Blog - Botanical

Westonbirt has long played a key role on the international stage, working closely with partners and institutions across the globe over many years for mutual benefit.

We've part-fund a PhD student in collaboration with Westonbirt Arboretum over the next three years to study the risks to Limes.

Within the arboretum, we currently care for over 100 threatened tree species and the latest edition of ‘The Little Book of Disappearing Trees’ introduces some of the endangered trees we look after.

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

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.

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

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.

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...

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...

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...

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

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.

This month we’re showcasing a highly decorative specimen, the Foxglove Tree. With four species of this tree located in the arboretum, you’ll want to seek them out to experience these ornamental beauties.

Last year we asked you to help us choose a cultivar name for our new Magnolia hybrid, Magnolia sprengeri × campbellii. And with a landslide victory, the name chosen was……Westonbirt Hope...

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.