Westonbirt plans to reconnect with its past and safeguard the future

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has today (30 March) given the green light to the Westonbirt Heritage Partnership - Forestry Commission, Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, The Holfords of Westonbirt Trust and Westonbirt School - to work up plans to reconnect the historic Westonbirt estate, conserve its unique heritage and inspire future visitors. Development funding of Ł177,800 was awarded to help progress these plans.

The HLF first-round pass* means that the Westonbirt Heritage Partnership can now progress to the second stage of the HLF application process. It has up to two years to submit more detailed plans and apply for the further Ł2.8million of HLF support that it is seeking for its Ł7.5million project.

At the heart of the estate, Westonbirt – The National Arboretum, is one of the most significant and beautiful collections of trees and shrubs in the world. It was the creation of one man, Victorian landowner and passionate plant collector Robert Holford. Coupled with the important gardens, with magnificent architectural stonework, and parkland of his grand Victorian family house (now Westonbirt School), the estate comprises an outstanding area of natural heritage.

The Forestry Commission and its partners will now be able to work up plans for urgent conservation work. Also central to the plans will be the development of a heritage viewpoint above the trees, opening up of the Holford’s formal gardens to the public, improved visitor and learning facilities, and the aspiration to attract hundreds of new volunteers to help with conservation and education work and guiding.

Commenting on the award, Alison Field, Development Manager, Forestry Commission England, said:

“We are delighted that Heritage Lottery Fund has given its initial support for our project. Westonbirt is a unique and uplifting place, and by working together in this partnership we aim to not only reconnect this Grade 1 listed landscape but also to safeguard its future for all. We want to inspire people about trees and bring home the value of places such as Westonbirt in all our lives.”

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For further information, please contact Gail McKenzie, Communications Officer, Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, on 01666 881 207 or 07919 593131. email: gail.mckenzie@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR

*A first-round pass means the project meets our criteria for funding and we believe it has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The application was in competition with other supportable projects, so a first-round pass is an endorsement of outline proposals. However, a first-round pass does not guarantee the applicant will receive a grant as the second-round application will still be in competition for funding, and no money is set aside at this stage.

Having been awarded a first-round pass, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award. On occasion an applicant with a first-round pass will also be awarded development funding towards the development of their scheme. Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 28,800 projects, allocating over Ł4.3billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk
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
Westonbirt - The National Arboretum is part of the Forestry Commission estate, and renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. It contains 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. Visitor numbers are 350,000 a year, with a membership of 23,000. Westonbirt Arboretum was established in the 1850s by wealthy landowner Robert Holford, and later developed by his son George Holford. 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.
The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum was formed in 1985. The Charity’s Objects are to support the National Arboretum in promoting public understanding of the crucial role of trees to the environment and society. The Charity particularly recognises the importance of the Arboretum’s education in all fields relating to trees, and its role in maintaining and providing public access to this historically important collection. It is funded by membership receipts from 23,000 members, other fundraising, and the use of the Great Oak Hall for events and activities.
The Holfords of Westonbirt Trust was established in 2006 to restore, conserve and promote the Holford heritage. The Trust leases the gardens around the house to restore and open them to the public. The Trust will be funded by entry and events fees and by charitable donations and grants. It has already achieved acclaimed conservation work with the Camellia House and Library.
Westonbirt School was founded in 1928. It is an independent girls’ boarding and day school. The Westonbirt School Foundation raises funds for capital projects for the school. Fee income and commercial activities fund education and maintenance of school buildings.