One of the finest autumn spectacles in the world is right here in the UK, at Westonbirt The National Arboretum in the Cotswolds. From around mid-October into November, Westonbirt’s Japanese maples - Britain’s largest collection - are a riot of colour.
Within this historic Forestry Commission tree garden, Acer Glade is the traditional autumn ‘Mecca’, but now annual ‘leaf-peepers’ are increasingly heading for the National Collection of Japanese maples in Silk Wood. In all, about 350 cultivated varieties create a dazzling display.
Catch the highlights of this glorious season on the Westonbirt autumn trail.
Simply pick up a trail leaflet at the Great Oak Hall on arrival. Even take a little bit of Westonbirt home with you: the specialist Plant Centre has a wide range of acers for sale, including the arboretum’s own ‘Westonbirt Red’ and ‘Westonbirt Orange’, both renowned for their autumn colour.
Plant your own tree seed, go on a fungal foray or take in Sarah Howard’s stunning photographic exhibition, capturing the ever-changing seasons at Westonbirt. There’s something for everyone at Westonbirt this autumn…
Monday 26 – Thursday 29 October
NATURAL AUTUMN COLOUR – Family Event
Find out why trees change colour and witness the spectacular Westonbirt autumn first-hand. Have a go at some tree-inspired art. There’s a different art activity each day. Free after admission.
Friday 30 October – Sunday 8 November (not including 2 November)
A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF WESTONBIRT - Exhibition in the Great Oak Hall by photographer Sarah Howard featuring images from her new book ‘A Year in the Life of Westonbirt’. Prints and book in Westonbirt’s Forest Shop. Free on admission.
Saturday 31 October
FUNGAL FORAY
Join Dave Shorten from the Cotswold Fungus Group on a fungal foray.
Walks c10.30am–12.30 and 2–4pm. Booking essential. £5 per head plus admission. Tel: 01666 880220.
Westonbirt is open all year round. Over the autumn season, admission to the whole arboretum is £8 for adults, £7 concessions, £3 for children (18yrs and under). For further information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Westonbirt Arboretum 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.
For further information, please contact Gail McKenzie, Communications Officer, Westonbirt The National Arboretum, on 01666 881 207
email: gail.mckenzie@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Image of autumn maples at Westonbirt Arboretum attached – credit Sarah Howard.
- The book ‘A Year in the Life of Westonbirt’ by photographer Sarah Howard is published by Frances Lincoln on 10 September 2009. The book will be on sale in the Westonbirt shop and other outlets.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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