Forestry Commission - News - westonbirt blooms on its wilder side

Spring is in full bloom at Westonbirt Arboretum. Traditionally May is the month for cherry blossom, azaleas and rhododendrons at the National Arboretum, but take a walk on the wilder side and uncover its best-kept spring secret carpets of bluebells.

The bluebell is one of the UK’s favourite wildflowers and this has to be one of the best local bluebell displays. The hazy blue flowers are at their peak in the first two weeks of the month, and carefully managed Silk Wood is the perfect bluebell spot. Throughout May follow the easy Spring Trail, soak up the simple pleasures of the season and even take advantage of ‘Westonbirt Wednesdays’ on any Wednesday in May get 50% off the entry price.

Hugh Angus, Head of Westonbirt’s Tree Collections, says: “Bluebells are magical. They’re a sure sign that spring has arrived, and it’s looking like one of the best bluebell years ever here. Across the country interbreeding with Spanish bluebells is an ongoing threat to the much-loved native bluebell. But we’ll continue to do everything we can to make Westonbirt a safe haven for these and other native plants.”

For further information about Westonbirt Arboretum and its spring events, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

Westonbirt Arboretum is managed by the Forestry Commission. It is open all year round from 9am-8pm, or dusk if earlier. During Spring, admission to the whole arboretum is Ł7 for adults (Ł6 concessions), Ł2 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.

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For further information, please contact Gail McKenzie, Communications Officer, Westonbirt The National Arboretum, on 01666 881 207

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NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Images of bluebells in Westonbirt Arboretum are attached. Please credit: Westonbirt Arboretum.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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