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Arboreta and tree collections

Arboreta and tree collections are places where you can go and look at how different species are growing, in different locations around the country. The links below lead to a mixture of webpages ranging from those of Arboreta, old species trials (known as forest gardens) to documents recording species locations. These sites and documents may hold some of the knowledge we require to select species to diversify our future forests.

Have a look for yourself

  Brechfa Forest Garden
Report describing the performance of a wide range of exotic species planted as forest performance trials. The climatic conditions are relevant to much of Western and Northern England. Click here to find information about visiting this tree collection
Kilmun Forest Garden
Report describing Kilmun in Argyll near Dunoon. The plots have a wide range of species. Whilst this plot is in Western Scotland, many of the species have a wide natural range. Click here to find information about visiting this tree collection
The National Arboretum at Westonbirt
This link takes you to the FC's collection pages for Westonbirt. The page has links to the interactive map, which allows you to prepare for your visit, and provides information about the individual trees.
The National Pinetum at Bedgebury
The National Pinetum contains the most comprehensive collection of conifers in the UK. The specimens are displayed both as forest plots and as a visual layout.
Lynford Arboretum
This small but interesting arboretum is in East Anglia at Thetford. It gives an indicationof what grows well in one of the driest locations in England and provides a pointer to the future.
Blackwater Arboretum
Small arboretum within the New Forest next to an area of impressive specimens of a range of conifers.

The Cyril Hart Arboretum
Located within the Forest of Dean. Well worth a visit.

 

 

Non FC Arboreta

There are many important tree collections outside of the FC, this list is not comprehensive. Many will allow FC staff free entry for professional study.This area provides links to their main web sites.

Royal Botanical Gardens Kew
The world famouse Botanical gardens are on 3 sites. All include impressive tree collections and have useful information on their web site.
Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh
The National gardens of Scotland are on 4 sites. Kilmun and Dawyck have impressive collections of mature well documented trees.
Howick Arboretum
Northumbrian collection arranged by continents.
Hillier's Arboretum
A comprehensive collection of trees. Managed by Hampshire county council.
Other recorded specimens
A document that records where exotic tree were planted around the UK.
Full moon maple (acer japonicum) Holford Ride, Westonbirt Arboretum Gloucestershire