Spring 2009 - Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Transcription

M A G A Z I N E
SPRING 2009
ISSUE 75
£2.50
Barn raising in
Silk Wood
Cherry
blossom
Our Tree Team
visit Japan
Charlotte
Uhlenbroek
RARE
RHODODENDRONS
at Westonbirt
CONTENTS HOLFORDIANA
editor’s welcome
Spring really is zinging and
buzzing at Westonbirt this year.
There is so much to see and do.
Cover Rhododendron
‘Mrs R.S.Holford’ by
Hugh Angus
Westonbirt The National
Arboretum Magazine
Issue 75, Spring 2009
March, April, May
© 2009 Friends of
Westonbirt Arboretum
Reg. Charity 293190
Reg. Company 4965522
Friends of Westonbirt
Arboretum
Tetbury, GLOS.
GL8 8QS
Membership
01666 880148
www.fowa.org.uk
general@fowa.org.uk
Editor Louisa Lockwood
Advertising
Call 0845 644 5823
Email
richard@kavamedia.com
Views expressed in
Westonbirt The National
Arboretum Magazine are
not necessarily those of
the Friends of Westonbirt
Arboretum or the Forestry
Commission. Every
effort is made to check
factual accuracy, but no
guarantees are expressed
or implied. In particular,
readers should satisfy
themselves about the
authenticity of products
advertised.
2012 8531
Maple Loop planting is complete, and contains many interesting
species worth a visit in their own right, but take a moment to enjoy
the sheer beauty of this new area in the spring – bluebells shimmering
through fresh grass, maple flowers and new leaves a startling range of
colours beneath the swaying larches.
The What’s On pages (8-13) are full of spring events, but if they
can’t tempt you out, perhaps Hugh Angus’ cherry trail (page 27)
or the NEW fold-out seasonal trail map of the back page will! You
may also see some of the beautiful and rare rhododendrons that
have been uncovered by Lear Associates – not least our cover girl,
‘Mrs R.S. Holford’. Visit the oak barn that has sprung up in Silk Wood
(page 17), largely funded by the Friends (yes, that’s you) and find out
where the rest of your membership money, generous donations and
legacies have been put to good use (page 56).
You will already have noticed the magazine’s fresh new look – I
am pleased to introduce Kava Media as the agency now responsible
for design and production. We have also moved to vegetable-based
printing ink and a biodegradable mailing ‘envelope’.
Westonbirt Wednesdays are back! Throughout April and May
non-members can visit the arboretum for half the normal admission
price, while members can bring along other friends to enjoy the spring.
Upload your images and share your experiences of Westonbirt as we
move into the twentieth century with a NEW presence on Facebook
and a children’s poster gallery (page 63). Keep an eye on the Westonbirt
website and sign-up for e-news (page 23) because new activities will be
posted as the spring season gets underway.
Louisa Lockwood, Editor
Email: editor@thewestonbirtmagazine.org.uk
Summer Editorial Copy Deadline: 20 March
Autumn Editorial Copy Deadline: 26 June
westonbirt
3
THE TREE HOUSE SPRING
contents
FEATURES
WONDERS OF WESTONBIRT:
24 Flowering cherries by Hugh Angus
27 Spring cherry trail
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Eco-friendly destinations
in the UK
42
28 More wonderful plants
A JAPANESE
ADVENTURE
THE BUILDING OF
SILK WOOD BARN
by Mark Ballard
17
by Simon Toomer
LAST LEAF:
Sarah Wilkinson: climate change
RARE
RHODODENDRONS
by Beverly and
Michael Lear
32
interview
WORDS
WITH:
R EA
D
Charlotte
Uhlenbroek
4
ER
O FF E R
Happy
Holidays!
Page
westonbirt
42
39
45
66
SPRING THE TREE HOUSE
IN THIS SPRING 2009 ISSUE…
regulars
6 Your letters
31 Rainfall chart 2008
7 Visitor information
31 Crossword 2008 solution and winner
8 Spring calendar
69 Join a friend at Westonbirt
WHAT’S ON THIS SPRING
HOLFORDIANA:
54 Annual General Meeting 2009
11 Westonbirt event details
55 Trustee elections
13 Westonbirt’s morning concert
56 Project report by
Peter Houlton
R EA
D
10 Hillier Gardens visit
ER
O FF E R
Book
reviews
Page
58
58 Book reviews
SPRING RECIPE:
Elderflower bavarois
15 Exhibitions
59
THE TREE HOUSE:
21 & 23 On-Site News
61 Family events
62 Spring activities
63 Westonbirt on-line
67 Spring Trail Map
YOUR GARDENS Q&A:
Pruning walnuts
Connecting people with trees
29
When you have
finished with
this magazine
please recycle it
Designed & produced on behalf of Friends of
Westonbirt Arboretum by Kava Media Ltd
PO Box 23, Dursley,
Gloucestershire GL11 5WA
Tel: 0845 644 5823
Email: info@kavamedia.com
Printed on Hello, fully biodegradable and
recyclable. Mill ISO14001 and EMAS
accredited.
Printed in the UK by Newnorth Print
ISO9001-2000
westonbirt
5
TYPE OF ARTICLE RUNNING HEAD
YOUR LETTERS
We welcome your feedback, opinions and gardening questions, which may be edited for publication.
Please email editor@thewestonbirtmagazine.org.uk OR write to Editor, Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum,
Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS OR deliver any correspondence to the Great Oak Hall.
An alternative view of climate change
Silk Wood Barn
Issue 74 states on page 24 that the climate is warming and
man is directly responsible. Nonsense!
NASA satellites show warming stopped four years ago
and only flawed computer models show an influence from
mankind!
DEFRA cite outdated politically distorted views from the
IPCC whose chairman has said he ignores recent research
– clearly he’s not a scientist! CO2 is neither a pollutant nor
driver of climate; it is essential to all plant life and is now
present as only a miniscule 0.038% of earth’s atmosphere.
H2O is earth’s massively dominant greenhouse gas; solar
energy reaching us also depends on cyclical output changes,
cosmic radiation affecting cloud formation, changing
planetary orbits etc. We are entering cycle 24, signalling
decades of cooling! Supporting references are available.
Puny man cannot change the climate and scientific debate
is being politically stifled.
I have been running chairmaking courses at Westonbirt
for seven years. What you
achieve with limited resources
and the enthusiasm of staff and
volunteers is truly impressive.
However, I had some
reservations about a proposed
new building and about
making the building of it into
an Oak Framing Course.
In fact the week was a
triumph.
The members of The
Carpenters Fellowship
who ran the course were
craftspeople of the very
highest order. There was
a thoroughness about the
organisation and infrastructure
behind the week as well as
the teaching and framing itself
which was a delight to see, as
were the friendships, exchanges
of skills and resources and the
enthusiasm which made the
project work.
The building is already
beautiful. Its elegant proportion
and clever orientation perfectly
enhance its landscape.
Please accept my gratitude
and appreciation for being
part of the project and convey
my thanks to all those
involved (especially Simon
Toomer) for all the work that
went into it.
Have your say
Sincerely, R. J. Dennish
email: standards@bobdennish.go-plus.net
Enchanted Christmas 2008
Tell us what you think of the recent changes to our
winter event.
We strive to achieve a balance between exciting
schemes and daytime aesthetics, health and safety and
cost effectiveness. The 2008 illuminated trail was shorter
and, where possible, wider; there was more focus on the
trees (more individual trees floodlit and fewer sculptures)
and Father Christmas mingled with the crowds. We know
that many visitors loved it, but we’ve also heard from a
few who preferred previous formats.
Please tell us what YOU think and whether you’d like to
see anything else at the Enchanted Christmas.
© {wP~w{w{xV|{D}D}D
© {P[{j{wBj~{dwwWx{B
Westonbirt, Tetbury. Glos. GL8 8QS
We hope to collate and publish feedback in the magazine.
Yours, Paul Hayden, Somerset.
6
westonbirt
VISITOR INFORMATION
Friends Of
Westonbirt
Arboretum
The Plant Centre
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Enquiries 01666 880544
Email {xwy{{V
forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Education Centre
Children get active
at Westonbirt
Thank you for all you
have done for children
at Westonbirt. We had a
wonderful visit with our
children. They loved climbing
the tree trunks and playing
Billy Goats Gruff on the troll
bridge. The activities proved
great encouragement to get
them around the trail. I loved
the way things are hidden in
the trees.
The play area beside the
outdoor café is beautiful and
in the perfect place to allow
Mums and Dads to have that
well-earned cup of tea. We are
looking forward to many visits
over the years. Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Eugenie Houlden, Bristol.
Trustee Opportunities
Could you support
Westonbirt, your
National Arboretum?
i{{w}{KJCKK|W]cHFFO
and Trustee elections.
Membership
Tel 01666 880148
Email {x{~V|wD}D
The Education Team offer a
wide range of fun, hands-on
programmes.
Volunteering
The Forest Shop
Weddings and Civil Partnerships
Tel 01666 881215
Email y{{{V|wD}D
Maples Restaurant
Other hirings
Available for evening hire.
Courtyard Café
March–December
Wheelchair Reservations
Please book early.
Collect from Visitor Services.
Bookings 01666 881218
Wx{e{}^
Open 9am Mon-Fri, 8am Sat-Sun.
Closed 8pm from 1 April – 31 Oct
and 5pm from 1 Nov – 31 March
(or dusk if earlier).
General Enquiries
Tel 01666 880221 (Mon–Fri)
Tel 01666 881221
Email {{}V|wD}D
Hiring The Great Oak Hall
(family celebrations, exhibitions,
seminars)
Tel 01666 880148
Email }{ww~wV|wD}D
General
Tel 01666 880148
Email }{{wV|wD}D
Website www.fowa.org.uk
Charity Manager
Tel 01666 881216
Email y~wV|wD}D
Events Enquiries
Tel 01666 880147
(Answerphone out of hours)
Email us
{xV|{D}D
Visit our website
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
This progressive charity is looking for new Trustees with a variety
of management skills, including finance.
Ywoek~{wy~{{x{y{P“support Westonbirt,
National Arboretum in promoting public understanding of the crucial role
of trees to the environment and society” ?
