Blog - Education & Learning

This month we're exploring the Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum). It is one of the first trees you see when arriving at Westonbirt and when in flower with is deep pink flowers you'll not want to miss it.

The Paperbark maple, Acer griseum is very distinctive due to its flaky-like bark and colour.

During the winter months, dogwoods, such as the red barked dogwood brighten the arboretum.

We're heading to Chile for the tree of the month blog to learn more about the Chilean lantern tree.

An expedition around the world with Sir Francis Drake brought Winter's bark into the limelight.

Along with the maples, there are a wealth of other plants that hold their own at the autumn colour party here at Westonbirt.

Roger Gorst, a long-standing friend of Westonbirt Arboretum, has kindly sent us this fascinating insight into the many uses of the products extracted from trees.

Westonbirt has been actively participating in wild seed collecting expeditions since 2005. Staff members representing the arboretum have travelled to parts of Asia, Europe, North and South America on the quest for tree seed.

Today, many of the world’s trees are in danger of disappearing altogether! Here at Westonbirt, we work hard to ensure that trees are protected and preserved for future generations.

‘How to Hygge a Tree’ is a new resource about mindfulness in the forest.

Winter has its own magical feel. It can be invigorating and windy or still and a little eerie. The deciduous trees have dropped their foliage, leaving evergreens to enjoy centre stage.

Visit the arboretum this autumn to surround yourself with a spectrum of marmalade, amber and crimson hues. October is the prime month to see the very best of Autumn, but interesting colours will start to emerge as early as August.

In early April 2017, Westonbirt’s Dendrologist, Dan Crowley, will be setting out on an exciting documenting expedition to Vietnam, thanks to funding from the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum.

Westonbirt Arboretum’s Director, Simon Toomer, and Superintendent, Mark Ballard, are currently in Japan for two weeks to collect seed from the wild.

Westonbirt Arboretum’s Director, Simon Toomer, and Superintendent, Mark Ballard, are currently in Japan for two weeks to collect seed from the wild.