Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Blog - History

What’s in a story? Unreflected Reflections, the biography of community

If ever there was a demonstration of the value of intergenerational storytelling, it was our day shared with The Friendship Café watching the second in their trilogy of community films. Pioneering Glimpses tells the story of the Muslim Community in Gloucester, with its gentle biographical style exploring the history of faith in the city.

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Tree of the month: Alder buckthorn

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. For November, it’s the alder buckthorn.

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Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Beech at Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt Arboretum's enchanting landscape faces a bittersweet change this year as a cherished beech will depart the arboretum this March, but hope blossoms anew.

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The Friends' Quiz: Autumn-Winter 2023

Are you ready to put your knowledge to the test? Take our member's quiz and see how much you really know about Westonbirt Arboretum.

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Coppicing: A New Shelter

Earlier this year, the Coppice Regeneration Project saw the completion of a purpose-built shelter for the Coppice compound at Westonbirt Arboretum, thanks to funding from The Friends through the continued support of members and donors. Find out more...

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Coppicing: A traditional forestry practice

Coppicing is a traditional forestry practice with many benefits for both the environment and human society. Learn more about this sustainable forestry practice and how it is being used to restore derelict coppice at Westonbirt.

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Celebrating the work The Friends have supported through the years

Did you know that behind Westonbirt's natural beauty lies a dedicated group of passionate individuals? Through our supporters' unwavering support, we've been able to achieve incredible milestones throughout our 37-year legacy. Find out more...

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What does Westonbirt mean to you?

As generations visit Westonbirt Arboretum through the years, memories are made. Share your stories of Westonbirt with us...

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Member memories, Margaret Headen

The second memory we're sharing with you is from Margaret Headen. Read on to find out more about Margaret's memories of events in the Great Oak Hall...

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Member memories, Lisa Price

This year you've been sharing your memories with us for the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum's 35th birthday. Read Lisa's heartwarming memory...

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Memories from World War Two

Posted in: Blog History

As we celebrate 75 years since VE Day, we’ve taken a look back at Westonbirt Arboretum during World War Two… rumour has it the arboretum made the perfect hiding place!...

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Discovering Westonbirt's past

If you’ve visited Westonbirt over the past month, you’ll have noticed that our usual seasonal trail has taken on a personal twist…...

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A Westonbirt love story...

Posted in: Blog History

Today on this gloriously bright sunny Valentine’s Day we’d like to take you back 165 years, to 1854, and share the heartwarming story of Robert Stayner Holford’s wedding to Mary Anne Lindsay.

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How did Christmas trees start?

Posted in: Blog History Christmas

It’s one of our favourite times of year! When everyone brings trees into their homes and decorates them. So we thought we’d celebrate the Christmas tree with a whistle stop tour through its history!...

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