Westonbirt – the National Arboretum, which is managed by the Forestry Commission, has launched 2010 with a packed calendar of spring events.
New for visitors is the International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition. During April and May, an exclusive collection of photography from the trees category of this prestigious international award will be on display on the historic Downs area.
The Easter Challenge, Mothering Sunday ‘Family Trees’ and ‘Awakening Woods’ events will give families the chance to explore the outdoors, as Westonbirt’s flowers and trees awake from the winter.
Visitors will also get a rare and exciting opportunity on April 12-13 to discover the whole historic Westonbirt estate. Guided tours and access to the house, gardens and Arboretum are included in the normal admissions price across these two days.
There’s also guided wildflower walks, photography courses, wood sales and charity events. Throughout April and May, visitors on Wednesdays will receive 50 per cent discount on admissions.
Visit www.igpoty.com for further information about the International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition, or www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt for full details on Westonbirt Arboretum events listings.
DETAILED EVENTS LISITINGS
GENERAL ADMISSION 2 JANUARY – 28 FEBRUARY
Adults £6, Concession, £5 Children £2 (under 5s go free)
FEBRUARY
Sunday 14 February
WOOD SALES
Specialist wood sales held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am to 1pm. All manner of wood and sawn timber is available, produced from the routine pruning and thinning of specimen trees within the arboretum. Proceeds go to the Friends of Westonbirt and so only cash or cheques are acceptable.
Free after admission. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Monday 15 to Friday 19 February
WILDLIFE WEEK – Family Event
In partnership with RSPB discover our native woodland wildlife on a family activity trail and then give them a helping hand. Make feeders and homes for birds or minibeasts and create an animal mask or wildlife badge. 10.30am to 3.00pm.
Free after admission. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 February
DOG DAYS – Family Event
In 2009 over 5,000 people attended this exciting weekend of arena displays. The 2010 Dog Days event will once again see the Kennel Club giving Good Citizen testing, dog displays and Dog Olympic Games from Tail Waggers, plus a display from the Swifts Fly Ball team. Cani-X will be here on the Sunday, so if you are feeling energetic you can go for a 2.5km or a 4km run through Silk Wood with your dog. We also have the Scruffts Crossbreed Dog Show, where you could find yourself at the national final in Earls Court, London. No need to register in advance for Scruffts, just visit the Westonbirt Information stand on the day. We will also have Lynne Davies from the BBC3 Dog Borstal television programme, giving a dog training display and advice on dog behaviour. From 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Admission: Adult £7, Concession £6, Children £3. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
GENERAL ADMISSION 1 MARCH TO 30 SEPTEMBER
Adult £8, Concession £7, Child £3 (under 5 free)
In July and August 2010 – all children go free
MARCH
Sunday 7 March
VSO Charity - Walk
“Walk for Tabitha” - supporting women’s health worldwide is a 5k walk starting at 11am.
No admission charge for those talking part; spectators pay admission. Further details from Jane Quayle on 020 8780 7412. Email jane.quayle@vso.org.uk
Friday 12 March
ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE – Workshop
The advanced workshop is for those photographers who are familiar with a number of settings in their cameras but need to gain a better understanding of the various options available to them, in addition Graham will spend more time on shooting modes (RAW or JPEG), image composition, using the light, depth of field, image management and manipulation and general ways in which we can improve on our images. Based initially in the Great Oak Hall. Numbers are restricted to 6 delegates, so early booking is advised. Course runs from 10.30am through to 3.30pm and tea/coffee is provided throughout the day. Delegates to provide their own lunch or use the facilities on site. Cost £95.00. To book contact Graham directly on 01285 653069 or email consult@abbey-studios.co.uk
See www.abbeyphotoschool for further details and dates.
Sunday 14 March
MOTHERING SUNDAY – Family Event
Throughout the world trees are often used as symbols for mothers, families and love. So why not celebrate Mothering Sunday with us, take part in our family activity trail, then make a natural present to give to someone special. 10.30am to 3.00pm.
Free after admission. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Sunday 14 March
WOOD SALES
Specialist wood sales held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am to 1pm. All manner of wood and sawn timber is available, produced from the routine pruning and thinning of specimen trees within the arboretum. Proceeds go to the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and so only cash or cheques are acceptable.
Free after admission. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
APRIL
WESTONBIRT WEDNESDAYS
Every Wednesday throughout April, half price admission prices apply.
Adults £4, Concs, £3.50 Children £1.50. Telephone: 01666 880220.
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
INTERNATIONAL GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION
The International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition will be displayed on out on the northern most path on the Downs. It will feature, for the first time ever, the collected images from the trees category of this prestigious international award from the last two years. 1 April to 31 May (inclusive).
Free after admission. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt or www.igpoty.com
Monday 5 – Friday 9 April
EASTER CHALLENGE - Family Event
Can you find all the creatures that lay eggs at Westonbirt and solve our Easter riddle for a sweet reward? Then create your own Easter crafts. All participants enter our Easter prize draw. 10.30am to 4.00pm.