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westonbirt
7
EVENTS SPRING 2009
spring calendar
westonbirt arboretum event planner
Date
Time
Event
Sun 8 Mar
10am – 1pm
Specialist Wood Sales
Sun 22 Mar
10am
Film ‘A Convenient Truth’
Cost
MARCH
FREE for Friends
Weds 25 Mar
Beginners Digital Landscape Photography
£50
Sat 28 to Sun 29 Mar
Stained Glass Exhibition & Auction
FREE after admission
Westonbirt Wednesdays
Half-price admission
APRIL
Every Wednesday
Weds 1 Apr
10.15am
Coffee Morning Q&A with Stephen Segar
FREE for Friends
Fri 3 Apr
10.30am – 3.30pm
Willow-making Day
tbc
Mon 6 to Fri 10 Apr
10.30am – 4pm
Easter Eggtastic (family event)
£2 after admission
Pots in the Forest Exhibition & Sale
Weds 8 to Tues 14 Apr
Sun 12 Apr
10am – 1pm
Tues 14 to Fri 17 Apr
10.30am – 4pm
Wild Woodland Walks (family event)
Sat 18 Apr
8pm
Bath Light Operatic Group
£8
Sun 19 Apr
11am – 1pm
Westonbirt’s Wildflowers Walk
Fri 24 Apr
7.30pm
Lecture ‘A Convenient Truth’
FREE lecture; Supper £15
Sat 25 Apr to Sun 3 May
10am – 5pm
Garden Products from Silk Wood’s Coppice
Sat 25 April
10.30am
Friends’ AGM
Sat 25 April
12 noon
Illustrated talk
FREE for Friends
Sun 26 April
10.30am
Japanese Plants Guided Walk
FREE for Friends
Sun 26 April
11.30am
Feed the Children Wellie Walk
Weds 29 April
Advanced Digital Photography Workshop
£95
MAY
Every Wednesday
Half-price admission
Sun 3 May
4.30am – 6.30am
Dawn Chorus Walk
£4
Sat 9 May
9am – 7pm
Day trip to Hillier Gardens
£21
Sat 9 May
11am
National Osteoporosis Society Big Bone Walk
Sun 10 May
10am – 1pm
Thurs 21 to Tues 26 May
‘Vessel’ Handcrafted Goods Exhibition
Fri 22 May
10.30am – 3.30pm
Willow-making Day
tbc
Sun 24 May
10.30am
Bluebell Walk
FREE for Friends
Tues 26 to Thurs 28 May
10.30am – 4.30pm
Survival of the Fittest (family event)
Beginners Digital Landscape Photography
£50
Fri 19 June
Mcfly (concert)
£26.50
Sat 20 June
Paul Weller (concert)
£33
Sun 21 June
Simply Red (concert)
£32.50
Tues 14 July
Day trip to Hergest Croft Gardens &
Westonbury Mill Water Gardens
tbc
Saturday 18 July
Vanessa Mae (picnic concert)
£30
Weds 27 May
ADVANCE NOTICE
8
westonbirt
EVENTS SPRING 2009
WHAT’S ON THIS SPRING
events at westonbirt arboretum
Hillier Gardens Visit
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens – coach trip
The Bog Garden at Hillier Gardens
ITINERARY
BOOKING DETAILS
Departing Westonbirt
Arboretum at 9am (the ONLY
pick-up point), we will arrive at
Ampfield about 11am.
At 11.30am, guided tours
lasting about 90 minutes have
been arranged for us to see
plants of particular interest.
The coach will leave the
gardens at 5pm, arriving back
at Westonbirt about 7pm.
Cost of £21 per person
includes the coach fare, entry
to the Gardens and the guided
tour.
You are at liberty to bring
your own picnic or use the
Hillier Gardens restaurant.
There are only 49 places
available. Please apply early to
avoid disappointment.
To join the Friends’ coach
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
FRIENDS’ EVENT
Saturday 9 May
These famous Hampshire
gardens were established in
1953 by the distinguished
plantsman Sir Harold Hillier.
The 42,000 plants from
temperate regions around
the world grow in a variety of
landscapes set in more than
180 acres, including woodland,
a 200 metre long summer
border and the largest Winter
Garden in Europe.
www.hilliergardens.org.uk
trip, please send your
telephone number, a stamped
self-addressed envelope and a
cheque, payable to FOWA, for
£21 per person to: Rosemary
Westgate, 8 Kemble Grove,
Cheltenham, GL51 6TX.
Please telephone Rosemary
on 01242 697 588 if you have
any other queries.
FRIENDS’ EVENTS
As a member of Westonbirt, you are automatically a ‘Friend’.
All events are FREE for Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum
(FOWA), unless otherwise indicated.
www.fowa.org.uk tel: 01666 880148
10
westonbirt
MARCH
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Sunday 8 March
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All manner of wood and sawn
timber available, produced
from routine pruning and
thinning of arboretum trees.
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cash or cheque only
tel: 01666 880220
understanding. Time spent
in the arboretum will put new
techniques into practice.
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Call Graham Light on 01285
653069 for more details
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Easter Eggtastic
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For details see page 61.
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Stained Glass
Exhibition & Auction
Sat 28 – Sun 29 March
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APRIL
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Film: A Convenient Truth
FRIENDS’ EVENT
Sunday 22 March
10am coffee, 10.30am film
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Pots in the Forest
Exhibition & Sale
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Coffee Morning
Q&A with Stephen Segar
A short film by the Forestry
Commission about climate
change, presented by John
Weir, Director of Arboreta, who
will also discuss the future of
the arboretum.
tel: 01666 880148
www.fowa.org.uk
FRIENDS’ EVENT
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10.15am coffee,
10.45am session
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An opportunity to put your
queries to Stephen Segar,
Chairman of the Friends, and
to hear about future plans.
tel: 01666 880148
www.fowa.org.uk
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Wild Woodland Walks
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For details see page 61.
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Willow-making Day
Beginners Digital
Landscape Photography
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small hurdles for your garden.
Tools and materials supplied.
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Call Norah Kennedy on
01453 751010
Bath Light Operatic
Group
Wednesday 25 March
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For those with a digital
camera but stuck on auto!
We will improve skills and
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Westonbirt School
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Songs from the Shows
performed to raise funds for
the Friends.
Call Maureen Gobbett on
01666 880333
westonbirt
11
EVENTS SPRING 2009
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Westonbirt’s Wildflowers
4th Sunday Walk
Japanese plants
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Discover the early spring wild
flowers and learn how we make
sure they continue to thrive.
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tel: 01666 880220
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FRIENDS’ EVENT
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10.30am
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Simon Toomer, Curator, takes
a look at Japanese plants in
the arboretum’s collection.
tel: 01666 880148
www.fowa.org.uk
A Convenient Truth
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Westonbirt School
FREE lecture, no need to book
John Weir, Director of Arboreta,
will discuss the impact of
climate change on trees,
with particular reference
to Gloucestershire and the
arboretum.
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tel: 01666 880333
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Garden Products from
Silk Wood’s Coppice
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Practical demonstrations
from our resident coppice
workers. Very local pea sticks,
beanpoles and other coppicerelated products available.
tel: 01453 873145
www.westcountrycoppice.co.uk
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Feed the Children
Wellie Walk
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11.30am start, 5k walk
Call June Leatham
on 07525 900671
or 01256 787972
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Advanced Digital
Photography Workshop
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To increase understanding
of depth of field, aperture
and shutter speeds, file
formats, image management,
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Time spent in the arboretum
will put new skills into practice.
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Call Graham Light on 01285
653069 for more details
and possibly woodpecker. Then
a hot tea in the Great Oak Hall.
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tel: 01666 880220
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Hillier Gardens
FRIENDS’ EVENT
Saturday 9 May
See page 10 for details.
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National Osteoporosis
Society Big Bone Walk
Saturday 9 May
11am start, 5k walk
Contact Holly Plummer on
01761 473103 or email
h.plummer@nos.org.uk
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Sunday 10 May
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‘Vessel’
Handcrafted Goods
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(See page 15 for details)
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Friends’ AGM 2009
& Illustrated Talk
FRIENDS’ EVENT
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10.30am AGM
12 noon illustrated talk
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12
westonbirt
MAY
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Willow-making Day
Friday 22 May
See April for details.
Dawn Chorus Walk
Sunday 3 May
4.30 – 6.30am
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hear the robin, finch, blackbird
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4th Sunday Walk
FRIENDS’ EVENT
Sunday 24 May, 10.30am
Waste Gate
ADVANCE NOTICE
Follow the native tree
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to enjoy the bluebells.
tel: 01666 880148
www.fowa.org.uk
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Mcfly
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Paul Weller
FRIENDS’ EVENT
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Day Trip to Hergest Croft
Gardens and Westonbury
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to follow in the Summer
magazine.
Survival of the fittest
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Beginners Digital
Landscape Photography
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Tickets £26.50 (subject to
booking fee) on sale NOW.
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QP
Tickets £33 (subject to
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Vanessa Mae
Simply Red
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Tickets £32.50 (subject to
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Tickets £30 (subject to
Ticket details as above.
BUY TICKETS from the Forestry Commission box office
01842 814612 or online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music
or in person from Westonbirt’s Forest Shop.
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By Neil Medland, Friend of Westonbirt Arboretum & RSPB Volunteer
Has anyone noticed the omission from
the programme for Westonbirt’s open air
concerts? The concert which starts at 4.30
am? Yes, it’s the Dawn Chorus walk! Last
year, there were 17 of us in the ‘audience’
and it was a concert not to have missed –
tickets, at only £4, were all for the stalls!
Having gathered at the Great Oak Hall, we
set off into the Old Arboretum in absolute
darkness. In the middle of the ‘concert hall’
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say that early morning song is 20 times
better than a midday performance.
There’s a pecking order – the robin, very
territorial, is usually the first to perform and
very vocal indeed: he (the male starts first
to attract a mate) didn’t let us down and at
about 4.50 am, deep amongst the trees, the
concert commenced. The opening movement
was with the robin as soloist, violins by the
thrush and wren, woodwind by the chiffchaffs
and willow warblers,
and then percussion by
the finches, crows and
rooks. Others may
include the blackbird,
dove and blackcap,
with nuthatches and
woodpeckers joining in for a
finale as dawn truly breaks.
We changed seats during the interval and
ventured to the other side of nature’s concert
hall. Silk Wood was just wonderful: the clarity
of the air, the stillness of the morning and the
rising sun providing views of the trees usually
unseen.
Come and witness this musical wonder
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Westonbirt, for a real treat.
Sunday 3 May, see opposite for details.
westonbirt
13
great oak hall
exhibitions at westonbirt arboretum
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Exhibition dates and times vary, please check details.
FREE after gate admission.
Pots in the Forest
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Over 250 pieces of woodfired stoneware, porcelain and
rainbow raku by the Eeles family of potters. Each piece is
individually decorated with a variety of techniques. Inspiration
for shape and pattern is principally drawn from nature, and
colours and glazes are under continual development.
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Cutting Edge 2009
Vessel
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Stained glass students create 30 panels
to raise money for local charities.
This unique stained glass touring
exhibition culminates in the Great Oak
Hall. At 2pm on Sunday 29 March,
30 panels will be auctioned by Philip
Taubenheim of
Wotton Auction
Rooms and The
Antiques Roadshow.
