Rolls Royce and Goodwood Estate have completed three projects encouraging biodiversity as part of their sustainability partnership, aiming to protect their shared landscape.

Rolls Royce, which operates its luxury motor car headquarters at Goodwood, has partnered with the Estate to deliver three sustainability projects – including a mycelium fertiliser trial, conservation work at the Goodwood Trundle and the restoration of a disused pond at Goodwood Home Farm.

The fertiliser trial involved using mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, to improve soil health, strengthen ecosystems and reduce reliance on synthetic alternatives. The fertiliser has been successfully incorporated across Goodwood Estate, with fungi-enriched pellets regenerating the biological layer of soil.

Rolls Royce and Goodwood Estate have also sought to fortify Goodwood Trundle, considered to be one of the area’s most important landmarks.

Rolls Royce and Goodwood Estate have completed three projects encouraging biodiversity as part of their sustainability partnership, aiming to protect their shared landscape. Photo: Rolls Royce.

placeholder image — Rolls Royce and Goodwood Estate have completed three projects encouraging biodiversity as part of their sustainability partnership, aiming to protect their shared landscape. Photo: Rolls Royce.

The Trundle is a scheduled monument (a nationally important archeological/historic site) comprising an Iron Age hillfort and Neolithic monument. Evidence suggests that it has been used by people for around 5,000 years.

According to Rolls Royce, as interest in the site has grown, so has the volume of visitors – resulting in erosion damage from increased footfall. However, several non-invasive methods of protecting the Trundle have been identified, including a replenishable chalk layer within its ramparts to help prevent damage to the underlying archaeology.

The third project was the restoration of a disused pond at Goodwood Home Farm, which, after 30 years of inactivity, is now a habitat for local wildlife and can be used for environmental education such as pond dipping.

Rolls Royce said that “following expert consultation with ecologists, a number of enhancement measures were identified, including reshaping the pond to improve access for larger mammals”. Within the pond, aquatic plants were introduced to encourage biodiversity.

Samuel Beadle, corporate communications manager for Rolls Royce Motor Cars, said: “Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has been privileged to call Goodwood its home for more than 20 years; the breathtaking landscape, thriving biodiversity and proud heritage of the area are part of what makes the Home of Rolls-Royce such a special place to visit for our clients.

“As our business has developed, so too has our relationship with Goodwood Estate, giving us opportunities to share knowledge and resources in ways that benefit our shared environment. These latest projects reflect the breadth of that relationship, from protecting an important historic site and creating new opportunities for young people to experience nature, to exploring new approaches to caring for the grounds at the Home of Rolls-Royce and Goodwood Estate.”