed and shaped by modern agriculture and lifestyles. The Nest, an upstairs room at the center, hosts yoga classes and sound healing sessions, providing a sense of peace and rejuvenation.
Alastair Driver of Rewilding Britain emphasizes the importance of rethinking land use in England. He believes that land should deliver multiple benefits, including flood risk reduction, improved water quality, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and health and well-being opportunities. Broughton Estate serves as an example of individuals and organizations leading the way despite government policies.
A visit to Broughton Sanctuary leaves one with a sense of hope and possibility. This short break away can inspire a change in perspective and appreciation for the potential that lies in restoring and rewilding the land. Accommodation at Broughton Sanctuary starts from £173 per night for Ivy Cottage, with a minimum three-night stay, or from £725 per week.
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