Arboretum insight a fascinating read (From Stroud News and Journal)

Arboretum insight a fascinating read

FOR nearly 200 years Westonbirt Arboretum has been home to some of the world's most exotic species of trees and shrubs.

The arboretum was created by the Holford family whose foresight and imagination left behind a legacy enjoyed by many generations since.

This new book, Westonbirt The National Arboretum is written by former chief forester Tony Russell and contains photographs by award winning landscape and garden photographer Derek Harris.

It charts the fascinating history of Westonbirt and follows a year in the life of the arboretum with seasonal celebrations of words and pictures.

A fact-file provides readers with easy reference to the biggest, oldest and rarest trees in the collection and there are chapters on the important work carried out by both the Forestry Commission and the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum.

"From my time at the arboretum I knew there was a demand for a book like this," said Tony who was head forester for 13 years.

"I was delighted to set pen to paper when I was approached to do the book."

He is an unashamed enthusiast who writes with an intimate knowledge and passionate love of the arboretum.

Today Westonbirt is considered to be one of the finest collection of temperate trees and shrubs in the world.

There are more than 18,000 catalogued specimens, made up of almost 4,000 different types collected from virtually every country in the temperate world.

Within the collection there are 109 rare, endangered or extinct in the wild specimens.

The arboretum has links with many botanic gardens both in the UK and abroad and one of the Forestry Commission's main objectives is to ensure as many people as possible have an understanding of the important environmental work which is carried out there.

More than 12,000 children a year visit the arboretum and take part in a variety of activities with another 300,000 visitors a year enjoying the attraction.

It has now become one of the most visited attraction in the region and a walk around the grounds cannot fail to inspire visitors with ideas to take back to their own gardens.

The 60 page book is a must for anyone with even the slightest interest in trees, garden history or Westonbirt and a sure fire way of introducing a new audience to the delights of this very special place.

The book is on sale at £4.99 direct from Westonbirt Arboretum on 01666 881208.