Blog

Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the UK native tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project – this October it's crab apple.

Supporting over 2,300 species, the oak is a true wildlife haven, hosting a diverse range of creatures from insects and birds to mammals and fungi. Its acorns provide a valuable food source for wildlife, and its timber has been used for centuries...

Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the UK native tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project – this August it’s rowan.

Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the UK native tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project – this July it’s aspen.

Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the UK native tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project - first up is the large-leaved lime.

It’s been a brilliant few months for us here at the Silk Wood Community Planting Project. Since January over 600 participants came to plant a grand total of 3300 trees! Despite the occasional frost and the, not so occasional, torrential rain our groups put their all into making sure each tree gets the best start and will be there in years to come.

Armed with spades, smiles, and enthusiasm, we joined forces with the amazing Westonbirt staff, united by a shared passion for the environment to plant trees as part of the Silk Wood Community Planting Project.

Native to the Caucasus and the Pontic Mountains of northeastern Turkey, this month's tree of the month is among the most attractive spruces, with a dense form with short branches.

This tree with an ancient origin produces a spectacular ephemeral autumn display as its unique, fan-shaped leaves transform a dazzling shade of gold. Discover more about November's tree of the month...

This October we're highlighting the shagbark hickory tree which is a golden highlight of this season, find out more...

As autumn arrives and the leaves begin to turn, this time of year is also a wonderful time to explore the diversity of fruits found around the arboretum. Take a closer look at the Japanese rowan in this month's blog...

The bottlebrush buckeye is a beautiful shrub that gets its name from its bottlebrush-like inflorescences. The white flowers with red anthers bloom in August, making the bottlebrush buckeye a truly spectacular sight. Find out more...

Dan and Rosie give insight on the Yellow-leaved Indian bean tree this month, one of Westonbirt's summer showstoppers...

Rosie and Dan give insight on the Pyrenean oak this month, one of Westonbirt's 'signature species'...

Find out more about this charming shrub from Japan...