The emphasis at Wistow in recent years has been to encourage diverse farming interests whilst conserving the scenic beauty of the countryside. Traditionally, the rolling farmland was lined with "ridge and furrow" pastures and tranquil water meadows, ideal for fattening livestock. Much of this grassland still remains, some of it protected under Countryside Stewardship schemes, but advances in drainage and the desire for self-sufficiency in cereal production resulted in sales of turf (even to Wembley Stadium in the 1960's) and more intensive arable cropping.

Wheat is the most productive crop on these heavy, clay loam soils, with oilseed rape, beans, oats, and barley grown in rotation on some fields. Set aside is used for the application of manure and can be helpful in eradicating weeds and, with the recent CAP reforms, it is likely that further environmental benefits will be included in the farming system, such as grassland strips around arable fields and beside watercourses.

The area was ravaged by Dutch Elm disease in the '70's, with many thousand dead trees felled and replaced with mixed hardwoods such as oak, ash, cherry and lime. Mercifully, past generations had ensured a varied woodland picture ensuring that many mature trees, woods and avenues survived the tragic loss of the Common Elm. As in any living world, woodland regeneration continues on the Estate, with selective thinning and felling balanced by replanting of indigenous species. Many miles of new hedges have been planted at Wistow in the last 30 years, and their elder relatives are rejuvenated by skilled laying and trimming to ensure that the countryside that we all love is largely preserved for the foreseeable future.