The Bussaco Woodland is a landscape garden which takes its name from famous sacred woodland in Portugal established by the Barefoot Carmelites in 1628 as a secluded retreat. There are records of protected woodland retreats going back at least 10,000 years.

These highly valued groves were significant because most ancient civilizations considered the woods and forests represented danger, evil spirits and uncivilised ignorance. While they have been recorded in diverse cultures from China to the Mediterranean, in Europe they were often referred to as 'sacro bosque' or 'sacred woodland'.

Trees were usually protected in these areas. Exotic trees were often introduced, and old trees were particularly highly valued.