Westonbirt - The National Arboretum is the first outdoor attraction in Gloucestershire to be awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge in recognition of the high quality of its learning programmes.
This Government initiative aims to encourage teachers to take pupils on inspiring and valuable days out, and the badge assures teachers that Westonbirt provides a high quality, safe learning experience.
Ben Oliver, Education Manager, said:
"At Westonbirt we're passionate about trees. We hope to instill in students that same sense of wonder, and give them a deeper understanding of the importance of trees on both a local and global level. Within this wonderful outdoor classroom we can develop fun, hands-on and really memorable learning experiences."
Across its 600 acres, Westonbirt has a unique and historic collection of trees from around the world. Its dedicated Education Team offers led, independent and outreach activities to communicate the significance of trees and the roles they play in the environment and society, particularly against the impact of climate change.
Every year, Westonbirt has over 12,000 students on some 270 visits - ranging from preschool groups to degree students. It offers free pre-visit meetings to help teachers prepare for their visit and to discuss any special requirements.
This October, Westonbirt is also launching the Westonbirt Project, a multi-million pound development plan to not only conserve its heritage and unrivalled tree collection but also to connect people with trees and build a lasting educational and scientific resource.
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 info visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Ends
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 from Westonbirt Arboretum attached - credit Forestry Commission
* The Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge provides for the first time a national accreditation combining the essential elements of provision - learning and safety - into one easily recognisable and trusted Quality Badge for all types of Learning Outside the Classroom provider organisations. The Department for Children, Schools and Families has worked in partnership with the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom to develop the LOtC Quality Badge. www.lotc.org.uk
* 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