The Balmoral and Sandringham Estates are The Queen’s private estates. The Duke of Edinburgh took on overall responsibility for their management at the start of Her Majesty's reign in 1952. One of His Royal Highness's principles has been to maintain the estate for future generations, so conservation has always been an important part of the Estates’ management practices.

Policies are in place in Balmoral and Sandringham to ensure that the land is farmed sympathetically and that wildlife is encouraged to flourish.

All Balmoral woodlands are certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council which supports sustainable forestry worldwide, whilst farming practices there are registered with the Soil Association which promotes organic food and farming.

Balmoral staff ensure that the vast amount of organic waste which the estate generates is recycled, with 50 tonnes of it being turned into compost each year.

Sandringham, meanwhile, produces organic vegetables and fruit on some of its arable farmland and meadows. Its apples are turned into juice which uses only vitamin C as a preservative, avoiding all unnatural colourings and preservatives. Wildlife conservation and responsible farming are seen as an integral part of life on the estate.

Over five thousand trees and several miles of hedges are planted each year and ten wetland areas have been created on the Norfolk estate. Recycling of food waste, glass, metals, plastic, cardboard and paper takes place across the estate.