On 12 and 13 April, visitors to Westonbirt – the National Arboretum, which is managed by the Forestry Commission, will have the chance to explore the 150-year legacy of the Westonbirt Estate.
This rare opportunity will be included in the price of admission to the arboretum.
Activities at the arboretum, house and gardens will enable visitors to step back in time and appreciate the magnificent former home of Robert Holford, a key figure in Cotswolds history.
Tree team demonstrations and propagation tours will demonstrate how the arboretum has grown from one man’s aspirations, to an internationally important tree and shrub collection. Over at Westonbirt House, tours, free access to the gardens and guided walks will show visitors how the different aspects of the estate were designed to work in harmony.
It is anticipated that the public will soon be able to enjoy the whole estate all year round, with the success of a Heritage Lottery Funding application and the planned Westonbirt Project.
Miranda Winram, Westonbirt Project director commented:
"We have ambitious plans to open up the estate to all. Following urgent conservation work on the stonework and gardens, we plan to increase access to the picturesque grounds and wider parkland; connecting the site and preserving it for the future."
Mary Keen, a Holfords of Westonbirt trustee and noted gardening writer commented on some of the restoration work already underway in the gardens.
"With the help of a generous grant from the Finnis Scott Trust, work has begun to restore the unique Victorian herbaceous borders in the Italian Garden, and by the summer, a new border of exotics will be added next to the glamorous Camellia House.
"We hope visitors to the open days will be intrigued by the history of the estate, and share our excitement about the potential to preserve the legacy for the future."
During the open days, access to Westonbirt house and gardens will be available via shuttle bus. Parking will be available at the house for disabled access.
Transfers will run at regular times between the two sites from 10.00. The last bus from the Arboretum to Westonbirt House will be at 15.00. The last return bus to the arboretum from the house at 16.30.
Below is our programme of events over the weekend.
Activities at Westonbirt house and gardens (school side.)
1. House tours
Three one hour tours of Westonbirt House with the Holford Heritage guide 11.00am, 1.00 pm & 3.00 pm.
2. Free range garden access
Opportunity for visitors to walk around gardens on their own. All Day
3. Garden tours
Two one-hour tours of garden and visit to Westonbirt Church with the HHT guides. During the walk the group will ‘drop in’ on head gardener (Peter Dennis/Pearl Taylor) 12.00
2.00 pm
4. Victorian cream teas All Day
Activities at the Arboretum.
1. Propagation tour
30 minute tour of behind-the-scenes propagation with Penny Jones
These will start at the Great Oak Hall
Maximum of 12 people per tour – tickets to be given out at GOH 10.00 am, 11.00 am, 12.00am, 2.00 pm & 3.00 pm.
2. Machinery display on Downs
Opportunity to discover the machinery we use and have your picture taken in a tractor! All Day
3. Tree climbing demonstration and tree dismantling
Opportunity to see the tree team in action and find out about the need for large tree work – talking place in Savill Glade 9.00 am-1.00pm
2.00 pm-4.00pm
4. Caring for the collection guided walks
One hour walks to discover how we care for the collection with a member of the tree team
These will start from Great Oak Hall
There will be no ticketing 11.00 am
2.30 pm
5. Midweek volunteers
Midweek volunteers will be in Rotary Glade carrying out active tasks – weeding, cage repair and mulching
Visitors can drop in to find out more 10.00 – 3.00pm
6. Coppicing
Visitors can go and discover the coppicing taking place – what it is and why we do it All day
7. Awakening trees family activity
Discover the awakening woodland – from buds bursting and rising sap to colourful blooms and wildflower carpets on our family trail. Children’s crafts at education centre 10.30 – 4.00
Additional information: First shuttle bus from the arboretum to school at 10.00 am, then will run on continual loop until last leaves at 3.00 pm. Last return bus from school is at 4:30pm.
Arboretum open as usual 9.00-5.00
Dogs are allowed with responsible owners in school gardens and must be kept on a lead.
Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
