Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt Woodworks

Have you ever wondered what happens to Westonbirt Arboretum’s trees at the end of their life?

The Woodworks

We think these magnificent specimens deserve to be celebrated, even when they’re no longer viable as living specimens. This is why we’re thrilled to have started converting the old cattle shed into a Wood Centre where our visitors can learn all about the journey of trees.

This space allows us to mill our own timber right here at the arboretum. Timber, furniture and handcrafted homewares are also available for sale to Westonbirt Arboretum visitors.

The sawmill shelter

One of two barn structures in the yard provides shelter to a sawmill. By purchasing a sawmill we've enabled the arboretum to mill its own timber, ensuring that magnificent specimens are utilised to their full potential.

The timber barn

The second of two barns provide somewhere that milled and dried timber can be stored, providing flexibility over when it is used throughout the year, whether that's in construction projects or craft workshops.

Roof restoration

The roof of the heritage cattle shed was restored to create a brand new covered craft demonstration area. Here local craftspeople showcase their skills, and the public are able to view exciting demonstrations.

Take a look as you walk over the STIHL Treetop Walkway.

The shop

The storage barn has become a woodcraft shop and gallery space, where you can purchase handcrafted wooden items or even Westonbirt timber for use in your own craft projects.


Take a woodworking course

Learn the art of old English chair making traditions at Westonbirt Arboretum by taking a woodworking course this year. You’ll be led by the talented Paul Hayden, a regular contributor to Good Woodworking Magazine, and his team of experienced craftsmen.

Learn a new skill

Thank you to all those who have donated to support this project. We are extremely grateful for the contributions from the following donors which has made a substantial difference to the ongoing development of Westonbirt Arboretum:

The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers Charitable Trust

The Summerfield Charitable Trust

CHK Charitable Trust

Swire Charitable Trust


Sarah Baillie

Sue Bradley Jones

Mary and David Broad

Jennifer Buckland

Beryl Clark

David Collier

Jean Day

Mary Ede

Ninette Flowerdew

Doreen Gardner

Michael Garside

Barry Goldring

Edward Greves

Roland and Avril Harley

Christopher Haslam

Margaret Headen

Maureen Horscroft

Brian Norton

Derrick and Marilyn Jeans

Nina Matthews

Kenneth Mill

Stephen and Ann Montgomery

Hugh Purkess

Pippa Smith

Sue Symonds

Tim Trask

Peter Walker

Janet Wilson

Paul Young