All funds raised
will be donated to
charity, including the
Friends of Westonbirt
Arboretum.
We are sponsored
by Creative Glass Guild, Warm Glass,
Wrington and English Antique Glass,
Birmingham who are supplying all
materials for Cutting Edge 2009.
For further info, contact Caroline
Pederick, maker and restorer of stained
glass and leaded lights.
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A collection of
beautifully handcrafted
contemporary furniture,
glass, metalwork,
woodturning and more,
made by some of today’s
finest exponents of their
craft.
All of the exhibitors
place a great emphasis on
selecting, where possible,
native, sustainablysourced and reclaimed
materials to produce
unique, innovative work of
the finest quality.
You are very welcome
to meet the makers,
purchase, commission or
just admire the work on show.
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and maker).
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westonbirt
15
THE BUILDING OF
SILK WOOD BARN
All photos: Rob Cousins
SILK WOOD BARN FEATURE
by Simon Toomer, Curator, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
A
nyone walking the native tree
trail in recent weeks will have
already seen the latest feature
in the landscape of Silk Wood.
Situated in an open glade, the
new Silk Wood Barn may seem
to have sprung up overnight, but
the planning and preparation for
its creation has taken over a year.
utilise the wood produced by our
normal operations. Traditional
skills and hand tools would shape
the oak, sweet chestnut and larch
all grown at Westonbirt.
The new barn is raised
in a single day.
Simon Toomer dons
his hard hat for action.
UTILISING OUR WOOD
We have, for some time, wanted
a new craft shelter for courses
and interpretation about native
woodland and its management.
The philosophy behind the barn
was to demonstrate the use of
timber arising from coppice and
other woodland restoration.
So, the frame and roof would
westonbirt
17
FEATURE SILK WOOD BARN
these responses and our wish to
extend the range of skills, came
the week-long timber-framing
course.
The Carpenters’ Fellowship
was an extremely valuable
partner thanks to their skills,
contacts and experience in
“Traditional skills and
hand tools would shape
the oak, sweet chestnut
and larch all grown at
Westonbirt”
similar projects. A barn design
had already been produced by
Gerwyn Lewis, a leading light
in the renaissance of green
woodworking skills.
Before long, oak timber was
being put aside for the various
building elements. It was
particularly important to
select the eight jowl posts,
the main ‘pillars’ requiring
logs with a natural flare.
Carefully sliding in a
curved brace.
Notice the different
marks and design
features carved in the
wood.
18
westonbirt
A JOINT EFFORT
The building of the barn became
a training event in itself, an
idea originating from the ‘Week
in the Woods’ courses run
with the Green Wood Centre.
Some students have taken up
apprenticeships in woodland
skills such as hurdle and gate
making, charcoal burning and
coppicing, while others have told
us what a fantastic experience
the course and camping at
Westonbirt had been. From
WEATHERED WOOD
Early September was one
of the wettest weeks of
the year, but five tutors and
30 students braved the dismal
conditions with a determination
and enthusiasm that never
wavered. As ground conditions
deteriorated, the scene resembled
a military operation with the
arboretum’s Tree Team pressed
into action to ferry supplies along
muddy tracks to the workers. In
quieter moments, the Tree Team
also helped make the oak pegs
that would eventually lock the
whole frame together.
Many on the course were
complete novices and their
achievement owes much to
the skill and patience of Henry
Russell and the other instructors.
The students included Friends
as well as three youngsters from
The Prince’s Trust. By the end of
the week, all the frame elements
were completed and only the
soggy ground prevented the barn
raising.
THE BARN RAISING
On a fine day in mid-October, a
good crowd watched while the
frame was gradually raised and
pegged. The whole thing took
just eight hours, ending with the
traditional ‘topping-out’ – an
oak branch was nailed to the end
roof truss just as the light failed.
At the time of writing, the roof
has still to be completed with the
3500 oak and chestnut shingles
made by Brian Williamson and
Ruth Goodfellow, Silk Wood’s
resident craft coppicers.
Silk Wood Barn is a
wonderful expression of human
craftsmanship and ingenuity.
It links the ancient tradition of
timber-framing with the modern
management and conservation
of our native woodland. Visitors
will shelter in it, others will
picnic and play around it and, of
course, craft skills will be passed
on. Whatever uses the barn is
put to in the centuries to come,
“It is a wonderful
expression of human
craftsmanship and
ingenuity”
the woodlands around it will be
yielding oak trees to provide the
inspiration and raw material for
future designers and craftsmen. ■
www.carpentersfellowship.co.uk
Clockwise from top
left: raising a rafter;
Michaela Strachen from
BBC Countryfile heaves
to; Henry Russell prays
it all fits; Gerwyn Lewis
watches his barn design
come to life.
Thank you
to the Friends
of Westonbirt
Arboretum, it
was your money
that funded the
building of the
barn. See page
56 for the Project
Report.
westonbirt
19
CONTENTS
SPRING HOLFORDIANA
ON-SITE NEWS
ON-SITE NEWS
SNIPPETS FROM WESTONBIRT
Crafty contributors
Sunday 4 October 2009, Great Oak Hall
Are you a ‘crafty’ person – a
wood turner, photographer,
cook or otherwise talented?
Anyone who can contribute
items or time will be much
appreciated. All profits to the
Friends’ charity in support of
arboretum projects. Please call
Maureen Gobbett on 0117 956 4769 or
email maureen.gobbett@btinternet.com
100
visitors’
views
●
●
Winter works
Bamboozled?
Why has the
bamboo clump in
Sand Earth been
chopped to the
ground? Bamboo
tends to seed
then die – it is a
grass after all.
This particular
clump died back
last year, like
many of them in
the arboretum,
and we cut it back
to see if it would
regenerate. The
fence is to keep
the deer off.
You may have walked along some
extra muddy paths in Silk Wood this
past winter – caused by our continuing
landscape regeneration. In Sand Earth,
spreading rhododendron clumps have
been cut back, several of the big Lawson
cypress and Leyland cypress trees
have been removed and the boundary
wall has been cleared to help with
maintenance and access.
●
●
●
85% of visitors to the
arboretum believe that
climate change will have
some impact on Westonbirt.
There was uncertainty
as to what the Forestry
Commission is doing to
mitigate against or adapt
to climate change (see
John Weir’s article in the
Winter 2008 magazine).
25% believe that cutting
down trees is always bad,
even if they are replaced.
There was uncertainty about
the benefits of using wood
fuel over fossil fuels.
79% think that there are
actions that can be taken
to mitigate climate change
and that the future is bright.
Coppice progress and products
The woodland work along
Silk Wood’s ‘valley’ is part of
the coppice restoration by
resident coppice workers, Brian
Williamson and Ruth Goodfellow.
They are aided by the volunteers’
Working Party who will also be
planting over 300 young hazels
into the area.
A range of woodland products
are also becoming available.
Hurdles, cleft-oak gates, faggots,
firewood and even small,
Brian and Ruth at work restoring
Silk Wood’s traditional coppice.
timber-framed buildings can all
be obtained through Brian at
www.westcountrycoppice.co.uk
or tel: 01453 873145.
westonbirt
21
SPRING ON-SITE NEWS
Watch out – the RSPB’s about!
If you are a Friend with an e-mail
address and would like to be amongst
the first to know about any news,
special events or offers; please send
your membership number and
request to membership@fowa.org.uk
or telephone us on 01666 880148.
The planting of a staggering 80 trees has
recently been completed in Maple Loop. About
half are Japanese maples and the rest have
been chosen for their beauty, their rarity or
botanical interest. Look out for plum-fruited
yews, Prumnopitys andina, on the IUCN Red
List as ‘vulnerable’; a clump of bamboo,
Phyllostachys bissetii, and a clump of the
deciduous conifer, Taxodium distichum, which will provide alternative autumn
colour. One rarity is a new maple species, Acer wuyuanense.
Rhododendrons at risk
GAP Photos / Visions
80 NEW TREES IN A LOOP
Family events online
Be first with e-news
All the family events for 2009 are available
on our website. See what’s on at
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-families
The RSPB and Westonbirt have a newly formalized partnership to “raise awareness and
interpretation of the woodland wildlife at the arboretum to encourage a love for nature
among visitors”. Members will benefit from free interpretation at certain events and
from RSPB presence in the Bird Room between September and February.
The fungus-like pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum, which causes
Sudden Oak Death Syndrome, was found in November 2008 on three
Rhododendron ponticum bushes
in the New Forest. The infected
IT’S A WRAP
plants have been destroyed and
the area treated with herbicide.
Your magazine is now
In fact, the risk to native oak is
delivered wearing a
small, but other native species
biodegradable polywrap
such as ash and beech are
– it breaks down within
susceptible to the pathogen.
12-18 months and claims to
See http://www.forestry.gov.uk/
feed ‘positive nutrients into
forestry/INFD-6g2fbx
your compost’.
Contributors:
Maureen Gobbett,
Ruth Goodfellow,
Ben Oliver,
Bev Starkings,
Simon Toomer,
Sarah Wilkinson.
westonbirt
23
WONDERS OF WESTONBIRT SPRING
Flowering
CHERRIES
This spring, Hugh Angus, Head of Tree Collections, takes a
look at the arboretum’s cherry collection and highlights some
of his favourite specimens. Follow the trail map on page 27
to find them.
S
pring! There is something
to see at every turn of the
path, be it trees, shrubs or wild
flowers.
Some of you may have
wondered what we are doing with
Westonbirt’s cherry collection.
Many of the plants have various
ailments, made worse by growing
so many together, so we are busy
24
westonbirt
dispersing the collection over a
wider area of the arboretum and
filling in the gaps.
Cherries belong in the rose
family, Rosaceae and are in
the genus Prunus along with
almonds, peaches, plums and
apricots. Flowering cherries are
related to them all. Many of us
only think of cherries when they
OLD JAPANESE CULTIVAR
My first choice is Prunus
‘Shirotae’ (sometimes known as
Prunus ‘Mount Fuji’) and, like
a lot of the old Japanese cherry
Prunus ‘Tai-haku’, which also
has great spring flowers, but is
more upright in form, and its
newly emerging leaves have a
lovely bronze tinge to them. We
have several good specimens of
‘Tai-haku’, and the best are to be
found in squares D20 and H18,
near the Forest Shop.
“the combination of newly emerged bright green
leaves and a pure white flower makes ‘Shirotae’ an
outstanding plant”
cultivars, its parentage has
become uncertain over the years.
Shirotae is the Japanese name
for a white cloth made from the
fibres of the paper mulberry,
Broussonetia papyrifera.
