http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/Friends of Westonbirt Latest NewsTue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100en The vacancy for a Wedding & Event Host offers the opportunity to work at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, managing the delivery of ceremonies, weddings, private and corporate events. You can find full details on the Work With Us page. Closing date for applications is Friday 8 June 2012.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/wedding_and_event_host_vacancy To complete an online version, please click here.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/friends_survey_2012]]> Taking place this June and July, the tailor-made events will give Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members the opportunity to see the Westonbirt Project site, accompanied by the project team and Arboretum Director, Simon Toomer. A themed tour, question and answer session and drinks reception will complete the events. Louise Bird, Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum Head of Fundraising commented: “The Westonbirt Project will make a big difference to everybody who comes to the arboretum, and we really hope that our Friends and most regular visitors will recognise the benefits. “We want to be able to help you arrive more easily, enjoy more of the arboretum and get more from it on your visit.” To find an event that suits you and to and book your place, visit the Westonbirt Project pages. You can find out more about the Westonbirt Project, work underway so far and funding for the project on the www.westonbirtproject.co.uk website.  http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/westonbirt_project_friends_only_events]]> Every year, arboretum maintenance produces hundreds of tonnes of woody material that is chipped and used for mulching and path surfacing. The new facility pasteurises this material to kill plant pests and diseases that might be present. The facility is the first of its kind in the UK to pasteurise woodchip without adding green matter. Adding green matter would cause the woodchip to become compost. The process relies heavily on nature. Assorted freshly chipped plant material is deposited into one of seven bays and covered. Each bay measures 4.5m wide by 5.6m long and is filled to a depth of 1.5m. To achieve pasteurisation, each pile of woodchip needs to reach a minimum of 45°C for five consecutive days or 60°C for three days. Each pile is then turned and the process is repeated for a second and third time to ensure every piece of material is treated. Woodchip which is green at the start should turn to brown by the end of the process. The process means The National Arboretum can use woodchip produced onsite for laying paths, or as mulch around new trees and mature specimens without the threat of spreading plant pests and diseases. Following the discovery of Phytophthora ramorum in a specimen rhododendron in 2009, Defra served a plant health notice on Westonbirt Arboretum. The notice meant the use of woodchip produced from trees felled or maintained as part of routine management of the collection had to cease. Mark Ballard, the Forestry Commission’s Curator at Westonbirt Arboretum, commented: “Trees and plants face an increasing threat from new pests and diseases. One of the ways this threat can spread is through the use of untreated woodchip. “The decision was made to build this facility to reduce the risk of infection in Westonbirt’s tree collection and to save the extra costs of importing sterile woodchip.” The new woodchip facility is located on Waste Drive in Silk Wood. The project received support from the Forestry Commission’s Forest Research team and has been generously funded by the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum; the charity which supports the Forestry Commission in a formal management partnership at the arboretum.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/new_facility_pasteurises_woodchip_to_halt_spread_of_tree_pests_and_disease]]> The Duchess met with the Forestry Commission’s Arboretum Director, Simon Toomer, and the Chair of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, Stephen Segar. The Duchess is Patron of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, the charity which has supported the Forestry Commission in the running of Westonbirt Arboretum for over 26 years. The Duchess spent the visit talking to members of staff and guests at an event hosted by the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum in the Great Oak Hall. The hall is home to the charity and was opened 12 years ago by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. In thanking The Duchess for her continued patronage of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, Stephen Segar commented: “We are delighted that The Duchess was able to visit the arboretum today.  “Her Royal Highness’s support of our charity, which aims to help people understand the importance of Westonbirt’s trees, is greatly appreciated. We hope she and our other guests enjoyed getting to know more about our tree collection and heritage landscape.” Guests at the event had earlier been introduced to the international significance of Westonbirt Arboretum through a private tour titled ‘Around the World in 80 Trees’. The charity is leading the arboretum in a new development plan titled the Westonbirt Project. Over the next five years, the project will develop a new Welcome Building and restore significant areas of the Grade I Registered Park and Garden landscape. More information can be found at www.westonbirtproject.co.uk. Image: HRH The Duchess of Cornwall meets Stephen Segar, Chair of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and Brian Mahony, Director of Forest Enterprise England. Credit Paul Groom. http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/the_duchess_of_cornwall_visits_westonbirt_the_national_arboretum]]> Tranquility Timber Products Ltd and Tranquility Timber Home Products Ltd. will donate 5% of the retail price of every timber product made from wood sourced from Westonbirt Arboretum. The company will also donate 2% of the retail price of every timber product sold made from wood not sourced from Westonbirt Arboretum. Tranquility works closely with the Tree Team at Westonbirt to give trees removed from the collection a second life as timber products like flooring, tables and worktops. No tree is removed from Westonbirt Arboretum lightly, but each year several are removed and replanted as part of the ongoing management of the tree collection. A special project that Tranquility have worked on with Westonbirt's Tree Team is the felling of a 161 year old Monterey pine; a specimen which needed to be removed from the tree collection because of decay. A special opportunity for Friends Tranquility will now produce around 60 limited edition tables from the timber and 5% of each of the retail price of these tables will be donated back to the arboretum through the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum. You can find out more about the limited edition tables by visiting the Tranquility website or emailing westonbirt@tranquilityhouses.com. A special blog titled the story of a tree, is also available on the Tranquility website to chart the process from start to finish of felling the Monteray pine and producing the tables.  http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/local_timber_products_company_to_support_the_friends]]> Just 18 months since their huge Number One debut single ‘All Time Low’, The Wanted has already become one of Britain’s biggest, most brilliant pop bands, living a dream that has far surpassed even their most optimistic expectations. Hard working and quite plainly loving every single second, the band have already notched up a succession of hits, been viewed a staggering 30 million times on YouTube and sold 400,000 copies of their eponymous debut album. ‘Battleground’ their second album is keeping a pace having already generated the hits ‘Lightning’, ‘Gold Forever’, ‘Warzone’ and the Number One Summer dance smash ‘Glad You Came’. The Wanted plus guests will be appearing at Westonbirt Arboretum on Friday 20 July. Tickets £27.50 (subject to booking fee) go on sale at 9.00am Friday 10 February from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music You can also buy tickets from Westonbirt's Forest Shop from 10am on Friday 10 February. Info:   www.thewantedmusic.com www.forestry.gov.uk/music  http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/the_wanted_for_westonbirt]]> Steps dominated the charts over a 5-year period including an impressive run of 14 consecutive top 5 singles that got the nation dancing like: ‘One For Sorrow’, ‘Heartbeat/Tragedy’, ‘Love’s Got A Hold Of My Heart’, ‘Deeper Shade Of Blue’, ‘After The Love Has Gone’, ‘When I Said Goodbye/Summer Of Love’ and ‘Stomp’. Their live shows captured the hearts of fans, selling out multiple dates at venues nationwide, making them one of the most successful acts on tour. Steps plus guests will be appearing: Sunday 22nd July        Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Glos Ticket information Tickets £36 (subject to booking fee) go on sale at 9.00am Friday 27 January from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online. You can also buy at Westonbirt's Forest Shop from 10.00am on Friday 27 January.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/steps_will_play_westonbirt_for_reunion]]> The classically trained tenor has become well established as one of the country’s most popular artists with acclaimed, sell-out, live concerts and 2 Top Ten, ‘platinum’ selling albums in the last twelve months.   