HISTORIC WESTONBIRT ESTATE REUNITED FOR VISITORS
Westonbirt Estate Open Days 12-13 April

On 12 and 13 April, visitors to Westonbirt – the National Arboretum,
which is managed by the Forestry Commission, will have the chance to
explore the 150-year legacy of the Westonbirt Estate.

This rare opportunity will be included in the price of admission to the
arboretum.

Activities at the arboretum, house and gardens will enable visitors to
step back in time and appreciate the magnificent former home of Robert
Holford, a key figure in Cotswolds history.

Tree team demonstrations and propagation tours will demonstrate how the
arboretum has grown from one man’s aspirations, to an internationally
important tree and shrub collection. Over at Westonbirt House, tours,
free access to the gardens and guided walks will show visitors how the
different aspects of the estate were designed to work in harmony.

It is anticipated that the public will soon be able to enjoy the whole
estate all year round, with the success of a Heritage Lottery Funding
application and the planned Westonbirt Project.

Miranda Winram, Westonbirt Project Director commented:

“We have ambitious plans to open up the estate to all. Following urgent
conservation work on the stonework and gardens, we plan to increase
access to the picturesque grounds and wider parkland; connecting the
site and preserving it for the future.”

Mary Keen, a Holfords of Westonbirt trustee and noted gardening writer
commented on some of the restoration work already underway in the
gardens.

“With the help of a generous grant from the Finnis Scott Trust, work has
begun to restore the unique Victorian herbaceous borders in the Italian
Garden, and by the summer, a new border of exotics will be added next to
the glamorous Camellia House.

“We hope visitors to the open days will be intrigued by the history of
the estate, and share our excitement about the potential to preserve the
legacy for the future.”

www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt