Blog - History

Westonbirt Arboretum's enchanting landscape faces a bittersweet change this year as a cherished beech will depart the arboretum this March, but hope blossoms anew.

Are you ready to put your knowledge to the test? Take our member's quiz and see how much you really know about Westonbirt Arboretum.

Earlier this year, the Coppice Regeneration Project saw the completion of a purpose-built shelter for the Coppice compound at Westonbirt Arboretum, thanks to funding from The Friends through the continued support of members and donors. Find out more...

Coppicing is a traditional forestry practice with many benefits for both the environment and human society. Learn more about this sustainable forestry practice and how it is being used to restore derelict coppice at Westonbirt.

Did you know that behind Westonbirt's natural beauty lies a dedicated group of passionate individuals? Through our supporters' unwavering support, we've been able to achieve incredible milestones throughout our 37-year legacy. Find out more...

Sensory experiences of the 'picturesque' at Westonbirt...

As generations visit Westonbirt Arboretum through the years, memories are made. Share your stories of Westonbirt with us...

The second memory we're sharing with you is from Margaret Headen. Read on to find out more about Margaret's memories of events in the Great Oak Hall...

This year you've been sharing your memories with us for the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum's 35th birthday. Read Lisa's heartwarming memory...

As we celebrate 75 years since VE Day, we’ve taken a look back at Westonbirt Arboretum during World War Two… rumour has it the arboretum made the perfect hiding place!...

If you’ve visited Westonbirt over the past month, you’ll have noticed that our usual seasonal trail has taken on a personal twist…...

To celebrate the Forestry Commission’s centenary year, we are planning a very special summer trail celebrating the Arboretum’s human history – but we can’t do it alone, we need your help!...

Today on this gloriously bright sunny Valentine’s Day we’d like to take you back 165 years, to 1854, and share the heartwarming story of Robert Stayner Holford’s wedding to Mary Anne Lindsay.

It’s one of our favourite times of year! When everyone brings trees into their homes and decorates them. So we thought we’d celebrate the Christmas tree with a whistle stop tour through its history!...

The weather at Westonbirt has been formally recorded since 1888 and the fascination with how it affects our trees still endures.