Alfie Boe plus Orchestra and 'special guest support' will be performing: Saturday 21st July, Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Tickets £35.50 (subject to booking fee) go on sale at 9.00am Friday 20th January from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music Info: www.alfie-boe.com www.forestry.gov.uk/musichttp://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/alfie_boe_announces_concert_at_westonbirt_arboretum]]> On Sunday 4 March 2012 between 11am to 4pm at the Great Oak Hall, you can meet our Venue Coordinator and Wedding Hosts to find out more about holding your civil wedding or civil partnership ceremony and reception in the unique surroundings of Westonbirt, The National Arboretum. Enjoy delicious tastings with the Great Oak Hall’s caterers ‘Relish’ and take advantage of promotions on the day for selected 2012 dates! Free admission by prior appointment – contact the venue coordinator by telephone 01666 881215 or email ceremonies@fowa.org.uk  http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/plan_your_big_day_at_westonbirt_arboretum]]> Recognised as one of the leading bands of the ska-rooted revival, Madness experienced a huge haul of hits in the 80s going on to spend more weeks on the charts in that decade than any other group. They are renowned for their storming outdoor live and festival shows and year after year generation after generation have grown to love hits like ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘Our House’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Embarrassment’, ‘Wings Of A Dove’, ’House Of Fun’, ‘My Girl’ and ‘Driving In My Car’. After 30 years Madness remain a British pop institution. Commenting on the show Madness front man Suggs said "Since we played last in Westonbirt something strange has been happening down in the west country...the crowds have been going crazy, we can't wait to get back there for even more nutty times." Madness plus guests will be performing at Westonbirt Arboretum on Sunday 24 June 2012. Tickets £36.50 (subject to booking fee) go on sale at 9.00am Friday 13 January from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/musichttp://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/madness_announce_westonbirt_concert_date_for_2012]]> The historic ha-ha boundaries and railings of Westonbirt Arboretum will be brought back to life thanks to a Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) grant from Natural England. Whilst Westonbirt is known world-wide for its national collections and autumn colour, much less is known about the important role these boundaries play in the Victorian picturesque design of the landscape. Thousands of metres of walls and railings sit discreetly across the Grade I registered Downs and border the tree collections. The railings, distinctive to Westonbirt in design, together with the Cotswold stone ha-ha walls are now almost unrecognisable in some areas. Over the years, many of these boundaries have disappeared altogether or have been replaced with modern fencing. Their original use was to keep livestock out of the native and exotic tree collections, but they now also act as vehicle boundaries and help to guide visitors around the arboretum. The Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement, in partnership with the arboretum’s farming tenants, will improve the environmental benefits of the estate. The restored boundaries will allow cattle to graze on some areas, whilst keeping them out of other locations so species including some of the unusual and rare wildflowers can flourish. Sophie Nash, Westonbirt Project Support Officer, commented: “Westonbirt’s railings are an example of great craftsmanship and engineering and reflect the arboretum’s Victorian creator Robert Holford’s love for landscape design and innovation. “Some of our railings are so distinctive in design and construction that they have baffled many craftsmen I’ve approached during the planning for this project.” The work is part of the Westonbirt Project, led by the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum. The project is a long-term plan to restore and reinstate elements of the important landscape and develop Westonbirt for the future. As part of the plans, a new car park will be built to remove cars from Grade I registered Downs landscape. The HLS grant will enable Westonbirt to start work on 700 metres of railings, encompassing five different styles of design. The work will be completed over the next few years. Find out more about the Westonbirt Project.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/funding_to_restore_historic_boundaries]]> In the ten years since winning Pop Idol, Will Young has sold over 9 million records and crafted some of the deftest British music of his era. A succession of hits including ‘Jealousy’, ‘Leave Right Now’, ‘Don’t Let Me Down / You and I’, ‘Light My Fire’, ‘All Time Love’, ‘Who Am I’ and ‘Changes’ from multi-platinum albums like ‘From Now On’, ‘Friday’s Child’ and ‘Keep On’ has ensured a chart presence across the whole decade. Will Young plays Westonbirt on Friday 22 June 2012. For more information please visit the Forestry Commission's Live Music website.   