Choosing a favourite cherry
based on flower colour alone
would be difficult. However, the
combination of newly emerged
bright green leaves and a pure
white flower makes ‘Shirotae’
an outstanding plant. Our best
‘Shirotae’ specimens are to be
found in square O14, not far from
the edge of Willesley Drive. A
walk out to see them during April
is always worthwhile.
It is not a tall tree, but it
spreads well: the arboretum
specimens are 3.5 metres (12 ft)
across but only a few feet high.
The leaves are around 15 cm
(six inches) long and up to five
cm (two inches) across with a
serrated edge ending in very fine
tips. This is a feature of many of
the older Japanese cultivars.
BACK FROM THE BRINK
‘Shirotae’ can be confused
with The Great White Cherry,
‘Tai-haku’ was thought to have
been lost to cultivation until
one was discovered growing in
a Sussex garden. Mrs Freeman
had acquired the plant around
the turn of the century but it
was going into decline when
spotted in 1923. ‘Tai-haku’
was rescued from extinction
Prunus ‘Shirotae’ (left)
and Prunus ‘Tai-haku’
(below)
by Collingwood Ingram who
recognised its importance and
had it propagated. All plants
today originate from this one,
and they are now found growing
around the world.
Photos: GAP Photos/S & O
Photo: GAP Photos/Jonathan Buckley – Location: Brogdale National Fruit Collection
flower in the spring, but some
plants offer year-round attractive
bark and good autumn colour.
westonbirt
25
Photo: Jack Sheper/Floridata.com
The blossom and bark
of Prunus serrula
Photo: Hugh Angus
“at its best the bark is absolutely fabulous”
Should you
wish to read
further, Japanese
Flowering
Cherries by
Wybe Kuitert
and Arie
Peterse (Timber
Press, 1999) is
excellent.
26
westonbirt
BEST FOR BARK
My third choice is based on bark
quality alone; the flowers are
very poor in comparison to other
cherries. Tibetan cherry, Prunus
serrula, was discovered by Abbé
Delavay and introduced from
western China in 1908 by none
other than E.H. Wilson.
It can reach 15 metres (50 ft),
with slightly less spread. The
arboretum’s biggest specimen is
in square M17, while the young
plant, down Green Lane in
square P13, gives you some idea
of just how attractive the bark
can be.
The bark is hard to describe,
but many say it is a bright shiny
brown with a peeling texture.
At its best, it is absolutely
fabulous. In old age the bark
loses some of its colour but takes
on a different, equally attractive
quality. Pay it a visit and let me
know what you think! ■
How to find the
flowering cherries
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Prunus serrula [M17, P13]
Prunus ‘Shirotae’ [O14]
Prunus ‘Tai-haku’ [D20, H18]
The squares (eg F20) are the grid
system used to divide up the arboretum
map. One side of a square represents
100 metres on the ground.
Please use www.thewestonbirtmap.org.uk
to locate these trees. Volunteers in
the Great Oak Hall can demonstrate
how it works. The plants have a unique
identification number that refers to the
arboretum section and not the square
grid shown in the map above.
westonbirt
27
Other Plants Worth Looking Out For
Use the table below as you walk around Westonbirt Arboretum this spring.
Plant
Square
Feature
Time
Aesculus, Horse chestnut
Acers
Camellias
Cherries
Corylopsis species
Dove tree
Drimys winteri
Enkianthus species
Exochorda species
Gaultheria shallon
Halesia, Snowdrop tree
Illicium simonsii
Katsura
Lindera
Magnolia
Maples
Pieris
Rhododendrons
Stachyurus species
Staphylea, Bladder nut
H19, I12, N17
Everywhere
Savill Glade
Everywhere
F17, E18, E21, E27, N21
E21
F17
G19, D20, N18, E19, F19
G24, H14, N17
D20
O13, E17, D19
E19
Everywhere
E17, E18, L21
F11/18, N16, E22
Everywhere
F18
E17/18, F17/18, N21
G24, E18, H11
E17, F22/23, O13
Flower
Flower
Flowers
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower:leaf
Flower:leaf
Flower
Flower
May
March–May
Jan–April
April/May
March/April
May
May
April/May
May
May/June
May
April
March/April
March/April
March–June
April/May
Feb:March
March:June
March/April
April/May
Clockwise from the
left: Magnolia, Maple,
Horse Chestnut
28
westonbirt
YOUR GARDENS Q&A
Pruning walnuts
‘A walnut tree, grown from a nut of a much older tree, is now
some 25 years old and starting to spread where its shade
is not appreciated. Even in winter a light
pruning results in a strong flow of sap
which takes a few weeks to heal. Is there
anything that would seal the open wounds?
If not, does it matter if the tree bleeds
copiously until it finally dries up?’
Yours sincerely,
Barry Marsh, Cardiff.
Dear Barry,
Westonbirt
Plant Centre
Staff at the Plant
Centre are always
happy to give
advice on the
cultural needs of
the plants we sell.
Open every day,
10am – 5pm. Tel:
01666 880554
Email: westonbirt
plantcentre@
forestry.gov.uk
I get many enquiries about
pruning trees that have become
too large for the space in which
they have been planted. It’s
easy to say that careful species
selection in the first place will
avoid the problem – but we’ve all
done it! Pruning to reduce size
or spread can be successful, but
it will need to be repeated, and
it’s best to do little and often
to avoid big pruning wounds.
Walnut trees have a habit of
‘bleeding’, particularly when
“Follow good pruning
practice to support the
tree’s natural ability to
occlude”
pruned between early spring and
mid summer. This is not usually
as damaging as it may appear
but it’s probably best to prune
them from mid to late summer
when sap flow is less. In the past,
wound treatments or sealants
were used in an effort to reduce
sap loss or to prevent fungal
infection. This is now generally
considered to be ineffective and is
not recommended. It’s far more
important to follow good pruning
practice to support the tree’s
natural ability to occlude the
wound quickly. So-called ‘target’
pruning, and taking care not to
leave stubs or bark rips, are all
important. For more advice, I
would recommend you obtain a
good book on the subject. Two
that spring to mind are:
●
●
The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs
and Conifers by George E.
Brown and Tony Kirkham
(Timber Press, 2004)
RHS Pruning and Training
by Christopher Brickell and
David Joyce (Dorling Kindersley
Publishers Ltd, 2003)
Simon Toomer, Curator. ■
westonbirt
29
SPRING ON-SITE NEWS
Rainfall Chart 2008
2008
2007
180
2006
160
30 year average (1971-2000)
Millimetres
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
CROSSWORD WINNER
M
L
B O T A
D
V
R E E D
E
C A R R
R
R O B I
M
N
L A R K
T
C
L I Z A
C
P
1
Congratulations to the
winner of our ‘Flora &
Fauna, but no Latin’
prize crossword from the
Winter 2009 magazine.
Pearl Foster has a choice
of £50 to spend on site or
Joint Adult Membership of
the Friends of Westonbirt
Arboretum.
Thank you to Roger Gorst
for devising the crossword
– apparently it was tougher
than last year’s. Check the
solution to find out how you
did!
2
7
9
11
15
20
23
12
16
E
S
N Y
H Y
E
R
B L U E
R
B
I O N
C
W
B
N
B U G
S
L
S P U R
U
U
RD
S T
S
H
3
4
8
10
13
14
17
19
24
M
I
S S O P
L
O
B E L L
A
U
R E S S
C
L O S S
A
D O C K
I
O
E E R S
S
N
5
6
18
21
22
westonbirt
31
FEATURE RARE RHODODENDRONS
Rare
RHODODEND
Beverley and Michael Lear uncover the historic hybrid
rhododendrons at Westonbirt Arboretum
32
westonbirt
Photos: Lear Associates
T
he treasures on show at
Westonbirt during May and
June may be less well-known
than other aspects of the
arboretum. Westonbirt has a
nationally important collection of
rhododendrons and in the past
few years we have been finding
out more about them.
“The vital discovery was that the acidic
greensand soils in the arboretum were
suitable for these lime-hating plants”
RONS
Troughs of
rhododendrons
awaiting identification
by Lear Associates.
THE HOLFORD PLANTINGS
The ornamental rhododendron
collections at Westonbirt began
in the 1860s when R.S.Holford
noted in his garden book
that one of the tracks in his
new arboretum was called
‘Rhododendron Drive’ (now
Main Drive). Importantly,
unlike other parts of the historic
estate which overlie limestone,
the discovery that the acidic
greensand soils in the arboretum
were suitable for the cultivation
of these lime-hating plants was a
vital step in realising the plantings
that we see today. Perhaps then,
it was as much a case of finding
suitable soils as being a follower
of horticultural fashion that
fuelled Robert Holford’s interest
in rhododendrons. Nonetheless,
by 1907 an article in Country Life
was able to report that ‘the
Rhododendrons, happily growing
in suitable soil, are of great
magnificence, and every kind is
represented’.
Robert Holford’s enthusiasm
was taken up by his son
westonbirt
33
the flowering season, they hope
to work with Simon Toomer
(Curator) and Sally Day (Plant
Records Officer and Archivist)
over the next few years so that
the collections can be better
labelled for visitors.
Rhododendron
‘Multimaculatum’ –
raised by A. Waterer
pre-1860. This hybrid
is derived mainly
from R. ponticum,
with the probable
addition of ‘blood’
from R. maximum and
R. caucasicum. Rarely
seen, its small starshaped flowers and
strong maroon blotch,
compact habit and
narrow leaves make it
one of the easier old
hybrids to identify.
The rhododendrons
at Westonbirt
begin flowering
in April and peak
throughout May.
34
westonbirt
and indeed, it is one of the
remarkable aspects of Westonbirt
that we know quite a lot about
the horticultural interests of
Sir George Holford and his
successor, the 4th Earl of Morley,
thanks to the attention that
they paid to recording the
plants. Yet whilst many of the
rhododendrons that they planted
have flourished and remain in the
garden today, over the years the
plant labels have disappeared,
HISTORIC REDISCOVERIES
Some interesting rediscoveries
have already been made,
including the distinctive salmon
red ‘Mrs R.S.Holford’ (see cover)
raised by John Waterer & Sons
Nursery in 1866 and the soft
lilac ‘Lady Grey Egerton’ from
Waterers in 1888 (named after
the wife of Robert Holford’s
friend, Sir Phillip Egerton, of
Oulton, Cheshire). But whilst
the genetic range of the very
earliest rhododendron hybrids
was limited, the introduction
of R.griffithianum (1850) and its
increasingly successful use as a
parent for new hybrids marked a
horticultural turning point from
the 1880s onwards. These early
“Over the years the plant labels have disappeared
... and it has become increasingly difficult to identify
the remaining plants”
and as the older rhododendron
varieties were superseded in the
nursery trade, it has become
increasingly difficult to identify
the remaining plants. To tackle
this, the Forestry Commission
contacted Lear Associates for
their experience in working on
old rhododendron gardens all
over the country, including the
Rothschild’s famous Exbury
Gardens. Since the majority
of rhododendrons can only be
confidently identified during
hybrids of R. griffithianum are a
great strength in the Westonbirt
collection, much admired
for their tree-like form and
magnificent scented white and
pale pink blooms.
