Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Blog - Tree management

Getting our Hands Dirty: A Tree-mendous Day at Westonbirt!

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.

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Planting Hope, Building Futures: 200 Trees Begin Their Journey

The Silk Wood Community Planting Project is off to a good start in 2024 with local community groups planting the first 200 trees to regenerate a section of Silk Wood at the arboretum.

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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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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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Silk Wood Community Planting Project - A trip to Delamere Nursery

After introducing Oscar and his role a couple of months ago, he has been busy behind the scenes planning and making progress getting ready for the project to regenerate a part of Silk Wood. Read on to learn about his trip to Delamere Nursery...

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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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Expanding Westonbirt's role in global tree conservation

We’re thrilled to announce that The Friends have provided funds to support the new role of Tree Conservation Manager at Westonbirt to deliver on conservation objectives befitting a world-leading botanic institute.

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New Silk Wood Project Manager

In January 2023, we welcomed Oscar Adams to Westonbirt Arboretum as the new Silk Wood Project Manager. We caught up with Oscar to find out more about him, his role and the future of Silk Wood...

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Special delivery arrives at Westonbirt Arboretum

Late last year we welcomed the first plant intake into the recently built Quarantine House. This marks an important step in helping to protect Westonbirt's collection from pests and diseases.

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Never a dull day at the 'birt'

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.

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Mowing season

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...

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Joining the Tree Team for a day...

Jane, became a member of the Tree Team for a day. Read on to find out how she got on...

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Planting with a little help from our friends

One of the most important aspects of our work here is continuing to grow our staff’s skills and knowledge, so we can ensure that the trees are receiving the best possible care.

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New homes for 211 trees!

January and February are a busy time for the team here at Westonbirt! Before the cold weather really sets in, our tree team must find new homes for hundreds of new plants.

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