http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/will_young_to_play_westonbirt_live_music_concert_in_2012]]> The open morning will be a drop-in session from 10.00am - 1.00pm. Staff and experienced volunteers will be on hand to chat to people who are interested in the two roles we are currently offering, Guides and Information volunteers - a great opportunity to find out more about what's involved and to ask any questions. To find out more about the roles in advance of the open day, please visit the Volunteer Vacancies page. Open morning: Wednesday 22 February 2012, 10am -1pm, at the Great Oak Hall Closing date for applications: Monday 5 March 2012 http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/volunteer_open_morning]]> Plan B (Ben Drew) singer-songwriter, rapper, actor and film director came to prominence with the 2006 release of the critically acclaimed hip hop album ‘Who Needs Actions When You Got Words’. His next project, the soul-influenced ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’, takes the listener on a journey of a man who finds success hard to handle and then hits rock bottom. Released in 2010, the album went on to become the fifth biggest seller of the year and continued a chart presence through 2011. Featuring crafted hit singles like ‘Stay Too Long’, ‘Prayin’’ and ‘The Recluse’, awards have abounded for artist and album alike including Brit Award for Best British Male and a trio of Ivor Novellos: Ben Drew – Songwriter of the Year; The Defamation Of Strickland Banks – Album of The Year and ‘She Said’ - Most Performed Work. Plan B will play Westonbirt on Saturday 23 June. For more information please visit the Forestry Commission's Live Music website. http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/plan_b_to_play_westonbirt_live_music_concert_in_2012]]> Westonbirt’s visitors will be able to text gifts of up to £10 by sending the Just Text Giving Code TREE33 followed by the amount they want to donate to 70070. The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum works alongside the Forestry Commission in the management of The National Arboretum. The Friends charity provides support to protect the tree collection, enhance the arboretum’s educational activities and improve visitor facilities. Funds raised through membership and donations are used to purchase equipment for the tree team, enable innovative and new propagation techniques, pay for learning materials and buy mobility scooters which visitors are able to borrow free of charge. Over 220 volunteers who assist many other areas of Westonbirt Arboretum are also supported by the charity. Louise Bird, Head of Fundraising for the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum said: “Giving through text messages is such an easy way for people to support Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.  All of the funds raised will help us to care for this beautiful arboretum and protect it for the future.”  http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/text_a_gift_to_westonbirts_trees]]> In return for a suggested donation of just £1 to the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum charity, visitors of all ages can add their dream to a special tree, by writing their wish on a tag which will then be attached to a branch of the tree, situated close to the Great Oak Hall. The Tree of Dreams is the brainchild of Louise Bird, Head of Fundraising, who hopes to raise awareness of the work of the Friends throughout the four day festival. She said "The Friends have some great aspirations for supporting the future of Westonbirt Arboretum. This is a great opportunity for us to convey those aspirations and give our visitors a chance to share their own dreams." The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum charity was formed in 1985 and since then has raised £2.5 million through membership, legacies and gifts to the charity, all of which has been used to maintain and develop Westonbirt Arboretum. The Tree of Dreams is dedicated to John Workman, one of the founders of the Friends. For more information on supporting the Friends through gifts, membership and volunteering, see our Support Us section.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/share_your_dreams_and_help_us_fulfil_ours]]> Westonbirt’s workshop and wood sales team is celebrating a busy 2011 with a call to recruit more volunteers. New projects and extra wood sales days mean the group can expand its benefits to volunteers, visitors and outside businesses. This year the team will be creating replacement picnic tables for the learning centre, building a brand new shelter for watching birds in the Old Arboretum (in the shelter belt close to Holly Bush Gate) and expanding play opportunities into Silk Wood. The team was initially created in 2006 to sell Westonbirt timber. The aim was to support the ongoing management of Westonbirt’s tree collection and highlight Westonbirt’s sustainable woodland management practices to visitors. Thanks to the support of the volunteers, the second Sunday wood sales generated almost £8,000 for the arboretum in 2010. For 2011, the sales have been extended to include the second Saturday of every month. At Westonbirt, all trees eventually reach an end, whether naturally succumbing to old age or by outgrowing their usefulness, it’s just the nature of a dynamic living collection. In most cases, a tree’s removal from the collection is also a beginning of the 500 tonnes of ‘waste’ wood Westonbirt produces annually. With the help of activities such as wood sales, about 90% is converted into something useful: such as timber for construction, woodchip for paths, bean-sticks for the garden, charcoal for the barbeque – even monkey climbing frames at Bristol Zoo. Find out about wide range of roles that volunteers fulfill at Westonbirt and current volunteering opportunities here.