Yet for decades the ambition
of horticulturalists was to
breed a rhododendron with
pure red flowers (without a
hint of purplish crimson) which
would be hardy in the British
climate. C.B. van Nes & Sons
Nursery best perfected the
Rhododendron ‘Trilby’
– sibling to the famous
‘Britannia’, ‘Trilby’
is scarcely seen and
it is thrilling to find
it growing so well at
Westonbirt.
We also found the
closely related ‘Mrs
C. B. van Nes’ and
‘Bulstrode Park’ but
it was the intense red
flowers of ‘Trilby’ that
really caught our eye.
westonbirt
35
‘Daphne Millais’
– a pretty pink
Rhododendron
griffithianum hybrid
from the C.B. van Nes
& Sons Nursery.
Graham Dennis,
volunteer at
the arboretum,
looks at two
books helpful
in identifying
rhododendrons
on page 58.
36
westonbirt
elusive red colour, combining it
with R. griffithianum to create
flowers of considerable size and
substance (but losing scent). It
is now clear that Westonbirt has
an excellent collection of van
Nes hybrids such as the famous
‘Britannia’, but also a range of
related siblings including ‘Trilby’,
‘Bulstrode Park’ and ‘Mrs C.B.
van Nes’ which are more rarely
seen. These coupled with pink
griffithianum hybrids with names
such as ‘Daphne Millais’ and
‘Barbara Wallace’ are enough
to make the rhododendron
enthusiast’s mouth water.
Their shape and colour have
the characteristics of a period
aesthetic quite unlike the modern
rhododendrons bred to suit
today’s smaller gardens. Not
only are these plants a hallmark
of garden taste during the late
Victorian and Edwardian era,
but they also reflect the social
connections of the Holfords
and the most significant period
of horticultural development at
Westonbirt.
CELEBRATING THE
COLLECTION
With the continuing support
of the Friends of Westonbirt
Arboretum, we hope to be able
to re-establish Westonbirt as a
nationally important reference
collection of rhododendrons
which people will visit, not just
Top finds so far
at Westonbirt
At the time of writing, just 148 out
of 825 listed rhododendron plants
have been researched.
Key highlights so far include:
to admire their beauty, but to
learn about the horticultural
enthusiasms and traditions that
have made our gardens what
they are today. Indeed, working
with the historical records
and plant lists, we hope to reidentify many of the arboretum’s
rhododendrons and to make
detailed taxonomic descriptions.
Meanwhile on a practical, if
optimistic front, we will be on
the look out for ‘Snuff Eye’!
Seven plants were received from
Waterers in 1916 so there is a very
good chance that at least one
survives somewhere, all we need
to do is work out where it is and
what it looks like – a task which
might be easier said than done! ■
■
Best collection of van Nes
hybrids, including the important
‘Britannia’ grex that were
introduced in the 1920s and
include ‘Trilby’, ‘Mrs C.B. van
Nes’ and ‘Bulstrode Park’
■
Excellent white R. arboreum
hybrids including ‘Duchess
of Portland’ and ‘Clivianum’
■
R. calophytum and
R. praevernum (possibly
of wild origin)
■
R. glischrum (probably from
seed collected by R. Farrer
in upper Burma in 1919)
■
The very rare R. arboreum
hybrid with R. fortunei called
‘Ernest Gill’ (pictured below).
westonbirt
37
Photos: Charlotte Uhlenbroek
CHARLOTTE UHLENBROEK WORDS WITH
CHARLOTTE
UHLENBROEK
Zoologist, presenter and writer, Dr Charlotte Uhlenbroek has been
obsessed with wildlife since childhood. Her first appearance on screen was
in a BBC programme about Gombe, Tanzania, where she spent four years
studying wild chimpanzees. She has since presented many series from
around the world – and has had some of her best and worst times up trees.
What do you find most
remarkable about chimpanzees?
The way they constantly surprise
you. Their behaviour is so
flexible and varied that you can
never be sure what you’ll see. At
Gombe, there was a little female
called Gaia, who one day started
carrying a rock around with her
like a doll – it was a completely
new behaviour that I’d never seen
before.
It must be hard not to get
attached to the animals you
work with.
You get very attached. At times
you feel like intervening, but you
have to keep your distance. I once
followed a group of chimps I knew
well into neighbouring territory.
They came across a lone male
and beat him up very badly. I
hated to see animals I cared about
behaving in this way. But you can’t
judge them by human standards.
You have to stay objective.
Charlotte Uhlenbroek,
sitting safely on a car
bonnet while curious
forest elephants try to
get on camera.
Interview by Jane Wisbey
Is it a coincidence that many top
primatologists are women?
There are some very good male
ones, too, though perhaps there
are relatively more women in
primatology than in other areas
of science. Women do make good
field biologists; they tend to have
the patience and be good at living
alone for long periods.
westonbirt
39
Photo: Charlotte Uhlenbroek
WORDS WITH CHARLOTTE UHLENBROEK
Right: In the lush
canopy of Thailand,
perched on a
sleeping platform
with cameraman
Simon Wagen.
The best and worst times I’ve had have
been up trees! I’m nervous of heights,
but it’s amazing being up in the canopy.
40
westonbirt
Has it been difficult maintaining
scientific credibility while
pursuing a TV career?
You seem most inspired by
animal behaviour. What about
the wider environment?
You should be able to explain
science in lively, simple terms
without losing accuracy. As
editor-in-chief of the recent book
Animal Life, I explored the latest
discoveries in animal behaviour
and worked closely with
scientists. There are so many
fantastic findings that I want
to be accessible to the general
public, so I need to keep one foot
in each camp.
I studied zoology and psychology
and am fascinated by animal
behaviour, but you can’t see an
animal in isolation, especially
if you care about its longterm survival. One of my first
memories, growing up in Nepal,
was finding out about the
hunting of musk deer for musk
oil. I was utterly shocked that
an animal could be hunted to
extinction in this way.
Photo: James Aldred www.canopyaccess.co.uk
Above: An Everest Trek
at 12 years old.
in the world) in Borneo, I had
to fight my fear all the way up.
For my new TV series, I have
to climb into the nests of an
orangutan and a chimpanzee.
Photo: James Aldred www.canopyaccess.co.uk
Have you ever feared for your life?
What’s the greatest challenge
of living in tropical forests?
In a primary rainforest, the
biggest challenge is getting things
dry – finding a patch of sunlight
that will stay for more than
30 seconds. It’s also very easy
to get lost. The environment is
so intense, and it can be very
disorientating.
Do you miss your creature
comforts?
I take a few things with me
that make life a little more
comfortable – a flask for a cup
of tea, some sort of music and
some snacks. I once spent more
than two weeks deep in the
Congo rainforest with nothing
of my own (my luggage went
missing). It wasn’t great, but I
survived.
Once, when I encountered a
forest elephant. She charged,
stopped and then came on. I was
on foot doing a piece to camera.
I ran, turned and screamed at
her, then managed to reach the
trees where the rest of the crew
were. It was in an area where
elephants are poached, so they
don’t like humans much.
Left: Perched
uncomfortably up a
very tall (250ft / 80m)
mengaris tree in the
Borneo jungle.
Our countryside must seem
tame. Do you have any favourite
haunts?
The woods at the back of my
house, just south of Bristol, are
wonderful. There are badgers,
foxes, owls, buzzards. I love to
watch the seasons go by. What’s
nice about somewhere really
familiar is that you can notice all
the small changes as they happen.
What next?
I’m working on a four-part
TV series on primates. It’s an
intimate view of four different
groups, all of which are new to
me. After that, who knows? I
don’t look too far ahead.
What’s your dream animal
encounter?
How do you feel about climbing
trees?
A snow leopard would have to be
top of my list. ■
The best and worst times I’ve
had have been up trees! I’m
very nervous of heights, but it’s
amazing being in the canopy.
When I climbed an 80-metre
mengaris (one of the tallest trees
Animal Life by Charlotte
Uhlenbroek (Dorling Kindersley,
2008)
New four-part TV series on
primates (Five, March 2009)
Jane Wisbey,
former deputy
editor of
BBC Wildlife
Magazine, has
spent more
than 20 years
studying,
photographing
and writing about
the natural world
and the people
shaping it.
westonbirt
41
FEATURE ECO-FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS
Happy Holidays!
From tipis and yurts to cottages and cabins, there are many fun and eco-friendly
places to stay in the UK. We hope you find some inspiration here!
Cabin in the woods
Relax on a back-to-nature break, with all the comforts of home
Forest Holidays offer weekends and weeks away in unique luxury cabins
on Forestry Commission maintained land. In 2009, there will be six sites
across the UK in North Yorkshire, Scotland and Cornwall. Immerse yourself
in forest-based activities such as cycling trails and ranger-led walks; watch
deer, badgers and moths; and enjoy wildflower walks and fungus forays.
OFFER: 10% off cabin bookings at off-peak times, quote FHWB09 on the
phone number below only. Offer valid until 30th June 2009.
Prices start from £136 for a Silver Birch cabin and £154 for a Golden Oak cabin.
www.forestholidays.co.uk Reservations and bookings: 0845 130 8223
in
Cabins all
Cornw
Wild at Heart in Scotland
Stretch your legs and refresh your mind with an eco-holiday
tailor-made for you
odges
Tulloch L
Explore the vast beaches, tumbling rivers and majestic mountains of
north-east Scotland. Discover wild places, wild animals and wild foods;
traditional arts & crafts; stories round the campfire and much more. Try a
Dolphin Discovery Day, family break, yoga in nature, conservation holiday
or another of our memorable experiences to reconnect you with nature.
OFFER: 10% off all bookings for 2009, when you quote The Westonbirt Magazine.
Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.
www.wildatheart-ecoholidays.com tel: 01309 674768 or 07590 832919
Top accolades for Trelowarren
Enjoy a five-star stay at the ‘Best Place to Stay in Britain’
d
Helfor
42
R iver
westonbirt
The 1,000-acre estate, close to the Helford River, is one of Europe’s top
five botanical sites. Accommodation includes five restored cottages,
four houses converted from a barn and eight new eco-houses. A vast
woodchip boiler, fuelled by coppicing from the estate, heats the
houses and an outdoor swimming pool. The objective for Trelowarren
is to become carbon-neutral and self-sufficient. Dogs welcome!
