On 12 and 13 April, visitors to Westonbirt – the National Arboretum, which is managed by the Forestry Commission, will have the chance to explore the 150-year legacy of the Westonbirt Estate.
This rare opportunity will be included in the price of admission to the arboretum.
Activities at the arboretum, house and gardens will enable visitors to step back in time and appreciate the magnificent former home of Robert Holford, a key figure in Cotswolds history.
Tree team demonstrations and propagation tours will demonstrate how the arboretum has grown from one man’s aspirations, to an internationally important tree and shrub collection. Over at Westonbirt House, tours, free access to the gardens and guided walks will show visitors how the different aspects of the estate were designed to work in harmony.
It is anticipated that the public will soon be able to enjoy the whole estate all year round, with the success of a Heritage Lottery Funding application and the planned Westonbirt Project.
Miranda Winram, Westonbirt Project director commented:
“We have ambitious plans to open up the estate to all. Following urgent conservation work on the stonework and gardens, we plan to increase access to the picturesque grounds and wider parkland; connecting the site and preserving it for the future.”
Mary Keen, a Holfords of Westonbirt trustee and noted gardening writer commented on some of the restoration work already underway in the gardens.
“With the help of a generous grant from the Finnis Scott Trust, work has begun to restore the unique Victorian herbaceous borders in the Italian Garden, and by the summer, a new border of exotics will be added next to the glamorous Camellia House.
“We hope visitors to the open days will be intrigued by the history of the estate, and share our excitement about the potential to preserve the legacy for the future.”
During the open days, access to Westonbirt house and gardens will be available via shuttle bus. Parking will be available at the house for disabled access.
Transfers will run at regular times between the two sites from 10.00. The last bus from the Arboretum to Westonbirt House will be at 15.00. The last return bus to the arboretum from the house at 16.30.
Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
NOTES TO EDITOR
1. Image of Holford Ride, a view that incorporates the estate house and the arboretum, to be credited to Westonbirt Arboretum. Further images of the house, arboretum and gardens are available on request.
1. The Holford Heritage Tours are organised by the Forestry Commission, Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt School and the Holfords of Westonbirt Trust. The partnership is working together to conserve and maintain the fantastic heritage created by Robert Stayner Holford and his family at Westonbirt.
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 21,000.
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
MEDIA CONTACT
Katrina Podlewska, Communications Manager, Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, on 01666 881 207 or email: katrina.podlewska@forestry.gsi.gov.uk