Free after admission. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Sunday 11 April
WOOD SALES
Specialist wood sales held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am to 1pm. All manner of wood and sawn timber is available, produced from the routine pruning and thinning of specimen trees within the arboretum. Proceeds go to the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and so only cash or cheques are acceptable.
Free after admission. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Monday 12 – Friday 16 April
AWAKENING WOODS – Family Event
With spring in full swing, why not venture out with us as we spring forth to discover the awakening woodland – from buds bursting and rising sap, to colourful blooms and wildflower carpets – we’ll be exploring the changes that occur amongst the trees at this time. Then create your own spring crafts. 10.30am to 4.00pm.
Free after admission. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Monday 12-Tuesday 13th April
WESTONBIRT ESTATE HERITAGE OPEN DAYS
A rare and exciting opportunity for visitors to discover the whole historic Westonbirt estate with access to house, gardens and arboretum.
Tree team demonstrations, propagation tours and family activities take place at the arboretum, whilst free access to the gardens, tours of Holford House, guided walks and cream teas great you across the road.
Free entry after admission. Access to Westonbirt School and gardens will only be available via shuttle bus.
Transfers will run at regular times between the two sites from 10am on both days. The last bus to Westonbirt School will be at 15.00, last return bus to arboretum from school at 16.30.
Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Wednesday 14 April
MIDWEEK WILDFLOWER WALKS
10.30am
Discover the wealth of wildflowers growing at Westonbirt. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: not suitable for children under 10. Dogs under close control
Free after admissions. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Thursday 15 April
BEGINNERS DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE – Workshop
The beginners’ workshop is aimed at those who have a digital camera but are not familiar with the settings and control and as a consequence shoot everything in Auto mode. Graham will help to take out the mystery of the various settings available, give guidance on image composition, lighting and capture. He will do this by taking delegates around the arboretum following an introductory presentation in the Great Oak Hall. Numbers are restricted to 10 delegates so early booking is essential. The workshop runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm and tea/coffee is provided throughout the day. Delegates to provide their own lunch or use the facilities on site.
Cost of £50.00. To book, contact Graham directly on 01285 653069 or email consult@abbey-studios.co.uk. See www.abbeyphotoschool for further details and dates.
Sunday 25 April
FEED THE CHILDREN – Walk
From 11.30am to 3.30pm.
No admission charge for those talking part; spectators pay admission. Further details from Gill Edwards on 07833 601579. Email gedwards@feedthechildren.org.uk
MAY
WESTONBIRT WEDNESDAYS
Every Wednesday throughout May, half price admission prices apply.
Adults £4, Concession, £3.50 Children £1.50. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
INTERNATIONAL GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION
Tree and woodland photograph exhibition in association with Kew Gardens. On display on Westonbirt’s Downs area throughout May.
Free after admission. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Sunday 2 May
DAWN CHORUS WALK
Join us to discover a symphony of birdsong and who’s in the orchestra. A hot drink will be provided at the end of the walk. Unsuitable for children under 12. Meet at the Great Oak Hall
£5per person, 25 places. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Sunday 9 May
CANINE PARTNERS – Walk
Starting at 11am.
No admission charge for those taking part; spectators pay admission.
Further details from Gillian Webb. Email gillwebb@aol.com
Wednesday 12 May
INTRODUCTION TO T’AI CHI
An introduction to this gentle, relaxing art. In the Great Oak Hall learn a short sequence, or “form”, based around five Chinese elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal. No previous experience required. Maximum 12 places.
Cost £65 per delegate. Call Graham Anstey on 01225 705642 for more details
Wednesday 12 May
MIDWEEK WILDFLOWER WALKS
10.30am
Discover the wealth of wildflowers growing at Westonbirt. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: not suitable for children under 10. Dogs under close control.
Free after admission.
Sunday 16 May
WESTONBIRT WILDFLOWERS WALK (Rosemary Westgate)
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Discover the wealth of wildflowers growing at Westonbirt.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: not suitable for children under 10. Dogs under close control.
Free after admissions. Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Thursday 13 May
BEGINNERS DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE – Workshop
The beginners’ workshop is aimed at those who have a digital camera but are not familiar with the settings and control and as a consequence shoot everything in Auto mode. Graham will help to take out the mystery of the various settings available, give guidance on image composition, lighting and capture. He will do this by taking delegates around the arboretum following an introductory presentation in the Great Oak Hall. Numbers are restricted to 10 delegates so early booking is essential. The workshop runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm and tea/coffee is provided throughout the day. Delegates to provide their own lunch or use the facilities on site.
Cost of £50.00. To book contact Graham directly on 01285 653069 or email consult@abbey-studios.co.uk See www.abbeyphotoschool for further details and dates.
Monday 24 May – Race
THE WESTONBIRT NATIONAL ARBORETUM - 10k Race
Starting at 7.30pm.
No admission charge for those taking part; spectators pay admission. Further details from David Edelsten on 01285 720421
Monday 24 to Saturday 29 May
MAKE A WINDSOR CHAIR – Workshop
Six day chair making course.
More details from Paul Hayden on 01373 836051. Booking essential.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Westonbirt - The National Arboretum is managed by the Forestry Commission and renowned world-wide 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 23,000.
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 350 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.
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