WESTONBIRT PRESSIES AREN'T JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

What more acceptable gift could there be than annual membership of Westonbirt Arboretum (from £23), managed by the Forestry Commission. ‘Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum’ not only have access every day of the year but also free admission to many other great gardens in the UK, and even abroad. And to see your family and friends through the seasons there’s also a stunning Westonbirt calendar.

In the specialist Plant Centre, Westonbirt’s famous and rare trees and shrubs are lined up and looking for a good home. Westonbirt Red (Acer palmatum) is an outstanding maple with leaves that turn brilliant red in autumn, and Westonbirt dogwoods (Cornus alba ‘Westonbirt’) go a brilliant, unrivalled scarlet in winter. There are also locally grown orchids, hollies and dwarf pines to choose from.

Both the Plant Centre and Forest Shop have a wild array of homes to attract friendly garden residents ­– from bug hotels to woven bird roosts. Alongside are flower and vegetable seeds and bulbs, colourful wellies and cosy hats.

Westonbirt Arboretum is managed by the Forestry Commission. It is open all year round, and 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. During December, admission to the arboretum is £5 for parking a car.