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trees cared for
Welcome to the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum is a world-renowned tree collection with over 15,000 trees and shrubs from around the world. It is home to several national collections including the National Collection of Maple species, the National Collection of Lime, and the National Collection of Walnut - plus more.
What we do
We’re a registered charity that was established to protect trees and enrich lives at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum. We’re committed to conservation, education and participation to help connect people with trees by supporting a wide range of activities at the arboretum
Your support for Westonbirt Arboretum helps to:
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species protected
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people connected
Together, we can create a world where trees thrive for people and nature. Thank you for your support!
Blog & News Updates
Need some inspiration? Read on for recommendations, fun facts and more.
Connecting Carers with Nature: How Your Support Makes a Difference
Last week, thanks to the generosity of our Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum (FOWA) members, we were able to help fund transport for a very special wellbeing day at Westonbirt Arboretum. The session, run by the Learning Team in partnership with Carers Support Centre, brought together local carers for four hours of nature connection, creativity, and respite.
Growing Wellbeing Through Nature: Our Journey with Swindon Mind
At the Silkwood Community Planting Project, groups come together to volunteer their time, planting and caring for trees. But it’s also a chance to slow down, and grow deeper connections with nature. Since April, one particular group, Swindon Mind, has become frequent visitors to the project, participating in a series of monthly Wellbeing in Nature workshops. A group of adults supported by the charity have been introduced to the benefits of spending time in nature to promote mental wellbeing.
Tree of the Month: Sweet Chestnut
As the festive season arrives, the sweet aroma of roasting chestnuts is a familiar winter treat. Our tree of the month, the Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), is a naturalised species thought to have been introduced to Britain by the Romans. Mature trees boast majestic trunks with spiralling fissures, glossy serrated leaves, and spring flowers that support pollinators. With a warming climate, sweet chestnuts may become an increasingly resilient part of Britain’s woodland future. Discover how Westonbirt cares for these remarkable trees and their role in shaping tomorrow’s landscapes.