VISITORS to Westonbirt Arboretum will be given breathtaking new views of the historic landscape with the construction of a magnificent treetop walkway.

The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum has received £150,000 from the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust to help turn the “monumental” plan into a reality.

Friends fundraising manager Lorraine Jones said the project would greatly enhance visitors’ enjoyment of the 600-acre wooded wonderland.

She said: “We are really pleased to have the support of The Gloucestershire Environmental Trust in what is a monumental project in the history of the arboretum. Their donation to the construction of the treetop walkway at Westonbirt has ensured that we can provide an all accessible view and experience of the wonderful landscape we have here, as well as engaging our wide-ranging audience with trees and how they live, through fun family interpretation.”

Anna Jones, trustee at The Gloucestershire Environmental Trust said: “This is a really exciting project that will enhance the arboretum and add to the visitor attraction of this Grade 1 registered landscape.

“It will enable all visitors, whatever their ability, to capture the experience and magic of moving through the tree canopy and heighten their understanding of trees in their natural context.

Construction of the walkway – part of a second phase of improvements and enhancements at Westonbirt – is now underway and will open some time next year.