It’s doggie heaven at Westonbirt Arboretum on 21 and 22 February. Bring along your pampered pooch or muddy mutt for a ‘Dog Days’ weekend of fun and frolics. There are plenty of opportunities for you and your dog to shine, including prizes for ‘Child’s Best Friend’ and ‘Golden Oldie’ in the regional heat of the grand Scruffts cross-breed dog show.
Across the weekend, dog owners and dog lovers alike can enjoy everything from dog agility to Kennel Club ‘Good Citizen Dog Scheme’ testing. On Saturday, there’s also the Friends of Westonbirt Dog Show, including ‘Dog most like its owner’ and on the Sunday, as well as Scruffts, there are working dog and ferret racing. Take in the arena displays and have-a-go sessions then mooch around stalls selling a vast array of goodies tailor-made for man’s best friend.
Simon Hough, Events Manager at Westonbirt Arboretum, says: “Every dog and everyone will have their day at Westonbirt’s very own Dog Days. Whether you have your own four-legged friend or are simply a big fan this promises to be a wild and wacky weekend.”
Scruffts is run in support of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, and dogs are judged on good character, health and temperament. It’s a competition for cross-breed dogs – no pedigree dogs are eligible. Dogs must be older that 6 months and younger than 12 years to enter – entry is £1, and all money raised goes to the Charitable Trust. There’s no need to register in advance, just turn up on the day. Scruffts’ 1st place winners in each class go on to the national final at Earls Court later in the year. For further information about Scruffts, go to www.thekennelclub.org.uk
Throughout the year, dogs and their owners can enjoy walking through the arboretum’s extensive Silk Wood. Westonbirt Arboretum is managed by the Forestry Commission. It 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.
Dog Days at Westonbirt Arboretum: 10am – 4pm. Adult £7, Conc £6, Child £3.
For further information, tel: 01666 880220. Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
ENDS
For further information, please contact Gail McKenzie, Communications Officer, Westonbirt -The National Arboretum, on 01666 881 207
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Image of Westonbirt Arboretum’s Dog Days 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 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. Ref: 12101
Gail McKenzie
Communications Officer
Westonbirt - The National Arboretum
Tetbury
Gloucestershire
GL8 8QS