The Umberslade Estate has been a family business since the late 1800’s, when it was acquired by George Frederick Muntz, a Birmingham industrialist and Member of Parliament, and the inventor of “Muntz metal”. This yellow-coloured alloy of copper and zinc was successfully used to sheathe the wooden hulls of ships, including the Cutty Sark. George Muntz also bought and restored Umberslade Hall in the 1800’s. Although the hall was sold in the 1960’s and converted into flats, the land, woodland and lakes are still owned by the Muntz Family to this day.
Now Sebastian Muntz, young entrepreneur and great great grandson of George Frederick Muntz, has set himself the task of continuing the development of Umberslade, by offering new and exciting outdoor pursuits. The United Kingdom’s wooded and forested areas now account for only 10% of its land mass, and, recognising the immense value for leisure purposes of this diminishing and increasingly precious resource, Sebastian’s aim is to preserve and maintain the Umberslade woodland, whilst encouraging people to develop their knowledge and appreciation of the natural beauty and wildlife that abounds within it.