OFFER: 10% off tariff for full weeks booked between 21 Feb–1 May, 5 Sept–17 Oct
and 31 Oct–19 Dec, when you quote The Westonbirt Magazine.
Trelowarren, Mawgan, Helston, Cornwall TR12 6AF
www.trelowarren.com tel: 01326 222105
ECO-FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS FEATURE
Go eco-chic in the Yorkshire Dales
Idyllic breaks in contemporary lodges made of timber and local stone
With 54 acres of stunning woodland and meadows, there’s plenty to do and lots of
wildlife to discover. Family activities nearby include biking, horseriding, caving and
ballooning, whilst couples will love the secluded, luxurious properties.
OFFER: two nights from £360 for up to six guests* with a third night free when
you quote The Westonbirt Magazine. Offer valid until 30th June 2009**.
Eco -lo
*based on low season dates **excludes high season dates (see website)
dge in
the Da
To book call 0161 242 2970 or visit www.naturalretreats.com
les
Mongolian yurts on Bodmin Moor
Run free range on this organic family farm, with all of nature at hand
South Penquite Farm is a 200-acre working organic farm with a huge range of
activities on offer. Perfect for letting children explore the natural features of
Bodmin Moor and for discovering more about wildlife and the environment. Field
studies and school trips also offered. Soil Association demonstration holding.
OFFER: 5% off bookings, when you quote The Westonbirt Magazine.
www.southpenquite.co.uk or call Dominic and Cathy Fairman on 01208 850491
The Barton family
enjoy South Penquit
e’s
roomy yurt
Test out a tipi in Powys
On the southern border of Snowdonia, the 3-tipi campsite is set on
the quiet wooded hillside above the party venue and workshops
Shelters Unlimited are a ten-minute walk from the Centre for Alternative
Technology; near to some of the best cycle tracks in Wales; a 20-minute drive from
sandy beaches and 15 minutes from the famous Cader Idris mountain walks.
The tipis have been made on-site from local spruce and can be comfortably
furnished. Shelters Unlimited also make tipis and Bedouin tents to order.
www.tipis.co.uk email: info@tipis.co.uk tel: 01654 761720
Tipi in
Pow y
s
Deepdale Farm, Norfolk
Escape from the smog and rat race of the cities to the beaches
and countryside of the beautiful north Norfolk coast
Deepdale Farm is an award-winning, eco-friendly holiday site in an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. They offer self-catering accommodation, private
ensuite rooms, tipis, camping, group hostel, dorm beds – all of which are open
Boats at
all year.
Burnham
All the facilities you need are on the doorstep, including a café, information
centre, supermarket, shops, walking and hiking, cycling, watersports and kiting.
For bookings, visitor information and general enquiries:
www.deepdalefarm.co.uk email: info@deepdalefarm.co.uk tel: 01485 210256
westonbirt
43
JAPAN FEATURE
A JAPANESE
ADVENTURE
All photos: Simon Toomer
The Tree Team from Westonbirt Arboretum
go wild seed collecting
by Mark Ballard, Operations Supervisor, Westonbirt Arboretum
JAPAN AT WESTONBIRT
Westonbirt has a long association
with maples, and particularly
Japanese maples which form the
backbone of our autumn colour.
We hold the National Collection
of Japanese Maples with more
than 300 different cultivars and
we have aspirations to be one of
the most comprehensive maple
collections in the world.
Japan is one of the richest
centres of diversity for
maples, with 23 wild taxa
(species, sub-species, etc).
Although most of these are held
in our collection, they are often
represented by single accessions
or are very old and lack detailed
plant records to relate them to
their origins. Japan also has a
very rich woody flora, including
many plants identified in our
Accession Policy as important
The Golden Pavillion
at Rokuon-Ji Temple in
Kyoto.
Mark Ballard,
Dr Toshiya Yoshida,
Dr Yukio Akibayashi
and Penny Jones at
Daisetsuzan NP.
westonbirt
45
FEATURE JAPAN
Penny Jones and
Dr Hiro Mizunaga
inspecting an
Acer carpinifolium.
Can you tell the
difference between
Acer pictum (left) and
Acer pictum var. mayrii
(right)?
46
westonbirt
for the scientific, educational and
botanical future of the collection.
A LONG RIDE NORTH
I was accompanied on the trip
by Simon Toomer (Curator) and
Penny Jones (Propagator). We
flew to Tokyo on 23 October
2008, and almost immediately
boarded an overnight train to
the northern island of Hokkaido.
After a 20-hour journey, we
were met by our first hosts from
Hokkaido University Forests –
Dr Toshiya Yoshida of the Field
Science Centre for Northern
Biosphere and Dr Yukio
Akibayashi of the Boreal Forest
Conservation Research.
After travelling so far, it
was a relief to get down to
the business in hand and
visit the Uryu Experimental
Forest and Tree Breeding
Station. This mountainous
area with mixed forest
(175-900 metres altitude)
is classed as a cool temperate
zone. The main forestry objective
here shifted in 1995 from timber
production to research projects,
natural forest restoration and
landscape management.
We spent a great first day
getting to grips with the diverse
range of trees and shrubs – as
well as seed collecting. For
anyone who hasn’t experienced
it, seed collecting is the scientific
version of a treasure hunt.
Every now and then someone
will shout excitedly that they’ve
found something, and everyone
else rushes along to see what
they’ve got. Depending on the
outcome, bags and notebooks
may be dragged out and the
seed gathered and logged in the
collection book. Our hosts were
somewhat puzzled by this to
begin with, but soon joined in
enthusiastically!
On that first day we bagged
21 new accessions, including Acer
pictum var. mayrii, Tilia japonica
and Magnolia obovata. It soon
became apparent that Yukio was
a good botanist, and although
– like most of our hosts – he
was more comfortable with local
Japanese, rather than botanical
Latin names, his help with plant
identification was invaluable.
TO THE LIMIT
We were up early the next
morning for the long trip to
Teshio Experimental Forest,
the northernmost research site.
The region has
been influenced by
glacial action and
comprises low hills
ranging from 20580 metres. Strong
winds dominate
from winter to
spring. Our first
stop was a riparian forest where
we collected seed including
Betula maximowicziana and
Cercidiphyllum japonicum from
a very impressive trackside tree.
Luckily Toshiya and Yukio lent
us long-handled pruners to reach
some of the loftier species. Then
you have to find the seed that
floats down into the grass!
On the third day we travelled
to Daisetsuzan National Park,
the largest in Japan and known
by the indigenous Ainu people
as ‘the playground of the
gods’. A chain of snow-capped
mountains, including active
volcanoes, dominates the area.
At this altitude we saw the first
early signs of autumn colour,
known in Japan as Momeji.
The spectacular landscape and
interesting native plants made for
a great day.
KYOTO GARDENS AND
TOKYO FORESTS
Our whistle-stop tour took
us to Kyoto, where we met Jin
Kobyashi, a recent arboriculture
student at Kew and Westonbirt.
We visited wonderful tea gardens,
rock gardens, water gardens
and Zen gardens, and gained a
real insight into their particular
components and design styles
Thankfully changing transport,
we cycled to the Kyoto Botanical
Garden, where we brushed-up
on our newly acquired local plant
knowledge.
A bullet train
or two later
and we reached
Ogawa Forest
A zen garden’s neatly
raked gravel and
carefully positioned
stone islands.
Dr Masaki with a
500-year-old sugi
(Cryptomeria japonica)
at a forest temple.
“long-handled
pruners came in
handy for reaching
the loftier species.
Then you have to
find the seed that
floats down into
the grass!”
westonbirt
47
FEATURE JAPAN
Various kinds of plastic and
breathable bags are used to keep
the humidity about right, and
every night everything has to
be unpacked to check it’s OK.
Fridges intended for cooling saki
came in handy for seed storage!
A Kyoto temple garden
water feature, enhanced
by Simon, Penny and
Jin Kobyashi.
The famous
Shinkansen bullet train.
Thank you
Friends!
A big thank
you goes to
the Friends
of Westonbirt
Arboretum for
kindly providing
the funding for
this expedition.
We are also
grateful to all of
our very generous
hosts in Japan.
48
westonbirt
Reserve, north of Tokyo, where
Dr Masaki of the Forestry &
Forest Products Research
Institute provided expert
guidance for the next three
days. Here grows a Pacific-type
beech forest, surrounded by
secondary deciduous broadleaf
forest, sugi (Cryptomeria japonica)
plantations and grasslands.
Highlights included a night in a
traditional house and collecting
Acer distylum and Cornus kousa
seed, two valuable species.
WEST AND BACK AGAIN
West across the mountains
towards the coast is Mount
Naeba Experimental Beech
Forest where a natural
regeneration project is underway.
We collected many seeds here
including Acer palmatum subsp.
amoenum and Magnolia salicifolia.
Like many others during the
trip, the evening was spent
cleaning, logging and packaging
seed. Seed with berries must
be cleaned to stop it rotting
while dry seed has to be kept
from drying out too much!
SOUTH TO MOUNT FUJI
Yet more trains took us to
a rendezvous with our final
hosts – Dr Hiro Mizunaga of
the Division of Forest Science
at Shizuoka University and his
student Mizuki Fujishima. Dr
Mizunaga kindly led a field trip
to show us the management and
ecological rehabilitation of forests
at the foot of Mount Fuji. Here
the diversity was truly amazing;
we counted over 40 different trees
and shrubs in no time, including
Acer diabolicum and Stewartia
monodelpha. We travelled up
Mount Fuji and witnessed
spectacular views through gaps
in the cloud, still 1,000 metres
from the summit.
On the last leg, we set off
with Mizuki for the forests
at Nakakawane. They are
spectacular – huge dry riverbeds,
steep gorges, and dense forest
clinging to the mountain sides.
Taichi Fujikawa, a local forest
officer, led us to the best sites
and we found many accessions,
including Acer carpinifolium and
Acer argutum. In the extreme
terrain, we did our best to keep
up with Taichi, but suspect that
he is half mountain goat! ■
holfordiana
Visit our website: www.fowa.org.uk Telephone: 01666 880148
or call in at the Great Oak Hall
Get involved!
friends of westonbirt arboretum
Contents
54 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Photo: Forestry Commission
Come along and have your say
Meet the Trustees and fellow Friends
55 VOTE FOR YOUR TRUSTEES
Trustee positions are becoming available soon
56 PROJECT REPORT
Where your money has been put to work
As a member of Westonbirt Arboretum you are automatically a ‘Friend’.
The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum charity was formed in 1985 to support
Westonbirt Arboretum in promoting awareness of the crucial role of trees.
