King Charles’ philosophy of working with nature rather than controlling it is evident at his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, where chemical pesticides have been completely banned for decades. The policy reflects his commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship since purchasing the property in 1980.
A team of 11 gardeners and two apprentices maintain the grounds using organic methods. Irrigation relies solely on rainwater collected from the main residence, and weeds are allowed to flourish unless they threaten to dominate. The wildflower meadow is cut once a year with traditional scythes, followed by grazing cattle and sheep to boost biodiversity.
Felled trees are repurposed: trainees on the King’s Foundation Create programme use the timber for furniture-making, while storm-damaged oaks and beeches have been moved to a stumpery to create wildlife habitats. The King also crafted low hurdles from coppiced hazel during the pandemic.
The gardens feature a national collection of 160 hosta varieties, three Himalayan birches gifted by Queen Elizabeth II, and golden yew topiary allowed to soften naturally over time. A garden gnome is regularly moved around the grounds by the King.
These principles are central to the upcoming Prime Video documentary Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision, narrated by Kate Winslet and releasing globally on 6 February. Kristina Murrin, chief executive of the King’s Foundation, said: “The earth is asking us to change our actions at the moment. Hopefully this film will inspire people to do that.”
