South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | September | 23
From the archive, first published Friday 23rd Sep 2005.
THE National Arboretum at Westonbirt, already world famous for its spectacular autumn colour, will this year be better than ever thanks to the launch of the spectacular new Rotary Glade.
The trees within the glade, which will form part of the National Japanese Maple Collection at Westonbirt, have been carefully sourced from around the world, with the help of world Maple expert Peter Gregory. This recent expansion will help Westonbirt to create the best collection of maples in the world.
John Weir, director of the arboretum, said this week: "The autumn colour in the Old Arboretum has become so popular that we have now spread the collection throughout the arboretum.
"Silk Wood now houses the Rotary Glade and this will allow visitors to experience our famous autumn colour in a more relaxing environment."
The Rotary Glade follows a meandering route between Oak Avenue and Broad Drive, creating a stunning swathe of foliage, which changes colour dramatically as the seasons change, climaxing in a crescendo of hot fuchsias, oranges, yellows and reds in October and November.
Simon Toomer, curator at Westonbirt, said: "The new glade is internationally significant as the first step towards creating the world's best collection of maples.
"Over the next decade we will continue with our expansion program working with partners and gardens internationally to reach our goal."
The creation of the new collection is the result of a joint initiative between Westonbirt Arboretum and The Rotary Club of the South Cotswolds, whose territory includes Westonbirt.
A large proportion of the new collection; 100 trees, were donated by Rotary Clubs throughout Great Britain and Ireland to mark the centenary of the Rotary movement in 2005, intended as a lasting and colourful celebration of the first 100 years of Rotary.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008