Forestry England Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is playing a vital part on the world stage with its work in global tree conservation. Living within Westonbirt’s collection are 100 tree species that are assessed as threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Dan Crowley, Tree Conservation Manager at Westonbirt, whose role is funded by charity The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, says: “Here at Westonbirt, we are well-placed to further develop our role in global tree conservation, working with other organisations both in the UK and internationally to help save tree species from extinction.
“Growing threatened tree species in collections like Westonbirt is an essential ‘insurance policy’ for these trees. By caring for threatened trees in the arboretum collection we can learn more about them, as well as make material available for research and, where applicable, for plant re-introductions. Within the botanic garden community we have the resources to conserve our trees and it is vital that we do so. Their future is in our hands.”
This autumn, along with the arboretum providing a riot of stunning autumn colour to enjoy, there is also a range of exciting activities lined up, exploring how Westonbirt protects and conserves trees.
Visit Westonbirt this autumn and experience these activities, which are free after paying admission to the arboretum.
From now until the end of November, make your way to the Old Arboretum to explore the ‘Tree Guardians’ family trail. This trail reveals how the trees at Westonbirt are cared for, how they are also protected in the wild, how trees cope with climate change and how Westonbirt is working with tree experts around the world to protect and conserve trees. Try wildlife detective activities as you explore the trail and make sure you write your pledge to protect trees for the future.
On 21 September get up close to some of the vehicles used at Westonbirt to care for the trees and the landscape at our ‘Meet the machines’ family discovery day. Children will even get the chance to sit in one of the big tractors, a mower or an all-terrain vehicle!
Don’t miss the October half term family event ‘Trees for the Future’, from 28 October until 1 November, suitable for children from 5-years old. Children will learn about some of the world’s disappearing trees and get the chance to sow some tree seeds to take home and take part in a discovery challenge.
For nature lovers of all ages you could also choose one of Westonbirt’s daily guided walks and be sure to see some of the arboretum’s hidden autumn secrets.
By understanding the value of trees and wildlife in our natural spaces, we’ll be more motivated to preserve them. Together, we can all create a world where trees thrive for people and nature.
For more information see: Forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/autumn
Related
Comments
Comments are disabled for this post.
