Batsford Arboretum News & Events
Childrens Batsford Bug Hunt
This years Summer holiday hunt. Throughout August there will be 250 giant bugs hidden in the arboretum. All your children have to do is find them. Each one you find is worth £1. The more you find the bigger your reward! Good luck!
Henry & Me
This morning we parked the car on the car park and after putting Henry on his lead we walked up to look at the new building work. We could see where the new car park was being constructed and the new developement project was taking place. One of the builders told us that the heating for the building will come from the ground. A ground source heating system is being installed under the new car park. We could see where the new terrace for the cafe will be. We’ll be able to see all the way to Stow on the Wold from there will we drink our tea and Henry has his water.
Henry is looking forward to helping the children hunt for the giant bugs which they are going to hide in the arboretum in August.
Batsford Arboretum is growing!
Throughout 2010 an exciting expansion and development project is taking place at Batsford Arboretum.
It includes a construction of a superb new building which will contain under one roof:
*Visitor Centre
*Garden Centre
*Interpretation area
*Cafe/restaurant
*Gift shop
Visitors to Batsford will be able to enjoy all of these new facilities from Easter 2011.
The arboretum grounds are also being enlarged, so that hundreds of new trees & shrubs can be added to the collection.
The project is being delivered by The Batsford Foundation, a charitable trust caring for the future of the historic Batsford Arboretum ensuring long-term public access to its nationally regarded collection of trees and shrubs.
August
1st – 31st – The Batsford Bug Hunt. £250 in cash prizes! Children hunt for 250 giant bugs hidden around the arboretum.
Some of the planets oldest trees such as Ginkgo or Maiden Hair Tree, which has been on Earth for 250 million years.
Adopt a Tree
Help to conserve this rare and beautiful collection of trees and celebrate a special event or commemorate a loved one. Choose one of over 3,000 trees in the arboretum. This tree will be exclusive to you and your personal dedication will be entered into a book of commemoretion.
Contact us on 01386 701441 for more information or email us at arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk
New for 2010 for 'Friends of Batsford' Ticket holders
We have just arranged that if you are a ‘Friend of Batsford’ ticket holder, not only can you visit Westonbirt Arboretum free of charge, but your ticket will now give you free access to Bodenham Arboretum, near Kidderminster and Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent. Both exceptional gardens, not to be missed. For more information about our ‘Friends of Batsford’ Ticket see our ‘Friends’ page or call us on 01386 701441.
Calendar of Events
January
1st – Walk off the New Year excesses around the Arboretum. 10am – 4pm.
Witch Hazels, coral Bark Maples and Mahonias. Start of Aconite and Snowdrop displays.
Open daily except Wednesdays.
February
1st – Open every day.
13th-21st – Snowdrop week. Snowdrops carpet the arboretum & selected varieties for sale in our plant centre.
March
Snowdrop displays. Daffodil displays begin.
1st – Annual Batsford Plant Centre Lecture at Blockley village hall. Ticket only.
20th – 28th – Daffodil Week.
Many wild Spring Flowers, Primroses Scillas etc.
April
2nd – 5th – Easter and National Cherry Weekend. See the Magnificent National Collection of 102 species in full flower. Due to a bad winter the cherries will be a little late this year. We suggest the best time to see them will be around the weekend of 17th – 18th April.
Magnificent magnolias and the wild flowers abound such as Cowslips, Wood Anemones, Forget-me-nots and Violets.
May
Bluebells and wild garlic mingle under the trees.
17th – 24th -Davidia Week. This famous century old tree covered in snow white handkerchieves. As things are a little late this year we suggest you visit between 24th May and the middle of June to see it in full bloom.
June
Evergreen Manolias and Judas Tree, wild flowers including foxgloves, buttercups & bugle.
Lush green foliage and dappled sunlight. Peace and tranquility.
July
Indian Bean Tree, Snowdrop Tree & Summer-flowering Magnolias.
Meadow flowers such as Spotted Heath Orchid.
August
1st – 31st – Children’s Competition £250 in cash prizes!
Some of the planets oldest trees such as Ginkgo or Maiden Hair Tree, which has been on Earth for 250 million years.
September
Stimulate the senses, as autumn approaches. Sugary scented Katsura Tree.
October and November
From 9th October until 7th November – Walk the Batsford ‘Golden Mile’. A trail around the arboretum following the best of the Autumn colour. ‘The greatest show on Earth.
Leaves and fruits on Maples, Cherries, Liquidambar and Mountain Ash, to name but a few, must be seen.
Fungi Foray 13th November – Hunt for mushrooms & toadstools in the arboretum with our local micologist expert.
Chainsaw carving demonstrations with a chance to buy. (Dates to be arranged)
December
Open daily except Wednesdays. See ‘visitor Info’ for details of Christmas Holiday opening.
26th – Boxing Day at Batsford. 10am-3pm. Christmas walks with complimentary mulled wine.