News
See below for our latest press releases and news.Unfortunately, due to bad weather conditions, the raising of the new Silk Wood Barn which would have happened 6th Sept has been postponed until October. All being well a new date will be fixed and confirmed nearer the date. 'Building Silk Wood Barn' Monday 1st Sept - Saturday 6th Sept,
Preparations for building the new Silk Wood Barn are going well. Places on the timber-framing course have now all been taken so 30 students will be building the structure during the week starting 1st September. We hope to raise the barn on Saturday 6th. Shingles for the roof are already rolling off the production line and anyone who wants to have a go at splitting one, can do so at the Festival of the Tree Friday 22nd - Monday 25th August. Please also feel free to visit the work site during the week to see how things are going. Press release
Westonbirt’s Festival of the Tree spreads its roots  Since taking root at Westonbirt 10 years ago, the celebrated Festival of the Tree has blossomed and this summer, from 18-25 August, it’s set to draw more people than ever. Across the week, there’s the famous giant tree sculpting event ‘Sculptree’ alongside loads of family fun and trips up into the trees. Then over the Bank Holiday weekend, the fantastic Woodcraft Exhibition has artisan crafts to buy alongside expert demonstrations. All this takes place against the fitting backdrop of rare and spectacular trees that make up this world-famous Forestry Commission tree garden.
Concert NewsWestonbirt would like to thank all of those people who came to our summer concerts and supported us. The concerts were a huge success and we hope you all had a wonderful time. Hope to see you all here again next year.
Jan 2008 River Flowing Through The Arboretum Rainfall Creates Fun for the Dogs at Westonbirt, ( Silk Wood open as usual). A river is flowing through the centre of the arboretum for the first time in over 10 years.
The excess water in the Cotswolds has today caused the ‘winter-bourne’ or dry river bed to flow with water through the centre of The National Arboretum in Westonbirt, Gloucestershire. This interesting natural phenomenon is due to the overflow from the underground stream or river that runs through the limestone of this South Cotswold area. John Weir, Director of Arboreta says ‘Although our plant centre has flooded, this is very interesting to see. We often have a flood in the valley when there is excess rain but nothing like this has happened in at least ten years. The good news is that our canine friends are having a wail of a time!’ Silk Wood is open as usual, however the flooding is slightly affecting access to Silk Wood, (a couple of inches of water to cross as you go through the gates), We advise visitors to wear wellington boots or waterproof walking boots. If in doubt contact 01666 880220 for further information . These pictures were taken Wednesday 16th January.
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