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/volunteer_workshop_and_wood_sales_team_grows]]> A total of 249 groups visited over the seven week period in October and November, achieving a 20 per cent increase against the 207 group visits this time last year. 33 of these groups came in cars, but a staggering 97 coaches were met by Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum volunteer coach hosts. Volunteers were joined by members of staff, from departments ranging from marketing to education, to make up the 51 guides who led guided walks around Westonbirt in all its autumn glory. Several group leaders took the trouble to write in to thank all involved. They gave special praise for the assistance they received on arrival and the volunteer guides' enthusiasm and knowledge. To find out more about group bookings, email Helen.daniels@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-groups .  http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/autumn_group_bookings_beat_records]]> On Friday 26 November, from 4.45pm, Father Christmas will launch the event dressed in his traditional green costume to celebrate Westonbirt’s trees. He will be accompanied by real reindeer and two elves - the lucky winners of a poster competition run by the Westonbirt Magazine. Westonbirt, will become a wonderland of festive lights during the Enchanted Christmas. The event takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 26 November to 19 December. Alongside carols and festive treats of mulled wine and roast chestnuts, visitors will be able to take the illuminated trail around the Old Arboretum. The trail takes in some of the gems of Westonbirt’s collection, spectacularly highlighting the beauty and shape of the trees. After the big switch-on, Father Christmas will meet and greet youngsters. He’ll also be at every other evening throughout the four week event. Julie McKellar, events coordinator, commented: “Westonbirt is world renowned for its fantastic tree collection. This year Father Christmas will wear his original green colour to celebrate the abundance of trees and nature found at our National Arboretum.” Westonbirt’s Enchanted Christmas takes place from 5 to 8.30pm, with the last entry at 7.15pm. The illuminated trail is accessible for wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs or mobility scooters can be booked in advance by calling 01666 881218. Admission is £8 for adults, £7 for concessions and children are £4. Discounted entry is available for pre-booked groups over 10 people and Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members receive half price entry on Fridays. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-events-news . Other Westonbirt treats to get you in the festive spirit... • Visit the Westonbirt Plant Centre to buy a sustainably sourced real Christmas tree, on sale from 26 November between 10am and 5pm. • There will be Christmas market stalls on site, or pop into the Forest Shop, which will open until 8.30pm during the event with a host of great Christmas gift ideas. • Make it an extra special evening with a Christmas carvery at Westonbirt's Maples restaurant. Open from 5.30 to 7.30pm during the Enchanted Christmas and serves a two-course traditional dinner. The cost is £15.95 for adults or £8.95 for children (vegetarian option available). Booking is essential, so call 01666 880558 or email maplesrestaurant@btconnect.com • Children’s Reindeer Trail: Discover the reasons behind many of our winter traditions and help Father Christmas find his missing reindeer.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/green_father_christmas_launches_westonbirts_fun]]> The new cycle is part of a long term coppice restoration and management plan for Silk Wood; the 147 hectare (363 acres) ancient woodland in the Forestry Commission managed arboretum in Gloucestershire. The seven year cycle of work will use a traditional woodland management technique, known as coppicing, to restore dark, unmanaged areas in Silk Wood. The work will improve the habitat for wildlife and provide quality materials to support local and traditional woodland trades. Led by locally based professional coppice workers, Brian Williamson and Ruth Goodfellow, the project will use traditional coppicing skills; the methods of which have remained largely unchanged over several centuries.  