Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Blog - Features

Autumn tree highlights

Posted in: Features Autumn 2018

Along with the maples, there are a wealth of other plants that hold their own at the autumn colour party here at Westonbirt.

View Full Post

The making of a Windsor chair

Posted in: Features Autumn 2018

Arboretum Director Andrew Smith tells us about his week on a bus-man's holiday down at Westonbirt Woodworks, learning to craft a chair from scratch using traditional techniques.

View Full Post

From seed to sideboard

Posted in: Features Autumn 2018

Our new saw mill has finally arrived in the UK after making its long journey from Poland and will be in situ at Westonbirt very soon!...

View Full Post

Autumn life in the arboretum

Posted in: Features Autumn 2018

As the days begin to draw in and the mornings cast a chill in the air, you can sense the change of season. It’s a time of transition at the arboretum. Many trees are in glorious autumn colour and animals are busy preparing winter stores.

View Full Post

Return to Vietnam

Posted in: Features Summer 2018

In April 2017, Dan Crowley, Westonbirt’s expert dendrologist, took a trip to Vietnam using his extensive knowledge of maples to identify species across the region.

View Full Post

Summer life in the arboretum

Posted in: Features Summer 2018

Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy longer days out and about in our glorious countryside. After the abundance of new life in spring, the summer brings a sense of tranquillity and rhythm as plants and animals enjoy the warmer months.

View Full Post

New roots for Westonbirt

Posted in: Features Summer 2018

Penny Jones, our Propagator at Westonbirt, provides an update on an exciting new season of planting for the arboretum.

View Full Post

Journey of a seed - Part two

Posted in: Features Summer 2018

In the last edition of the magazine Penny talked us through seed selection, collection and germination at Westonbirt.

View Full Post

Westonbirt wakes up

Posted in: Features Spring 2018

Bright mornings, longer days and the singing of the morning chorus are a sure sign that spring is well and truly on the way! It’s nature’s show-time and the arboretum is full of the colours, sounds and energy of new life.

View Full Post

Spring tree highlights

Posted in: Features Spring 2018

Today, many of the world’s trees are in danger of disappearing altogether! Here at Westonbirt, we work hard to ensure that trees are protected and preserved for future generations.

View Full Post

Journey of a seed

Posted in: Features Spring 2018

Penny Jones is the Propagator at Westonbirt. Her knowledge, understanding and passion for seed propagation has produced hundreds of healthy saplings, which are planted at the arboretum.

View Full Post

How to Hygge a Tree

Posted in: Features Spring 2018

‘How to Hygge a Tree’ is a new resource about mindfulness in the forest.

View Full Post

Winter Tree Highlights

Posted in: Features Winter 2017

Winter has its own magical feel. It can be invigorating and windy or still and a little eerie. The deciduous trees have dropped their foliage, leaving evergreens to enjoy centre stage.

View Full Post

Likin' Lichen

Posted in: Features Winter 2017

Trees provide an ideal home and vital resources for lots of wildlife. Honorary Research Fellow School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol, David Hill, tells us about these incredible fungi.

View Full Post

Winter World

Posted in: Features Winter 2017

As winter draws in around us, the trees and wildlife of the arboretum prepare for the long haul to spring. It’s a lovely time to explore and there’s always plenty to look out for.

View Full Post