Named after Robert Holford (1808-1892) original creator of the arboretum,
Holfordiana is where you can read about Trustee activities, membership developments
and the work of the volunteers and specialist groups at the arboretum.
westonbirt
53
HOLFORDIANA AGM 2009
Annual General
Meeting 2009
Notice is hereby given that the 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Friends of
Westonbirt Arboretum will be held on Saturday 25 April 2009 at 10.30 am in
the Great Oak Hall.
AGENDA
1. Apologies
2. Minutes of 22nd Annual General Meeting to be
received and adopted
3. Matters arising from the above minutes
4. Chairman’s Report 2008
5. Report and Accounts 2008
Adoption of Accounts
Re-election of Auditors of Friends’ Accounts
6. Election to the Board of Trustees
(see opposite)
7. Adoption of Membership Subscriptions for year beginning
1 February 2010. Proposed: Adult £29, Joint Adult £55,
Concession £24, Joint Concession £46.
(Current: £28, £53, £23, £44.)
8. AOB
Coffee will be served.
© _bbkijhWj[Z
jWba
Trains, Planes
and Japanese
Maples
12 noon,
Great Oak Hall
Mark Ballard,
Penny Jones and
Simon Toomer
will give a talk
with slides about
their recent wild
seed collecting
expedition to
Japan. (See page
45 for a write-up
of their trip.)
PETER BUCKLEY
The Charity Trustees were shocked and saddened
to hear of the untimely death of Peter Buckley.
Peter was a Patron of the Friends of Westonbirt
Arboretum as well as President of the RHS
and involved with many other committees. Our
thoughts and condolences are with his family.
Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum
■
President
Christopher Brickell CBE
■
Patrons
HRH The Duchess
of Cornwall
Jonathan Dimbleby
Henry Elwes Ld.Lt
54
westonbirt
Robin Herbert CBE
Peregrine Pollen
Hon Beth Rothschild
Sir Crispin Tickell
GCMG, KCVO
■
Vice Presidents
Roger Busby CBE
Tom Hall
Les Pearce
TRUSTEE ELECTION HOLFORDIANA
Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum
TRUSTEE ELECTION
T
Would you
like to become
wj{{U[w
c`DZww
charity@fowa.org.uk
hree trustees retire annually by rotation. Sue Bradley-Jones and
Ron Manuel are seeking re-election. David Evans our Treasurer
and Peter Houlton are retiring – we are actively seeking new trustees
including one with financial experience.
One new nominee, Philip Brown, has come forward. Brief
information on the three nominees is given below.
Sue Bradley-Jones
Philip Brown
Background in garden design.
Regular visitor to Westonbirt
Arboretum for many years. Became
a volunteer guide 12 years ago, with
a special interest in the history of
the arboretum. Now also a guide
for the Holford Heritage Tour at Westonbirt School. Became
a Board member in 2003 as coordinator of FOWA events. If
re-elected, I will continue to be involved in organising these
events, and to contribute generally to FOWA’s vital role in
conserving and developing this unique site.
With a
background
in business
consultancy and
management,
I am a relative
newcomer to Westonbirt. Living in Bristol
I am now a regular visitor and a member.
My charity experience includes three
years as Operations Director of a music
therapy charity where, working with the
Trustees, we increased its turnover 34%
and moved it into surplus.
I have a broad range of
Ron Manuel
management skills, including
Served for approximately 25 years in aircraft
financial management, and would
industry, both construction and maintenance,
be delighted to assist the Friends
before becoming Ground Safety Officer with a
if they feel my experience would
major international airline.
prove useful to them. My personal
Joined insurance industry as liability
belief is that it is vitally important
surveyor, with particular expertise in the
to keep our open spaces secure
aircraft industry, and subsequently trained in liability matters within
and to carry on the heritage for
the timber and woodworking industries. Retired in 2002. Current
our children.
interests include voluntary work with Westonbirt Arboretum, the
Willow Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support. Awarded Macmillan
Chairman’s Medal in 2001 for service to charity.
■ j{{
Jenny Alcock
Sue Bradley-Jones
Roger Busby CBE
(Deputy Chairman)
David Evans
(Treasurer)
Peter Gobbett
Margaret Headen
Peter Houlton
(Vice Chairman)
John Kendall
Ron Manuel
Malcolm Potter
Hugh Purkess
Stephen Segar
(Chairman)
Karen Thornton
Mike Westgate
westonbirt
55
HOLFORDIANA FRIENDS PROJECT REPORT
FRIENDS PROJECT
REPORT 2008
by Peter Houlton, Chairman of the Projects Committee
O
nce again it gives me great pleasure to report
on the Friends’ support of the 2008 projects for
Westonbirt Arboretum. We have committed and spent
a total of nearly £196,000 this year.
Our support to all the major areas has increased
– that is: £68,000 to tree-related projects; £90,500 to
education (children and adult) and interpretation; and
£18,500 to visitor experience enhancement. The details
of individual projects can be found in the table.
VISITING JAPAN
We have supported two separate,
and very important, visits this
year to Japan – one by Hugh
Angus, Head of Collections at
Westonbirt, to attend the Maple
Symposium; and the other by
Simon Toomer, Penny Jones and
Mark Ballard to collect seed for
the Westonbirt collection (see
page 45 in this magazine).
Top right: Silk Wood
Barn, without its roof
shingles Below: The
Tree Team in Japan,
‘capturing’ wild seed.
56
westonbirt
BUILDING RESOURCES AT
HOME
One exciting and very visible
project, undertaken during
2008, was the build of Silk Wood
Craft Barn. Funding from the
Friends totalled £13,700 – but
the hard work of the Forestry
Commission staff, volunteers,
tutors and students on the
week-long course has created a
structure of immeasurable value
to the arboretum.
The barn is a focal point
within Silk Wood for many
different craft-related courses
and educational activities. The
building of the barn exemplifies
what can be achieved by
everyone working for the
enhancement of Westonbirt and
to benefit visitors of all ages.
The barn construction and
raising has been shown on BBC’s
Countryfile programme, which
again enhanced the profile of this
wonderful arboretum.
TWO MILLION POUNDS!
Since the Friends of Westonbirt
Arboretum was formed in 1985,
we have given over £2 million to
projects, and held an appeal that
raised £330,000 for the build of
the Great Oak Hall.
This support has served to
improve and enhance Westonbirt
for everyone. ■
FRIENDS PROJECT REPORT HOLFORDIANA
“Since 1985, the Friends have given
over £2 million to arboretum projects”
Table of expenditure for 2008
Title
Heading
£
Student/work experience bursary
Tree maintenance work by contractors
Woodland contract tree work
Friends Volunteer Supervisor
Total Trees
Tree Team
Tree Team
Tree Team
Tree Team
18,000
21,000
20,000
9,000
68,000
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Education support programme
Library books
Education/Interpretation Officer
Family events programme
Quarterly newsletter and seasonal guide
Signage development and maintenance
Interpretation development
Total Education & Interpretation
Education
and Interpretation
7,000
500
25,000
3,000
15,000
20,000
20,000
90,500
12
13
14
Visitor Services items
Maintenance of Exploratree
Santa experience
Total Visit Enhancement
Visitor Services
Visitor Services
Events
9,000
3,500
6,000
18,500
15
16
Forestry Commission travel bursary
Silk Wood Craft Barn
Miscellaneous
Education
5,000
13,700
1
2
3
4
Total funds committed in 2008
195,700
westonbirt
57
BOOK REVIEWS RHODODENDRONS
Book Reviews
By Graham Dennis, Volunteer, Westonbirt Arboretum
Rhododendrons & Azaleas – A Colour Guide
By Kenneth Cox; published by The Crowood Press at £29.95, 240 pages
Although the rhododendron genus ranges from trees to small
mat-forming shrubs, it has an image problem as a gloomy
plant with boring foliage topped by pink-purple flowers,
and really only suitable for ‘woodland’ or large gardens.
This book helps to dispel such misconceptions. Mr Cox,
as plant collector and third-generation nurseryman at
Glendoick Gardens, reveals the extraordinary diversity of
this immense genus, covering all the temperate species
(considered by some as the ‘real thing’) in cultivation,
Reader Offer
thousands of cultivars and hybrids, and the many subFor a 20% discount,
shop online at
tropical species now becoming better known in cultivation.
www.crowoodpress.co.uk or
The descriptive text for each plant is informative, not overtelephone 01672 520320
concise, and is accompanied by photographs of the flowers
and quote ‘Westonbirt
hinting at their crystalline texture and resulting colour clarity.
Magazine’.
Cultural issues are dealt with comprehensively, with numerous
observations of practical value (even ‘Pests and Diseases’, a
tedious read in many books, might engage the reader!) I would like to
have seen photographs indicating the plants’ growth habits and general
outline, and few would agree that azalea ‘Hinomayo’ has flowers of
‘strong purplish-pink’ – but these are small points. Described as an
encyclopaedia, the book appears to be the first thorough survey of the
genus within a single volume and it contains much more of real interest.
Recommended, not only to keen gardeners who are unfamiliar
with these tantalizing plants and want to know more, but also to
experienced rhododendron growers who will find good reading here.
Hardy Rhododendron Species: A Guide to Identification
By J McCullen; published by Timber Press at £35, 496 pages
As one of the principal researchers into the rhododendron genus at the Royal
Botanical Garden Edinburgh, Mr Cullen has an unrivalled knowledge of these
plants, and this is a near-definitive guide to identification of the hardy species
in general cultivation. Apart from a discussion of classification of the genus, it
does not venture beyond issues of identification so
Reader Offer
it is, essentially, a technical work. Inclusion
Order Hardy Rhododendron
of several identification approaches
Species for the special price of £28
is valuable, one is sure to work if another fails. The
plus free p&p in UK mainland.
text is supplemented (though too sparsely) by close-up
Quote ref HR409.
photographs of the flowers. For most readers, a book only
Call Grantham Book Services on 01476
for occasional consultation.
541080 or email orders@bs.tbs-ltd.co.uk
Offer expires 29 May 2009.
58
westonbirt
ELDERFLOWER BAVAROIS RECIPE
Elderflower Bavarois by Rory Lijertwood, Head Chef
at Maples Restaurant, Westonbirt Arboretum
Serves 8
INGREDIENTS
3 heads of elderflower
450ml (3/4 pint) full fat milk
4 eggs, separated
125g (4oz) caster sugar
11g (0.4oz) leaf gelatine
150ml (1/4 pint ) double cream
■ Rinse
a 1.5 litre mould with cold water
and shake out the excess. Pour the
mixture into the mould, smooth down
the top and cover with a slightly oiled
sheet of greaseproof paper. Leave to set
fully in the fridge (about 4-5 hours).
METHOD
■ Bring
the elderflowers and milk slowly
to the boil, turn off the heat, cover and
leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
■ Meanwhile,
whisk the egg yolks with
3oz (85g) caster sugar until thick, pale
and creamy. Soak the gelatine leaves in
cold water for at least 5 minutes.
