Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Blog

Community Shelter update - Jan 2022

The build phase has started and we're thrilled to share some of the details with you...

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Winter highlight: Scots pine

The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was voted the national tree of Scotland in 2014 and is a member of the Pinaceae family, a conifer native to northern Europe.

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A fond farewell

During my time at Westonbirt, I could not have foreseen the challenges that were to face the Arboretum. However, I am proud to have seen the resilience of the staff on site and you our members and shareholders in the face of significant adversity.

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Winter highlight: Incense cedar

Our December tree of the month is the Incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), one of the most fire and drought-tolerant plants from California.

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Autumn highlight: Hollyberry cotoneaster

This month’s tree of the month is the Hollyberry cotoneaster, a species of shrub in the genus Cotoneaster within the rose family.

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Never a dull day at the 'birt'

It is always wonderful to hear compliments about the arboretum from visitors and industry peers. As Collection Manager, it makes me proud to have a degree of influence in how it all comes together to form the jewel in Forestry England’s crown.

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Zero waste by 2030

Posted in: Blog

Digging deep into Westonbirt's waste and a greener future. As part of Westonbirt's plan to get to net-zero by 2030 we've been working with an environmental consultancy, Avieco, to help develop a strategy for our waste and energy.

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Autumn highlight: Japanese maple ‘Vitifolium’

This maple cultivar comes into its own in the autumn, when the large, vine-like leaves, turn a rich variety of reds. Find out more about this showstopper...

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What does Westonbirt mean to you?

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

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Mowing season

Mowing is one of those tasks, you either love it or hate it. From manicured lawns to wild jungle-like gardens, they all take time to manage. Read on to find out more about how the Tree Team manages Westonbirt's grass...

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Autumn highlight: Katsura

A treat for the senses in autumn, the Katsura is a favourite species of many visitors. Read our tree of the month blog to find out more about this species...

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Summer highlight: Pheasant berry

The attractive Pheasant berry shrub is our tree of the month - much loved by game birds such as pheasants for its fruit!...

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Things to do at Westonbirt this summer

This summer, we want Westonbirt Arboretum to be a place you can visit with the family to boost everyone’s wellbeing. Discover this summer's highlights...

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Summer highlight: Flowering dogwood

This month we’re featuring the flowering dogwood, a tree with origins in North America that is worth seeking out throughout the year whether it’s in flower or not.

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The Grimm Sisters

Posted in: Blog Events

Would you like to hear a remarkable story? We promise it will only be a little bit gory...

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