Records show the use of coppicing to manage the trees and shrubs of Silk Wood dates back to 1292. The team will open up 24 hectares (60 acres) of predominantly hazel and oak trees. Visitors to the arboretum will be able to watch the work take place from the popular Native Tree Trail. Simon Toomer, Arboretum Director, commented: “The use of traditional methods to manage a large area of woodland visited by so many people makes this a nationally significant and unusual project.  It supports the return to popularity of using sustainable, traditional skills in forestry. The felled material is reused in local trade and the management provides habitats in which wildlife, such as the rare male Bechstein’s bat recently found at Westonbirt, can thrive.” The coppicing will involve cutting the understory of hazel and then thinning the oaks in the canopy layer to let more light down to ground level. The amount of hazel will be increased by planting or layering where necessary. Following the initial work, the coppiced area of Silk Wood will become regularly managed to produce materials for making traditional craft products, fences and garden accessories. The oak will be used for sawn timber, fire wood, or to make roof shingles and charcoal. Traditionally, Silk Wood was coppiced to produce wood fuel and oak bark for leather tanneries. More recently, in the early 1900s, the hazel in Silk Wood was cut for thatching spars and for hurdles for farming. Products produced by the coppice management are sold in the Westonbirt Plant Centre, or are available through www.westcountrycoppice.co.uk.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/traditional_skills_revival_in_westonbirts_woodlands]]>   Friends are being offered the ten per cent discount for one day on all items, including new Christmas gifts just in stock. Amongst the goodies in the Forest Shop this year are beautiful wooden Christmas decorations, new Westonbirt branded outdoor clothing and a new cosy range of British made blankets and throws. For the young green-fingered members of your family, the Plant Centre has fantastic stocking filler ideas, including bright and colourful seed packets to encourage children to get excited about gardening. For the grown-up gardener, gift ideas include inspiring books, wildlife feeders and spring bulbs. And don’t forget the 2011 Westonbirt calendar – a popular perennial for all visitors! The Westonbirt Plant Centre and Forest Shop will be open from 10am-5pm. Please show your membership card when making your purchase to gain your discount.   http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/friends_christmas_gifts_preview]]> New 10-Year Membership to Westonbirt The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum have launched a new category of membership to celebrate 25 YEARS of their partnership with The National Arboretum. This scheme will provide ten years of free access to Westonbirt Arboretum, membership benefits, events and access to 13 reciprocal gardens and heritage sites. The 10-Year Friend scheme will save you over 20% on the annual cost of membership. Available from 1 June, those who choose to purchase the 10-Year Friend membership will only need to pay once and will receive new cards automatically every year.  The 10-Year Friend will replace the life membership scheme. The 1 June also sees a change to annual membership which will run on a rolling year basis.  Visitors signing up to become a Friend of Westonbirt Arboretum will receive a full 12 months free access and benefits from the date they join.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/new_rolling_year_membership_available_now]]> Four days of workshops will run as part of the Sakura art exhibition taking place in the Great Oak Hall at Westonbirt Arboretum from 1 to 7 April. The Sakura exhibition (cherry blossom in Japanese) celebrates the onset of spring. 3,000 paper flowers will be made by volunteers and during workshops to help create the Hana Mikoshi (portable shrine), used traditionally in Mino, the historic centre for traditional papermaking in Japan, to celebrate the onset of spring. Elaine Cooper, the artist leading the exhibition has close links with Mino, having lived there for many years. She commented: "In Mino, the local people make paper cherry blossoms to adorn the shrines which are then paraded through the city on the second Saturday and Sunday of April. The timing of the event at Westonbirt has provided an ideal opportunity to link the exhibition with the celebrations in Mino, and to involve volunteers and visitors the arboretum." The Hana Mikoshi will become a portable children’s float and will be displayed within the education centre to begin with, before moving to the Great Oak Hall to form part of the exhibition. Flowers will continue to be made throughout the exhibition and these will be added to the boughs of the float. Find out more on our events pages.http://www.fowa.org.uk/news_and_events/news/the_sakura_flowers