■ To
loosen the mould, dip it into hot
water for about 5-10 seconds if metal,
and 15-30 seconds if china. Run a
knife around the edges and invert on
to a serving plate. Give it a firm shake
and listen to the satisfying plop as the
bavarois drops out onto the plate. If no
plop is heard, you may need to repeat
the whole process.
Send your own tree-related recipes to
editor@thewestonbirtmagazine.org.uk
and they may appear on this page!
Spring Recipe
■ Boil the milk again, strain through a
fine sieve and pour slowly over the egg
yolks, whisking constantly. Place the bowl
over a pan of simmering water, and make
sure the bowl does not touch the water.
Stir until the custard thickens
enough to coat the back
of a spoon, then
lift off the heat.
One by one, shake
the gelatine leaves
clear of water and
stir into the hot
custard. Leave to cool until tepid
and beginning to thicken.
■ Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks
are formed. Add the remaining sugar, then
whisk until stiff and glossy. Fold into the
custard. Leave in the fridge until beginning
to set. Whip the cream and fold in.
westonbirt
59
Spring has Sprung!
New life is emerging all around you – buds are forming on the trees,
shoots are pushing up through the grass, animals are more active and
birds are nest-building! Join in the Westonbirt events below and discover
more about spring.
April
Call 01666 880148 or visit our website at
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-families
for further information about events.
ggtas
Easter E
enge
tic Chall
l
y 10 Apri
ggs
6 – Frida
that lay e
s
Monday
re
tu
a
e
cr
e
th
d
a
n
E ster
fi
Can you
solve our
Can you
t?
ir
b
n
in
o
k
a g
at West
join in m
one can
ry
ve
E
?
n
le
o Centre
ridd
e Educati
Easter
afts in th
cr
r
e
st
n
a
e ter the
E
day AND
e
th
t
u
o
h
throug
w.
Prize Dra
+
4
s
e
g
A
– 4pm
on
10.30am
r admissi
child afte
r
e
p
0
£2.0
Wild Woodland Walks
Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 Apri
l
With spring in full swing, vent
ure out
with us and discover the sens
ory secrets
of Westonbirt. Use your own
senses to
explore our trail and join in som
e crafts.
Ages 4+
10.30am – 4pm, with activity
walks
at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm
Free after admission
May
Survival of the Fittest
Tuesday 26 – Thursday 28 May
Join our celebration of the 200th
anniversary of Charles Darwin and
150th anniversary of his book, The
Species. Discover the weapons,
Origin of Species
poisons, chemicals, fireproofing and
other incredible tactics that some of
Westonbirt’s trees have evolved in order
to survive.
10.30 – 4.30pm
Great Oak Hall
Free after admission
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westonbirt
61
THE TREE HOUSE SPRING
Follow the Spring Trail G`mcr
%KPKSSSBKNAOPNUCKRQG
SAOPKJ>ENPB=IEHEAO
Click on ‘Family play and other facilities’ then click on
‘seasonal play booklets’ for a spring booklet full of
activity ideas.
■ Click on ‘Family Trails’ for the Who lives at Westonbirt?
quiz trail.
Other trails and activities will be appearing on the website
as spring progresses.
■
WHOSE EGG IS WHOSE?
Can you help these birds find their eggs? Draw a line to join them up
and ask a grown-up if you got it right – or ask them to read the answers
at the bottom of this page!
Visit the ‘touch
tables’ in our
Education Centre
and gaze through
the Bird Room’s
viewing window
to see birds
close up. Open
every weekend
and during
school holidays,
and after 3pm
Monday-Friday
during term time.
!
"
#
$
%
The BeeÔs Knees
A buzzing website for all sorts of craft, games
and amazing facts. Here’s one: every tomato you
eat was pollinated by a busy bee.
No bees = no tomatoes = no baked beans.
Gasp!
SSS>QI>HA>AA?KJOANR=PEKJPNQOP?KQGGE@ODPI
62
ÒmÓ
Dxdr
westonbirt
Answers: Whose egg is whose?
A+4 (Robin); B+3 (Goose);
C+5 (Mallard); D+1 (Wren);
E+2 (Blackbird)
With the fresh growth of spring leaves it can be tricky to spot the animals
that make Westonbirt their home – but if you can’t see them,
why not don your detective cap and look for the clues they leave
behind?
8FTUPOCJSU
XFCDPNNVOJUZ
WESTONBIRT
JOINS
FACEBOOK
Started on 26 January 2009 by Westonbirt Arboretum,
there were 11 people by the end of day one! Join up to
see who else is a fan of Westonbirt and share your
photographs, videos, thoughts and ideas…
}SSSB=?A>KKG?KI
Well done to everyone who entered the
Westonbirt Poster Competition. The judges
were so impressed that they chose TWO
winners and commended a further THREE!
!KJCN=PQH=PEKJO to Yasmin
Meddour, aged 7 and to Poppy Williams,
aged 4. They each received a camera from
Westonbirt School, sponsors of the competition.
The commended posters, also shown here,
were by Georgina Ashley, Jessica Blacklock and
Nathan Conroy-Stoker.
All the posters can be viewed at an online
gallery, www.westonbirtgalleries.com
The online gallery is interactive – you can
print off your own poster and upload new
artwork or photographs. Give it a try!
commended
Nathan Conroy-Stoker
Jessica Blacklock
commended
}SSSSAOPKJ>ENPC=HHANEAO?KI
runner-up
commended
Georgina Ashley
Poppy Williams
winner
Yasmin Meddour
Print your poster
westonbirt
63
SPRING 2009
CONTENTS
EVENTS HOLFO
in the next issue
SUMMER 2009
Other
Hugh Angus
reports on
the 3rd Maple
Symposium
© Peter
Higginbotham,
uncovers a bit
of ‘Texas’ ©
Find out what
you can see on
a Westonbirt
Heritage Tour
August is packed with imaginative
activities for children – discover
Fabulous Fibres, meet the true
tree Ents and have a go at
making your own wood products.
Alternatively, bring along a picnic
and spend a summer’s day exploring
the arboretum at leisure. Take time
for the Summer Trails and enjoy
the freedom of Silk Wood and the
formal beauty of the Old Arboretum.
Follow the highlights from the WOW!
Board outside the Great Oak Hall
and make your own trail. Look out for
details of the annual Festival of the
Tree – yes, still FREE to Friends of
Westonbirt Arboretum.
You’ll find the summer trail map
within the magazine and a unique
Friends’ trail as Hugh Angus, Head
of Collections,
leads us in
Campanula
search of
patula
Robinia species.
As the Forestry
Commission’s research into climate
change continues, find out which of
Westonbirt’s valuable species may
be at risk in the future – Dr Richard
Jinks, Forest Research, explains
some of his findings.
Forest Gardens – what exactly are
they? Where are they? Gail McKenzie
sheds light on this intriguing, evolving
practice that aims to be biologically
sustainable and productive.
Rosemary Westgate, Volunteer
Guide, reports on one very special
wildflower, Campanula patula
(pictured above).
westonbirt
Photo: Mike Westgate
Photos: Forestry Commission
The big events at Westonbirt Arboretum this summer
will be the concerts – ticket sales already reflect this year’s
Mcf ly
popular performers: Paul Weller, Simply Red, Mcfly
and Vanessa Mae. Look out for a Friends’
ticket competition in the magazine!
65
LAST LEAF
Sarah Wilkinson is the first
Climate Change Interpretation
Officer for Forestry Commission
England. Based at Westonbirt,
her location reflects well on the
arboretum’s increasingly leading
role in climate change.
Sarah is delighted to be here:
‘Westonbirt is an amazing place to
work, and I’m looking forward to
seeing it throughout the seasons.’
INTERPRETING
CLIMATE CHANGE
C
limate change is in the news
all the time, but we rarely
hear about the important role
that forests and trees can have
in reducing the impact of climate
change, and in helping us adapt
to it. My job is to communicate
these messages here at
Westonbirt – and nationally
across the other Forestry
Commission sites.
IN A NUTSHELL
Trees remove carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere and store
it as carbon, making our forests
huge carbon reservoirs. Wellmanaged forests and woodlands
can provide us with wood that
we can use as a product (for
example, in construction or
66
westonbirt
as fuel) while at the same time
absorbing more carbon from
the atmosphere through new
growth. For example, Silk
Wood Barn is a carbon store,
locking away carbon until it
decomposes.
PRACTICAL STEPS AT
WESTONBIRT
A large part of my role is to
develop visitor information about
climate change. I began by finding
out what our visitor’s perceptions
were about climate change – read
more on page 21.
Over the next few months
look out for new climate change
information in the seasonal trails,
outside the restaurant and in Silk
Wood Barn… ■
seasonal
trail map spring
JOIN A FRIEND
AT WESTONBIRT
GREAT VALUE MEMBERSHIP available NOW lasting up to 31st January 2010.
Join on the day you visit and we will deduct £5 (just show us your entry ticket).
GIFT MEMBERSHIP also available NOW lasting up to 31st January 2010.
Treat your friends and family, and support Westonbirt Arboretum!
As a member, you are automatically a Friend of Westonbirt Arboretum (FOWA).
The Friends charity supports many projects within the arboretum. A gift of
membership allows you to share your passion and make an extra contribution
to the tree collections and their environment.
© Adult Single £28
© Adult Joint £53
© Children aged 18 or under are FREE (accompanied by an adult member)
© Life membership and concessions available
HOW TO JOIN
■
■
■
■
Fill in a membership form at the Great Oak Hall (10am – 4pm)
Call us on 01666 880148
Download an application form at www.fowa.org.uk
Membership also includes FREE admission to many other gardens*,
currently including:
Batsford Arboretum, Glos © Bedgebury National Pinetum, Kent
© Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses © Kew at Castle
Howard © National Botanic Gardens of Wales © Polly Hill Arboretum,
Massachusetts, USA © RHS Harlow Carr, Yorkshire © RHS Hyde Hall,
Essex © RHS Rosemoor, Devon © RHS Wisley, Surrey © Royal Botanic
Garden Edinburgh © Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, Surrey © Royal
Botanical Gardens Wakehurst Place, West Sussex.
*At the discretion of the owner and subject to review or cancellation.
BENEFITS
FREE admission every
day until 31st Jan 2010
■ FREE admission to the
Festival of the Tree
■ FREE admission to Kew*
■ FREE admission to
RHS gardens*
■ FREE walks and talks
■ FREE quarterly magazine
■ Valuable support for this
national tree collection
■ Natural play areas
■ Volunteering
■ Dogs welcome in
Silk Wood
■

Spring 2009 - Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

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