HOT SUMMER PREDICTED TO BRING AMERICAN COLOUR TO WESTONBIRT
 Experts at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, are predicting a spectacular autumn show following one of the hottest summers on record.
Trees that contribute to the famous ‘New England glow’ - scarlet oak, sugar maple, red maple and silver maple – are expected to blaze a trail this year as a result of extreme temperatures and bright sunlight, conditions which the American species experience in their natural habitat in the north east USA.
The long, hot summer will have stored up a spectrum of delight in thousands of deciduous trees at the 600-acre arboretum in Gloucestershire. In recent years the autumn spectacle has attracted in excess of 100,000 visitors to the Forestry Commission site during October and November.
Head of Tree Collections Hugh Angus says the New England glow will add an even greater intensity to the kaleidoscope of colour to add further to the colour of the famous Japanese maple collection.
“The usual aspect of the sugar maple, the tree that yields the maple syrup, is normally less dramatic than the Japanese maples. However, this summer has provided the kind of weather it likes and, if the rain is plentiful over September, there is every chance they will rival the other specimens in the diverse collection,” Hugh added.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the arboretum, visitors are also being given a chance to take home their very own splash of autumn colour in the shape of three outstanding maple cultivars – Acer palmatum ‘Westonbirt Red’, ‘Westonbirt Orange’ and ‘Spreading Star’. These are the first of the new Heritage Plant Collection and are available to buy from the plant centre.
Also not to be missed are the free weekend guided walks led by expert volunteer guides from the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum available until the end of October (normal admission prices apply).
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Notes to Editors
1. 2006 celebrates 50 years of Forestry Commission management at Westonbirt - The National Arboretum. Visitor numbers are just under 350,000 per annum with a membership of over 20,000.
2. Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, is renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. It contains over 17,000 specimens, specialising in trees and shrubs from the temperate zones of the world. It includes more than 130 trees that are designated as the biggest and best in the country, and 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 Listed Landscape.
3. Westonbirt Arboretum was established in 1829 by wealthy landowner Robert Holford, and later developed by his son, Sir George Holford. Much of Westonbirt's renowned autumn colour is often 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 amongst some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in Britain.
4. Westonbirt is home to the National 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 1870. Today we are in the process of creating the world’s best collection of maples.
5. 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.
6. 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
For further information or images please contact Kellie Lovett on 01666 880220.
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