Forestry Commission - News - westonbirt lights up for an enchanted christmas

After the amazing natural wonder of autumn colour at the National Arboretum, Westonbirt it’s time for the trees to take centre stage again for the Enchanted Wood. For the past 11 years the event has attracted many thousands of visitors who come wrapped up in winter woollies to experience the historic tree garden in a different light!

The trees will be bathed in thousands of coloured lights for the annual Christmas illuminations, but this year it will be greener than ever as new contractors, lighting company Astral Design, bring their eco-friendly brilliance to Westonbirt for the first time. The Kent-based company will be using only bio diesel fuels and state of the art energy efficient lighting units.

James Waudby from Astral Design said he was delighted to be working on this premier event. “I won’t give too much away, but amongst the many special effects will be a giant spider web and a grotto with a soundscape of giggling fairies.”

Rachael Miller, Event Manager at the arboretum, said: “This event has become a real Christmas tradition for many families. Last year we received lots of letters telling us how much visitors enjoyed the Enchanted Wood, the live music, seasonal fare and the magical Christmas atmosphere.”

Father Christmas will be switching on the lights and officially opening the trail on Friday November 30th at 4.30pm. He’ll arrive on a sleigh pulled by reindeer to greet hundreds of local schoolchildren and visitors. Each night of the event, Father Christmas will be strolling around meeting families and finding out which children have been naughty or nice! Choirs from across the West Country will also be adding to the festive feel of this special occasion.

The Enchanted Christmas event is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 30th to December 23rd, from 5pm – 8.30pm (last admission to the Enchanted Wood 7.15pm). Admission price: Adults Ł7, Child Ł3, Concession Ł6. Advance booking unnecessary.

There will also be lots of seasonal food and drink available. For those wanting something special, Maples restaurant will be serving their popular two-course Christmas Carvery for only Ł15.95 for adults and Ł7.95 for children. Advance booking only on 01666 880558.

Daytime visitors can get into the Christmas spirit by following a special seasonal family trail through the woods. And don’t forget to take a tree home with you – the Plant Centre has a great selection of sustainably-sourced Christmas trees on sale from 1st – 23rd December, 10am – 5pm.

For more information contact 01666 880147 or go to www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

Notes to Editors:

1. Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, is renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. It contains nearly 16,000 specimens, including almost half of those woody plants known to grow in the world's temperate climate zone, and 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.

2. Westonbirt is managed by the Forestry Commission. Visitor numbers are just under 350,000 per annum with a membership of over 22,000.

3. Westonbirt Arboretum was established in 1829 by wealthy landowner Robert Holford, and later developed by his son, George Holford. Much of Westonbirt's renowned autumn colour is often 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 amongst some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in Britain.

4. Westonbirt is home to the National Collection of Japanese Maples, 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 1870. Today we are in the process of creating the world’s best collection of maples.

5. 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.

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