Westonbirt Arboretum announces plans for new treetop experience
Westonbirt Arboretum is launching an ambitious £10 million plan, the Westonbirt Project, to not only safeguard this historic national collection for the future but also really connect people with trees. As part of the plan, an exciting tree canopy experience will get visitors up close and personal with these stunning trees for the first time.
It could be a walkway, a rising platform or chairs moving gently through the trees? From 24 October to 5 November, visitors can help the arboretum decide exactly what this tree canopy experience should be. Five short-listed designs will be on display in the Westonbirt Project exhibition, just outside the Forest Shop, and everyone's welcome to say which they think is the best.
Miranda Winram, Director of the Westonbirt Project, said:
"Westonbirt is a national treasure - loved and valued by thousands of people. With all this support, we aim to conserve our heritage and unrivalled tree collection and make Westonbirt the place to find out more about the importance of trees in our lives."
As well as this new tree canopy experience, Westonbirt is planning a striking, sustainably designed Gateway Building welcoming visitors to the arboretum. Here they'll get a real insight into what Westonbirt is all about, why it matters and how to make the most of a visit. There'll also be a new improved car parking area.
A purpose-built Learning Hub will become the perfect place for lifelong learning, and Westonbirt's successful education programme will continue to develop and reach new students. For the first time, the new plant propagation centre will give people the chance to not only see expert and intricate propagation work in progress but also to volunteer and take part in the whole process.
For more news about the Westonbirt Project visit the on-site exhibition or go to www.westonbirtproject.co.uk
Westonbirt is open all year round. Over the autumn season, admission to the whole arboretum is £8 for adults, £7 concessions, £3 for children (18yrs and under). For further information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
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.
For further information, please contact Gail McKenzie, Communications Officer, Westonbirt -The National Arboretum, on 01666 881 207 or email: gail.mckenzie@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
- An artist's impression giving a Vision of Westonbirt Arboretum's future is attached.
- 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 360,000 a year, with a membership of over 21,000.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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