13 OCTOBER 2008 NEWS RELEASE No: 11011

Autumn has arrived at Westonbirt Arboretum. As the days get shorter, this national arboretum is on ‘red alert’ for its world-famous seasonal spectacle, and over the next few weeks the trees will be at their very best. Recently voted one of the Top 10 public gardens in Britain by TripAdvisor [1], this Forestry Commission tree garden has entered its most stunning and colourful season.

From mid-October into November, Westonbirt’s Japanese maples - Britain’s largest collection - are a riot of colour. As the season progresses new trees get in on the act. Ironwoods change from yellow and orange in to deep plum purple, hickories turn to gold, but the fiery red Japanese maples remain the undisputed stars. In the Old Arboretum, Acer Glade is the traditional autumn ‘Mecca’ but visitors are also increasingly heading for the National Collection of Japanese maples in Silk Wood. In all, about 350 cultivated varieties create a dazzling display.

To get an update on where to find the arboretum’s ‘hotspots’ for colour in any given week, keen ‘leaf peepers’ can go to the ‘Autumn Colour Watch’ at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

Hugh Angus, Westonbirt’s Head of Tree Collections, said:

“Autumn is the crescendo of the four seasons - think of a colour and one of our trees will be displaying it somewhere. This seasonal spectacle never fails to lift the spirits.”

To catch all the highlights of the season, take the Westonbirt autumn trail - simply pick up a trail leaflet at the Great Oak Hall on arrival. The Plant Centre here has a wide range of acers for sale, including the arborteum’s own ‘Westonbirt Red’ and ‘Westonbirt Orange’ - both renowned for their autumn colour.

New for this season, download the Westonbirt trail podcasts before your visit at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt Discover firsthand the secrets behind the incredible trees at Westonbirt, and how they are being cared for now and into the future. And for an instant update of where to watch Autumn across the UK, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn

Over the autumn half-term, there’s also outdoor fun for all the family at Westonbirt…

Saturday 25 October
Fungi at Westonbirt Arboretum - Walks
Join Dave Shorten from the Cotswold Fungus Group to explore Westonbirt’s remarkable fungi.
10.30 - 12.30 and 2 - 4pm. Booking essential. Tel: 01666 880220
£4.00 adults after admission. Admission to arboretum: adult £8, conc. £7, child £2.

Monday 27 – Thursday 30 October
Autumnal Highlights - Family trail
Discover why trees change colour, and witness the Westonbirt autumn spectacle. Do your own tree-inspired art.
10.30 - 4.30pm. Free on admission.
Admission to arboretum: adult £8, conc. £7, child £2.

Aren’t Birds Brilliant! - Wild birds at Westonbirt
Every Fri, Sat & Sun in October and November
Spot some of Westonbirt’s many wild birds close-up in the Education Centre’s Bird Feeding Station. Friendly RSPB staff will be on hand to answer all your bird-related questions.
11am - 4pm. Free on admission.
Admission to arboretum: adult £8, conc. £7, child £2.

Westonbirt Arboretum is managed by the Forestry Commission. It is open all year round - from 9am-5pm. During autumn, admission to the whole arboretum is £8 for adults (£7 concessions), £2 for children (18yrs and under). Annual membership is also available.

Westonbirt Arboretum is three miles south west of Tetbury on the A433 (Tetbury to Bath Road). It is 10 miles north east of Junction 18 of the M4, and south-east of junction 13 of the M5.

Ends

For further information, please contact Gail McKenzie, Communications Officer, Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, on 01666 881 207 email: gail.mckenzie@forestry.gsi.gov.uk


NOTES TO EDITOR

1. On September 30 2008, a new poll from TripAdvisor, the travel advice website, rated the top 10 public gardens in Britain, according to traveller popularity and TripAdvisor editors.
2. Images of Westonbirt Arboretum in autumn are attached. Credit: Westonbirt Arboretum (and photographer Paul Groom where indicated).
3. Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, is managed by the Forestry Commission and renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. It contains nearly 16,000 specimens, including almost half of the woody plants known to grow in the world's temperate climate zone. It covers 600 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Its importance is recognised by English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historical Interest as a Grade 1 registered Landscape. Visitor numbers are 350,000 a year, with a membership of over 22,000.
4. Westonbirt Arboretum was established in the 1850s by wealthy landowner Robert Holford, and later developed by his son George Holford. Much of Westonbirt's renowned autumn colour is credited to Sir George's plantings of Japanese maples between 1875 and 1900, many of which are still alive today. Unlike many arboreta, Westonbirt is laid out according to aesthetic appeal rather than scientific or geographical criteria, and the Holfords' legacy is open for all to enjoy - a beautiful, relaxing and unique day out among some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in Britain.
5. Westonbirt is home to the National Japanese Maple (Acer) Collection, with over 300 different types in the collection. The Forestry Commission opened Westonbirt Arboretum to the public in 1961, and in 1966 a new Acer Glade was established, alongside the original one planted by Robert and George Holford in 1875. Today, Westonbirt is in the process of creating the world’s best collection of maples.
6. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Further information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk