WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM'S NEW MAPLE GLADE TAKES ITS WORLD FAMOUS AUTUMN COLOUR TO ANOTHER LEVEL
Westonbirt – the National Arboretum, is already world famous for its spectacular autumn colour and this year will be better than ever thanks to the launch of the spectacular new ‘Rotary Glade’.
The trees within the Rotary Glade, which will form part of the National Japanese Maple Collection at Westonbirt, have been carefully sourced from around the world, with the help of world Maple expert Peter Gregory. This recent expansion will help Westonbirt to create the best collection of Maples in the world.
John Weir, Director of the Arboretum says “The autumn colour in the Old Arboretum has become so popular that we have now spread the collection throughout the arboretum. Silk Wood now houses the Rotary Glade and this will allow visitors to experience our famous autumn colour in a more relaxing environment.”
The ‘Rotary Glade’ follows a meandering route between Oak Avenue and Broad Drive, creating a stunning swathe of foliage, which changes colour dramatically as the seasons change, climaxing in a crescendo of hot fuchsias, oranges, yellows and reds in October and November.
Simon Toomer, Curator at Westonbirt Arboretum, said: “The new glade is internationally significant as the first step towards creating the world’s best collection of maples. Over the next decade we will continue with our expansion program working with partners and gardens internationally to reach our goal.”
The creation of the new collection is the result of a joint initiative between Westonbirt Arboretum and The Rotary Club of South Cotswolds, whose territory includes Westonbirt. A large proportion of the new collection; 100 trees, were donated by Rotary Clubs throughout Great Britain and Ireland to mark the centenary of the Rotary movement in 2005, intended as a lasting and colourful celebration of the first 100 years of Rotary.
Peter Gregory, world maple expert and former superintendent at Westonbirt Arboretum, selected trees from around the world that were needed to complete the existing collection. Says Peter: “We chose cultivars that weren’t already part of Westonbirt’s collection in order to form what is intended by the Forestry Commission to become the foremost collection of maples in the world.”
The intensity and duration of autumn colour is dependent upon weather. A dry summer, as we have experienced this year, followed by early autumn rain has historically given us the most vibrant colours. This was last seen in 2003 and the early indications for 2005, will be a repeat of that fantastic year.
For further information on Westonbirt Arboretum, or for a brief history of the maple collection please contact Charlotte Hazelby at CSPR: 0870 442 0600 or email charlotte@cspr.uk.com
Westonbirt Arboretum possesses one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the country. First planted in the mid-nineteenth century by wealthy aristocrat Robert Staynor Holford, it was further developed and cared for by his son Sir George Holford until his death in 1926. Both men combined their love of plants with an eye for design and it was their skill in planting that resulted in the superb landscapes that visitors enjoy today. Of particular renown are the Japanese maples that provide the backbone to one of the finest displays of autumn colour to be seen.
Holford selected Japanese Maples purely on autumn colour when he first planted them and did so repeatedly by collecting seeds from the most striking specimens and then planting out the best ones in the arboretum. The plants in the Maple Glade have been grown from seeds collected in the Old Arboretum, again selected for their autumn colour.
Since 1956 the arboretum has been owned and managed by The Forestry Commission, giving public access to the grounds for the first time as well as providing the benefits of education, recreation and conservation. The year 2006 is a double celebration for Westonbirt Arboretum – marking both 50 years of Forestry Commission management and the 21st anniversary of The Friends – the registered charity established to support the Forestry Commission in the upkeep and development of the Arboretum.
Over 350,000 visitors now visit the arboretum annually, many taking part in the range of events and courses that are organised throughout the year. As well a well-stocked plant centre and shop, ‘Maples’ restaurant provides a range of good food with indoor and terrace dining areas.
The Forestry Commission is supported in its management of the arboretum by the charity, The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum. Their headquarters in The Great Oak Hall provides wedding and conference facilities as well as an information point for visitors. Membership of ‘The Friends’ is open to everyone and includes free entry to the arboretum as well as a range of other benefits.
Rotary, founded in 1905, is a worldwide organisation of business and professional people who are pledged to serve the community, locally, nationally and globally, promoting high ethical standards in all areas of working life, and working for peace and goodwill worldwide. The Rotary Club of the South Cotswolds, chartered in 1967, is one of 1800 Rotary Clubs in Great Britain & Ireland, and draws its 30 members from the Tetbury and Malmesbury areas.'
e-mail: charlotte@cspr.uk.com |