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SHUTTERSTOCK, TRAVELIB EUROPE / ALAMY, ACTION PLUS SPORTS IMAGES / ALAMY
we’ve capitalised on that. In recent
years we’ve sold land to Prologis
who have built a large industrial
distribution centre right by Junction
13 of the M1 and we’re actively
pursuing other similar opportunities.”
To help ensure that locals aren’t
priced out of the area, the estate
is working on the Timber Lane
Development, which will provide
10 units of predominantly affordable
housing for locals.The project has just
received planning consent.
While seizing new opportunities
is important to the diversification of
the estate, so is history and tradition.
One such tradition is the 3,000
acre deer park at Woburn Abbey –
one of the largest conservation parks
in Europe. “The Duke’s parents
built up a deer stud with a global
reputation and strong links to New
Zealand and Europe which remains
a key enterprise,” says Julia. Taking
advantage of the increased demand
for British game, the estate also sells
venison from the park locally and
around the UK. “Deer are part of
the fabric of Woburn,” says Dan De
Baerdemaecker, head deer keeper
at Woburn. “They fit very well with
the brand. It’s a beautiful park that
produces a quality product.”
Julia ascribes Woburn’s success to
the fact that it has moved with the
times, while keeping one foot rooted
in the past. “Woburn has a proactive
and entrepreneurial attitude that has
equipped it to deal with the fast pace
of change around it,” she says.
n Michael Horton, Ipswich,
01473 234 813,
n Julia Caudwell, Oxford, 01865
269 158,
1 The spectacular house and gardens
of Woburn Abbey. 2 Queen Victoria’s
bedroom in the Abbey. 3 The new
Prologis building by Junction 13. 4 Many
of the shops and houses in Woburn
village are owned by the estate. 5
Charley Hull tees off for the Woburn Golf
Club in the 2016 Ricoh Women’s British
Open. 6 The State dining room. 7 A tiger
lazes in the safari park. 8 Woburn Abbey
gardens include the Hornbeam Maze
designed by the 6th Duke of Bedford. 9
Red deer. 10 Woburn Forest Center Parcs
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